COVID 19 had all of us shaken and we are adjusting to new and different circumstances.  We saw traffic dimmish.  Hardly any traffic on the road at all.  Things are picking up again and police officers are writing traffic tickets now that there are more and more people back on the road.  Surprisingly, traffic offenses increased as people drove fast and aggressively.

If you are in a situation where you could lose your license or are concerned about too many points and increased insurance rates because of a speeding ticket or other traffic violation, it is best to hire an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense traffic lawyer to represent you in court.

Some other circumstances that you might consider hiring a traffic violation attorney is if you were involved in an accident and left the scene of the accident, driving without a license due to revocation, suspension, restraint or one of the following:

• Speeding
• Driving without a license
• No proof of insurance
• Reckless or careless driving
• Vehicular assault or homicide
• Habitual traffic offender
• Minor in possession (MIP)
• DUI
• DWAI

A review of your current driving history and driving record is necessary in developing a good defense.  

Some more serious violations come with jail time, interlock, loss of driving privileges, or community services hours and classes.   Hiring a attorney to negotiate these with the prosecutor will allow for the best outcome.  

Traffic violations point accumulation

Colorado assesses points for every violation.  Point accumulation can result in a suspension of your driver’s license.  Here are the point totals for age group:

      Adult drivers, (21 and older)

•   12 points in any 12 consecutive months
•   18 points in any 24 consecutive months

Minor drivers, (18 to 20 years of age)

• 9 points in any 12 consecutive months
• 12 points in any 24 consecutive months
• 14 or more points between the ages of 18-21

Under age 18

• 6 points in 12 consecutive months
• 7 points prior to turning 18 years of age

 How a criminal defense attorney help you

The time to hire a criminal defense traffic ticket attorney is when you realize this ticket puts you over the limit of points or close to causing your license to be revoked.  A traffic lawyer will be able to tell you how many points he can get typically reduced and what your fines will be depending on the jurisdiction.  Sometimes you can handle this yourself and other times it is best to hire an attorney that is familiar with the court and prosecutor to negotiate a more beneficial outcome.

Out of State, I can help

If you are out of state and find yourself with a speeding ticket, hiring an speeding ticket attorney, is necessary if you cannot travel back to Colorado for an appearance in court. If you are not a resident of Colorado and you are facing court in the Denver metro area it is possible for your defense attorney to appear in your absence.  

Virtual Court in most jurisdictions

COVID 19 has changed our court systems too.  Most court appearances are virtual until further notice.  Jury trials are now set to start in March 2021.  Virtual court appearances are done remotely and are very efficient.  The progression of the court appearances is the same as in court in person.  

You will have to pay court costs, fines and fees.   Sentenced to community service and possibly jail time.  

Some jurisdictions allow the defense attorney to appear without you present.

Obtaining a red license is possible if you meet the requirements.  You must have lost your license because of excessive points or have a child custody case in order to request a DMV hearing.  

Traffic convictions cannot be sealed.  At this time all driving records remain permanent and visible to the public.  

If you need a traffic lawyer contact Philip M. Smith for a free consultation at 303-333-8900.