How Do I Get Out of a Speeding Ticket in Colorado?

Question from AT, How Do I Get Out of a Speeding Ticket in Colorado?

Answer from AI:

If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Colorado for driving 12 miles over the speed limit, you might be wondering about your options to contest or mitigate the ticket. Here’s a general guide to help you understand the process and potential outcomes.

Understanding the Speeding Ticket

In Colorado, speeding violations are categorized based on how much over the speed limit you were driving. For driving 12 miles over the speed limit, you are typically looking at a minor speeding violation. Here are some key points:

• Speeding 1-4 mph over the limit: 0 points
• Speeding 5-9 mph over the limit: 1 point
• Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit: 4 points
• Speeding 20-39 mph over the limit: 6 points
• Speeding 40+ mph over the limit: 12 points

Since you were driving 12 miles over the speed limit, you would typically receive 4 points on your license.

Options to Contest the Ticket

You have several options to contest or mitigate a speeding ticket in Colorado:

1. Pay the Fine: This is the simplest option but results in points on your license and potential increases in insurance premiums.
2. Request a Court Hearing: You can contest the ticket in court. This involves:
   • Gathering evidence (e.g., photos, witness statements).
   • Preparing your defense (e.g., questioning the accuracy of the speed trap).
   • Presenting your case to a judge.
3. Negotiate a Plea Deal: Sometimes, you can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation, which carries no points.
4. Attend a Defensive Driving Course: In some cases, attending a defensive driving course can reduce points on your license.

Steps to Take

If you decide to contest the ticket, follow these steps:

1. Review the Ticket: Check for any errors or inconsistencies.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as photos of the speed limit signs or witness statements.
3. Request a Hearing: Follow the instructions on the ticket to request a court hearing.
4. Prepare Your Defense: Be ready to argue your case, possibly questioning the accuracy of the speed trap or the officer’s observations.
5. Attend the Hearing: Present your case clearly and respectfully to the judge.

When to Seek Legal Advice

While you can handle a speeding ticket on your own, it might be beneficial to consult with a legal professional, especially if:

• You have multiple violations.
• You are at risk of losing your license due to accumulated points.
• You believe there was a significant error in the ticketing process.

A lawyer can provide personalized advice and represent you in court, potentially increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Additional Resources

For more information, you can refer to the following resources:

• Colorado DMV – Traffic Tickets
• Colorado Judicial Branch – Traffic Violations

Remember, this information is a general guide and not legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult with a legal professional.