Guide To Your Colorado Driving Tickets
Getting traffic tickets in Colorado can result from committing offenses while operating a motor vehicle on public roads. Too many citations will affect the driver’s license or driving record. Therefore, drivers must either fight citations or pay the applicable fines.
When fighting traffic tickets in Colorado, drivers must prove they are not guilty of the charge. Paying fines means that drivers have pleaded guilty to committing the offense.
What To Do?
Fighting A Colorado Ticket
When drivers decide to fight traffic tickets in Colorado, they consider themselves innocent and want to plead not guilty in front of a court. When entering a not guilty defense, drivers can only make a plea bargain for a reduced charge before the court hearing. This will not be possible if you appear in court without a prior agreement.
Drivers can dispute traffic citations by proving they are not guilty, and the judge will dismiss their charges. However, they will still be required to pay court and legal fees. Failure to prove innocent will also result in paying those fines, court, and legal fees. In addition, if your offense is severe, such as a DUI, you may get a suspended driver’s license or receive several demerit points added to your CO driving record.
Paying a Colorado Ticket
Deciding to pay traffic tickets in Colorado means that drivers admit being guilty of the accusation. Motorists who want to contest their citations must appear in person at the court on the date written on their ticket. Paying online or by phone is not available.
However, if you choose to pay by mail, you need to send a check or a money order to the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), while paying in person will enable you to bring cash. If your traffic ticket is designated as a Summons or a Municipal citation, you will not be able to pay through the DOR. Instead, you will have to pay them at the appropriate court.
Fines And Penalties
When dealing with traffic tickets in Colorado, drivers may fight them and fail to dismiss them. Motorists will face specific penalties in those situations, including paying the applicable fines and additional fees.
The penalties may vary based on court, county, or case. Minor traffic violations may require payment of fines with a minimum of $25, while significant offenses may amount to up to $400. In addition to these fines, drivers may be required to pay specific court fees.
Insurance
Receiving traffic tickets in Colorado can bring not only demerit points to drivers but also an increase in their car insurance premiums. Motorists may dismiss traffic citations to avoid higher auto insurance rates.
In addition, drivers can enroll in a Colorado traffic school to lower insurance premiums. A certificate of completion will help motorists receive a car insurance premium reduction.
Drivers License
Getting traffic citations in Colorado may affect your driver’s license in various ways. Drivers who commit driving offenses may get their driver’s licenses suspended, revoked, or canceled, depending on the severity of their offenses. Accumulating demerit points on driving records may also suspend a driver’s credential.
Colorado traffic tickets must be dismissed or fought in a specific timeframe so motorists can avoid driver’s license suspensions. Assistance from a Colorado traffic lawyer can help you to avoid severe penalties such as jail time.
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