Colorado Reckless Driving Lawyer

Maybe you were speeding because you were rushing home to beat an imminent snowstorm or suddenly had to swerve to avoid an unexpected hazard on the road. But an officer pulled you over, and you are now facing a reckless driving charge with the potential for hefty fines, jail time, and a serious hit to your driving record. You are not alone, and the situation may not be as hopeless as it feels. A skilled Colorado reckless driving lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you fight for a more manageable outcome.

What Qualifies As Reckless Driving in Colorado?

State law defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This language gives courts and officers significant discretion in determining what actions constitute reckless behavior under the statute.

Reckless driving is not just about high speed. It can include:

• Weaving in and out of lanes without signaling,
• Running red lights or stop signs aggressively,
• Following another vehicle too closely in unsafe conditions, or
• Excessive speeding in areas with heavy traffic or poor visibility.

What starts as a traffic stop can quickly escalate into a criminal charge. And the consequences extend beyond a citation. This is a misdemeanor offense with lasting repercussions.

Penalties for Reckless Driving

The penalties for reckless driving are severe, even for a first-time offense. Here is what you could be facing:

• Misdemeanor charge on your criminal record;
• Up to 90 days in jail and a possible fine of up to $300 for a first offense;
• Eight points added to your Colorado driver’s license;
• Mandatory court appearance, unlike basic traffic infractions; and
• Increased insurance premiums or possible policy cancellation.

Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties, including up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. In some instances involving injury or significant property damage, reckless driving can be used as a basis for felony vehicular assault or even vehicular homicide charges.

These consequences make it critical to work with a Colorado reckless driving attorney who knows how to challenge the charge effectively and protect your future.

What Does “Misdemeanor” Really Mean for You?

Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado. While it may sound minor compared to a felony, a misdemeanor is still a criminal offense, not a simple traffic infraction. The accompanying permanent criminal record could affect your future job, housing, and security clearance opportunities. 

What If I Have a Commercial Driver’s License or Am Under 21?

For drivers under 21, a misdemeanor conviction could result in the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license, impacting their ability to get to school or work. Commercial drivers (CDL holders) with a misdemeanor may face stricter penalties and potential disqualification from driving professionally. 

How Long Does a Reckless Driving Conviction Stay on My Record?

In Colorado, reckless driving convictions are not eligible for expungement or record sealing. If your case gets dismissed, your record can be sealed. Therefore, if you are convicted, the charges will remain permanently on your criminal and DMV record. The points you accumulate will typically be removed from your driving record after two years.

Will My License Be Suspended for Reckless Driving?

A single reckless driving conviction adds eight points to your license. You may face a suspension if you exceed the DMV’s threshold, typically 12 points in 12 months.

Reckless vs. Careless Driving: Know the Difference

While both charges are traffic-related misdemeanors in Colorado, they carry different legal weight.

• Careless driving. This charge involves a lapse in attention or failure to drive with due caution. It does not require any intent or awareness of danger.
• Reckless driving. This charge implies that you made a conscious choice to disregard the safety of others.

This distinction matters. Prosecutors may initially charge you with reckless driving, but a strong defense could convince them to reduce it to careless driving, which is a lesser offense with fewer points, lower fines, and no jail time in most cases. That is where having experienced Colorado reckless driving lawyers makes a difference.

Why You Need a Colorado Reckless Driving Attorney 

You do not have to immediately plead guilty and accept the worst. An experienced attorney can review your case and try to identify possible avenues they can use to convince the prosecutor to reduce the charges and, therefore, the damage to your life.. Here are just a few ways a lawyer can support your case:

• Evaluate the officer’s judgment—challenge whether your actions truly amounted to a deliberate disregard for the safety of others;
• Expose procedural errors—from traffic stop violations to improper citations, legal missteps may justify dismissal;
• Negotiate reduced charges—push for a downgrade to careless driving or a non-moving violation;
• Advocate for alternative sentencing—such as defensive driving courses or probation instead of jail time; and
• Represent you in court—protect your rights with clarity, logic, and confidence.

Fighting a reckless driving charge is not just about protecting your license—it is about preserving your long-term freedom and financial stability.

Why Work with The Law Offices of Susan Deschler?

Attorney Susan Deschler has over two decades of legal experience and a genuine commitment to helping clients through difficult times. As a former Deputy District Attorney and Court Commissioner, she knows Colorado’s traffic courts from both sides of the aisle and uses that knowledge to your advantage. Clients choose Susan because:

• She handles your case herself and will never pass the case off to junior staff;
• She has handled hundreds of criminal traffic cases across Colorado, including reckless and careless driving charges;
• She builds strategic, human-centered defenses, not just legal technicalities; and
• Her courtroom presence is confident, persuasive, and respected by judges and prosecutors alike.

When you work with The Law Offices of Susan Deschler, you are not just another case—you are a person with a future worth protecting.

Safeguard Your Driving Record with Us

Do not wait for court day to figure it all out. Attorney Susan Deschler will listen to your story, examine your case closely, and fight for a resolution that protects what matters most—your license, freedom, and peace of mind. Contact us today to begin constructing your defense.

Resources:

• Colorado State Public Defender, Sealing Your Record, link.
• Point Suspensions. Colorado Department of Revenue, link.
• Fines and Points. Colorado DMV, link.