How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Colorado

In Colorado, a traffic ticket is a citation or summons issued by patrol officers to traffic law violators. It states the charges, the violated statutes, the penalties, and the deadlines for compliance. According to Colorado Traffic laws, traffic violations are stratified into petty offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies. While milder violations lead to citations, major violations attract summons. Citations require offenders to pay the fine indicated on the ticket, while offenders who receive a court summons are usually required to make a court appearance.

Violators who receive a ticket may be required to sign the document to demonstrate compliance with the state’s traffic laws. Failure to sign and collect the document may result in apprehension and detention. Also, any attempt to resist the officer’s orders may result in additional penalties.

Along with the citation/summons forms, violators receive a penalty assessment notice. Recipients are expected to enter a plea on the form. A guilty plea typically offers the recipient the option of posting bail in minor offenses, while a not guilty plea means the receiver is expected to appear at the applicable county or municipal court.

Records of traffic violations and other public records may also be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites are a convenient alternative to government-owned resources since they aggregate records across multiple jurisdictions and provide multi-search options for inquirers searching for more than one record. To look up traffic records using these sites, inquirers may need to provide the following information:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that the person resides in or was accused in.

Since aggregate sites are operated independently of government sources, record availability, and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Is it Worth it To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Colorado?

Colorado residents may fight a ticket in court according to the provisions of state law. Offenders are usually advised to employ the services of a legal expert or a representing attorney, to better improve their chances of overturning a conviction. When the court dismisses the ticket, the collateral consequences of a driving conviction are essentially avoided.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Colorado

Ticketed motorists are usually advised to review Colorado’s court rules of procedure before appearing in court. The first step to fighting a traffic ticket is to sign the ticket and enter a not-guilty plea. Upon receiving the ticket, recipients may review the ticket and prepare their defense. If there are witnesses, they should be prepared to take the stand in support of the defendant. It may also be necessary to employ the services of a traffic attorney during this process. This is because the system abbreviates traffic case proceedings. For example, there are no pre-trial proceedings or the option of a jury trial.

Subsequently, the alleged offender is expected to appear in court on the date and time scheduled on the ticket. Mail statements are not allowed in Colorado. At the hearing, the defendant may then present their side of the case. The judge or hearing officer will then review it and issue a verdict. If the defendant is found guilty, they may opt to appeal to a higher court for review.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

Colorado state law allows attorneys to represent a defendant in court. However, there are exceptions for more serious traffic offenses where the defendant is in custody and has to post bail to regain freedom. The state’s court system does not allow defendants to send in a written defense for the trial.

How do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Colorado

Selected traffic tickets can be reduced in Colorado, provided they satisfy the state’s eligibility requirements. The points assessment sheet provides the ticketed party a plea option and provides the chance to have their points reduced on the condition of prompt payment. However, this is applicable to certain types of tickets. Summons may be considered more severe, and, consequently, have more severe penalties. Unlike some other states, Colorado does not provide formal programs for reducing traffic tickets; it is the city or county court’s prerogative to do so; i.e., upon completing local driving courses.

Can you Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Colorado?

In Colorado, tickets can be dismissed if the alleged offender proves beyond reasonable doubt that the ticket was unmerited. Significant irregularities on the ticket, such as identity or location errors, can strengthen the argument of the defendant. Additionally, if the prosecutor is absent at the hearing or drops the case, the court may dismiss the case.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Colorado

When an offender pleads guilty to a traffic ticket in Colorado, they inadvertently admit wrongdoing. After the plea, the court records a judgment for the guilty and sends the citation to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The agency records points on the driving record. When the car insurance agency sees the points assessed in the records, they raise their premium payment rates for the bearer of the ticket. Also, when assessed points accumulate, stiffer penalties get allocated to the individual. Ultimately, the driver may lose their driving privileges in the state. Losing this privilege can impede getting a license to drive in other states.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Colorado

When fighting a traffic ticket in Colorado, the services of a legal representative may be necessary. They can provide legal advice about the case and offer legal representation during the case. Many Colorado traffic attorneys have online visibility, and their contact details may be found following an internet search. Also, several online attorney directories are available to search.