Can I Get a DUI in Colorado If: 10 Questions With Answers People Don’t See Coming

Here’s something most people don’t realize until they’re sitting in the back of a patrol car: Colorado’s DUI law is broader than “driving” and broader than “drunk.” You can be charged without leaving your driveway, without putting the car in gear, and without a sip of alcohol in your system.

I’ve defended hundreds of DUI cases in Colorado Springs, and the question I hear more than any other isn’t “How much trouble am I in?” It’s some version of, “Can they really charge me with this?”

Usually, the answer is yes — they can charge you. Whether they can convict you is a different question, and it almost always comes down to facts the officer didn’t write down, body camera footage the prosecutor doesn’t want to play, or assumptions the report treats as obvious.

A quick map before the questions. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301, DUI means alcohol or drugs affected you to the point that you were substantially incapable of safely operating a vehicle. DWAI is the lower-bar cousin, alcohol or drugs affected you “to the slightest degree” so that you’re less able than usual to drive safely.

DUI per se is the straightforward numbers version: 0.08 BAC or more at the time of driving or within two hours after the time of drive.

And in People v. Swain, 959 P.2d 426 (Colo. 1998), the Colorado Supreme Court held that “drove” in the DUI statute means actual physical control of a vehicle — not necessarily movement.

That last point does a lot of work in the questions below.

1. Can I get a DUI in Colorado if I’m Sleeping in My Car?

Short answer: Yes, but the facts have to be there, and sometimes they aren’t.

The state doesn’t have to prove the car was moving. Under Swain, “drove” means actual physical control, (we sometimes call this A.P.C. for short) determined by the totality of the circumstances. Courts look at things like:

• Where the vehicle was parked
• Whether you were in the driver’s seat
• Whether the keys were in the ignition
• Whether the engine was running
• Whether the lights were on
• Whether the vehicle was capable of moving
• Whether there’s evidence you drove before police arrived

So yes, you can absolutely be charged for sleeping it off. But the smartest thing a person can do, sleeping instead of driving, doesn’t automatically become a crime just because an officer found you in a vehicle. A good defense pulls every one of those factors apart.

Important note: sleeping in your car is still safer than driving drunk. If you’re going to do it, the back seat with the keys somewhere outside the ignition is a much harder case for the state than the driver’s seat, keys in, engine warm. The best decision is to get an Uber or a designated driver.

But if you are resting in your car, remember that the prosecution will use the Swain factors to try to show you were in actual physical control.

I have handled numerous cases that revolved around whether a driver was in control of their vehicle. These are very defensible cases when the facts are on our side.

Fact pattern: My client was asleep in his car in his girlfriend’s driveway. Engine running, car is in park, and he is in the driver’s seat. As he fell asleep, his head rested on the horn, and the neighbor’s called the cops from the horn blaring for five minutes. “Driving” Verdict? Was he in A.P.C.?

What should he have done differently to make his case stronger?

2. Can I get a DUI in Colorado if My Car is Parked?

Short answer: Yes, but a parked-car case can be a defense lawyer’s favorite kind of case.

Again, the statute doesn’t require movement. It requires “driving,” which Colorado courts treat as actual physical control.

A parked-car case is weaker for the prosecution when:

• The engine was off
• The keys weren’t in the ignition
• The person was not in the driver’s seat
• The vehicle was legally parked
• There’s no proof of recent driving
• The person was using the vehicle as shelter rather than transportation

A parked-car case is stronger for the prosecution when the person was behind the wheel, the engine was running, the lights were on, or there’s evidence of recent driving, skid marks, a still-warm exhaust, a witness who saw the vehicle pull in.

In other words, the same fact pattern can produce a very different case depending on details the police report often glosses over.

I can tell you from experience, it matters a lot where the car is parked. Is it in the driveway? A valid parking spot? Or on the side of the highway? Aliens didn’t drop the car off there; someone had to drive it there. This can often be a big sticking point for jurors.

Fact pattern: A few years ago, I had a case where a young soldier left a club on Tejon, ordered an Uber, and got in his car in the parking lot. He turned the power on in his car to listen to the radio and turn on the heater, but he didn’t start the engine.

He was in the driver’s seat while he waited. Police quickly knocked on his window and charged him with a DUI. What’s the verdict? Was he in actual physical control?

3. Can I get a DUI in Colorado if the Officer Didn’t See Me Driving?

Short answer: Yes, but the state still has to prove driving or actual physical control.

