Colorado Springs Reckless Driving Attorney

Can I Be Arrested for Reckless Driving in Colorado Springs?

No one is a perfect driver. Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle will eventually commit some traffic violation, from driving without a seatbelt to improperly changing lanes. In fact, at any given time, between 10-20% of drivers on the road will have at least one speeding ticket on their record. Most of the time, minor traffic slip-ups go by unnoticed and without consequence, and we go about living our daily lives. However, in recent years, the State of Colorado has become especially aggressive when it comes to traffic law enforcement. In 2025, Colorado Springs police issued over 170 tickets over the course of a single day as part of a self-described “crackdown” on dangerous driving. Part of this crackdown involves focusing on reckless drivers.

Many people use the terms “negligent driving” and “reckless driving” interchangeably. They believe that “reckless driving” is simply careless behavior behind the wheel, and nothing to be concerned about. Some people may think that reckless driving will result in nothing more serious than a simple ticket and maybe an unpleasant court appearance.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Reckless driving refers to specific, dangerous actions taken behind the wheel and can result in serious criminal repercussions. Someone arrested for reckless driving faces jail time, fines, the loss of a driver’s license, and potentially even more serious consequences. This is why if you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving, it’s imperative you contact the Lux Law Firm. Our expert legal team can review your case and help ensure that a trip to the grocery store or commute to work doesn’t end with you behind bars.

What Is Reckless Driving in Colorado?

Reckless driving is a specific crime defined under municipal code 10.6.101 and state law (C.R.S. 42-4-1401). It is defined as operating a vehicle in such a way that demonstrates willful or wanton disregard for public safety. Examples of reckless driving include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Excessive Speed
• Drag Racing
• Tailgating
• Weaving Through Traffic at High Speeds
• Illegal Passing, Such as on a Two-Lane Road

These are only a few potential examples of reckless driving. A key factor in determining whether someone drove recklessly is intent. Intent is one factor that distinguishes reckless driving from careless driving. Although careless driving also carries serious consequences, it is a much less severe offense than reckless driving.

What are Intent and Careless Driving?

Reckless driving is distinct from negligent driving. Negligent driving is also called “careless driving” under Colorado law. Negligent driving occurs when someone operating a motor vehicle fails to take adequate safety precautions. For example, changing the radio without looking at the road, resulting in a fender bender, would probably be considered negligent driving rather than reckless driving.

The difference comes down to intent: reckless drivers intend to drive carelessly, and negligent drivers experience lapses of good judgment behind the wheel. Although both careless and reckless driving are considered misdemeanors, the chances of jail time for careless driving are much lower than for reckless driving, and the potential penalties are less severe. If an attorney can demonstrate that you were driving carelessly as opposed to recklessly, it can result in a serious reduction of potential penalties and other criminal consequences.

What are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Colorado Springs?

Reckless driving is considered a serious offense in Colorado Springs. This is because the city believes it is dangerous to allow individuals who willfully risk other drivers’ lives or safety to remain on the road. Even for a first-time offense, a conviction for reckless driving carries a minimum of ten days in jail, with a maximum of three months in jail, up to a $300 fine, and eight points on your driver’s license.

Some people believe that ten days in jail is “nothing” and believe that the loss of “a little free time” is nothing more than a “slap on the wrist.” However, reckless driving convictions have lasting consequences. A reckless driving conviction may impact your insurance premium, sometimes for years. Depending on the circumstances of your case and whether you have any prior convictions, you may lose your driver’s license. Reckless driving leading to severe death or injury can result in you losing your license for five years.

Most people cannot afford to simply take time out of their work, family, and social obligations to go to jail for three months. Many workplaces will terminate an employee who has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to jail time. If you are sharing child custody, a criminal conviction could have a serious impact on your custody agreement. These are only a few of the potential consequences of a reckless driving conviction. That’s why if you or a loved one has been arrested for reckless driving, contact one of our experienced and dedicated attorneys.

What are Defenses to Reckless Driving Charges in Colorado Springs?

The most effective defense for reckless driving charges varies according to the particularities of the case. Because of the element of intent, many effective defenses involve proving that you did not mean to drive recklessly or that your driving was necessary. For example, if you were en route to a medical emergency or other life-and-death situation, an attorney may successfully argue that it was not your intention to risk others’ safety but rather to protect your own or someone else’s. Similarly, an attorney may be able to successfully argue that reckless driving was, in fact, defensive driving against other, more aggressive drivers.

Another effective defense is challenging the evidence and the officer’s testimony. Depending on the circumstances and what you said to the officer during the stop, one of our attorneys may be able to have evidence suppressed or testimony thrown out of court. This is why you must exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to an arresting officer, even one wrong word or awkward turn of phrase, can result in more serious charges at trial.

Depending on the amount of evidence and eyewitnesses, an effective strategy is arguing careless driving. In many cases involving reckless driving, there is some kind of tangible evidence, such as a fender-bender that occurred as a result. By arguing careless driving, an attorney can secure seriously reduced charges and a relatively minor punishment.

These are only a few potential strategies for defending against reckless driving charges. One of our experienced defense attorneys can review your case and help determine the most effective strategy for securing a dismissal or acquittal.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Charged with Reckless Driving in Colorado Springs?

Many people confuse reckless driving with careless driving. Because of this confusion, many drivers believe a reckless driving charge will lead to nothing more than a “slap on the wrist”. As a result of this false belief, drivers may not take the necessary steps to defend themselves against these charges. This failure often leads to unexpected jail time and fines. No one can afford to lose three months of their life. That’s why if you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with reckless driving in Colorado Springs, you must contact one of the dedicated and experienced attorneys at The Lux Law Firm, PLLC.

We’ll review the details of your case, determine the best path forward, and help you start the process of putting a challenging time in your life behind you. If you or a loved one is facing reckless driving charges, don’t hesitate- contact 719-451-7469 to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.