An officer doesn’t have to personally watch the car move. The prosecution can build the case on circumstantial evidence:

• Crash evidence
• Witness statements
• Body camera footage
• Where the person was found
• Keys, ignition, lights, and engine status
• Statements or admissions by the driver
• Vehicle damage
• Location of the vehicle
• Timing of when alcohol or drugs were consumed

That last one, timing, is where a lot of cases fall apart. If you drank after you stopped driving, the state has a serious proof problem. This is often referred to as the “drank after driving defense”.

People v. Valdez, 2014 COA 125, is the case to know here. Police found Valdez passed out in the driver’s seat with his feet near the pedals, keys in the ignition, and the lights on.

He even tried to start the vehicle when officers woke him up. The Court of Appeals upheld the conviction and also clarified that the prosecution doesn’t have to prove operability beyond a reasonable doubt. Useful case to read whenever the officer didn’t actually witness driving.

Fact pattern: My client failed to navigate a turn and drove his car into the ditch. He was about half a mile from home, so he walked back.

He went to his workshop and started drinking because he was upset about the crash, and didn’t want to tell his wife before he got a little liquid courage. A neighbor called the police who contacted him in the workshop and noticed he smelled heavily of alcohol and had admitted to driving.

Verdict?
This case actually went to trial and he was found not guilty. I spoke with the Jury afterwards, and they agreed there wasn’t enough evidence to prove he was drinking before he drove the vehicle.

4. Can I get a DUI in Colorado if I’m Under the Legal Limit?

Short answer: Yes. “Under the limit” is one of the most common misconceptions in Colorado DUI law.

First, we have to ask “what limit”? Colorado doesn’t have one DUI offense. It has DUI, DUI per se, and DWAI. DUI per se is the 0.08 floor. DWAI applies at lower levels if alcohol or drugs affected you to the “slightest degree.”

The BAC numbers create the following statutory presumptions and inferences:

• 0.05 or less – presumption you were not under the influence and not impaired by alcohol.
• Above 0.05 but less than 0.08 – permissible inference of impairment.
• 0.08 or more – permissible inference of being under the influence.

That middle band — 0.05 to 0.079 — is where DWAI cases live. And in practice, prosecutors will charge a DWAI based on a 0.06 BAC plus the standard officer narrative: red and watery eyes, odor of alcohol, slurred speech, swaying on the heel-to-toe. None of which is hard to write into a report.

A blood or breath number alone doesn’t decide the case. The defense has plenty to work with below 0.08. There is no legal limit for most drugs.

So, drugs like cocaine, meth, shrooms, or even prescription meds are where the amount of the substance in a person’s system can be a major issue at trial. Keep in mind, if you only have alcohol on board, you get the presumption that you are not impaired below a .05.

I have handled quite a few cases where the blood work comes back under a .05. Remember, blood can take months to come back from the lab. Breath results are immediate. (In breath cases, if it’s under a .05, a smart cop won’t charge a DUI) When a DA sees the blood came back below a .05, they will commonly dismiss the DUI charges.

However, if there are other charges like speeding or careless driving, they will often pursue the remaining counts.

5. Can I Get a DUI in Colorado If I Only Used Marijuana?

Short answer: Yes, and the 5-nanogram rule is not what people think it is.

C.R.S. § 42-4-1301 applies to alcohol, “one or more drugs,” or any combination. Marijuana counts.

Colorado law gives juries a permissible inference: if your blood contains 5 nanograms or more of delta-9 THC per milliliter (whole blood), the jury may infer you were under the influence of one or more drugs.

That word, “permissible”, matters. It is not a per se limit like the 0.08 alcohol number. The jury is allowed to draw that inference, but they’re not required to. The prosecution still has to prove actual impairment at the time of driving.

This is where marijuana DUI defense gets interesting, especially for chronic users and medical patients. THC can sit in your system for days after the impairment is gone. A 7 ng/mL blood result on a Wednesday might mean you smoked on Sunday. The number is one data point, not a verdict.

Blood tests can distinguish between active and inactive THC in a driver’s system. A person may have a ton of inactive THC-COOH (non-active carboxy byproduct), and no active THC Delta-9 in their system.

The COOH tells us they smoked marijuana, but it doesn’t tell us whether they were impaired or high at the time. They may have smoked 2 weeks ago and still have the carboxy form in their system.

6. Can I Get a DUI in Colorado If Marijuana Is Legal?

Short answer: Yes. Legal to use, illegal to drive impaired.

Colorado’s DUI statute covers alcohol, drugs, or both. And the statute is explicit: being lawfully entitled to use a drug, including medical marijuana under the Colorado Constitution, is not a defense to DUI or DWAI.

Legalization changed where you could buy it. It didn’t change what you could do behind the wheel after using it.

7. Can I Get a DUI in Colorado If I Have a Medical Marijuana Card?

Short answer: Yes. A red card doesn’t shield you from a DUI charge.

C.R.S. § 42-4-1301 explicitly says that being entitled to use a drug under Colorado law, including medical marijuana, does not constitute a defense to DUI or DWAI.

But “no defense” doesn’t mean “automatic conviction.” A medical marijuana DUI case still raises every defense issue a regular marijuana DUI raises, plus a few more:

• Was the driver actually impaired, or just over the inference threshold?
• Did the officer have probable cause?
• Was the blood draw lawful?
• Was the blood sample collected and stored correctly?
• Can the state prove impairment at the time of driving, not hours later at the jail?

The card doesn’t help. Tolerance science, chain-of-custody questions, and the difference between presence and impairment do. Legal to smoke does not mean legal to drive while high.

8. Can I Get a DUI in Colorado If I Took Prescription Medication?

Short answer: Yes, and these cases come up more than people expect.

“One or more drugs” under the statute includes prescription medication. And the same rule applies: lawful entitlement to use a drug is not a defense.

Prescription DUI cases regularly involve:

• Opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, tramadol)
• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium)
• Sleep medication (Ambien, Lunesta)
• Muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol)
• ADHD medication (Adderall, Ritalin)
• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication
• Any of the above mixed with even a small amount of alcohol

The question isn’t whether the prescription is valid. It’s whether the medication affected your ability to drive safely. A valid prescription explains why the drug is in your blood.

It doesn’t end the case. I have handled many Rx DUI cases. Some prescription drugs can affect people in ways that make it incredibly dangerous to operate a motor vehicle. The Rx drug I see the most? Ambien or other sleeping pills.

9. Can I Get a DUI in Colorado if I Blow 0.00?

Short answer: Yes, but a 0.00 can be one of the best pieces of defense evidence you can have.

A breath test measures alcohol. A 0.00 result rules out alcohol impairment, it doesn’t rule out drug impairment.

What typically happens next is the officer pivots: a drug recognition evaluator gets called in, a blood draw gets requested, the report shifts from “smell of alcohol” to “indicia of marijuana use” or “indicia of stimulant use.”

That pivot is also the opening for the defense. Every observation the officer made, the bloodshot eyes, the swaying, the slowed responses, was originally attributed to alcohol.

A 0.00 breath result tells you those observations were wrong about alcohol. That should make a jury wonder what else the observations are wrong about.

A 0.00 doesn’t end the case. It does change it dramatically.

10. Can I get a DUI in Colorado in My Own Driveway or On Private Property?

Short answer: Yes. Colorado’s DUI statute doesn’t stop at the curb.

C.R.S. § 42-4-103(2)(b) is the provision that does the work here. It says that the DUI-related sections (42-4-1301 through 42-4-1303) apply “upon streets and highways and elsewhere throughout the state.”

That “elsewhere” language matters. A driveway, a parking lot, a private road, an apartment complex, a ranch road, all of them are fair game for a DUI charge if the state can prove the rest of the elements.

That said, private property still matters to the defense. It can shape:

• Whether the officer had lawful contact in the first place
• Whether there was actual driving versus just sitting
• Whether the person posed a public safety risk
• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion or probable cause
• Whether the facts support negotiating the charge down or out

I’ve had cases where the location alone didn’t beat the charge, but combined with no-witness driving, an off engine, and the keys not in the ignition, it became the case for dismissal.

Even if the DA isn’t willing to outright dismiss the case, in many situations, the DA is willing to plead the case way down. Maybe they will offer a deferred sentence or a traffic infraction to resolve the matter, because they see the weaknesses in their case.

The Rules Behind the Questions

A few principles tie all ten of these together.

• Movement is not required. Under People v. Swain, “drove” means actual physical control, decided on the totality of the circumstances.
• Inoperable doesn’t necessarily mean innocent. In People v. VanMatre, 190 P.3d 770 (Colo. App. 2008), cited in Valdez, the court held that a defendant could be convicted of DUI while turning the key in a car that had no gas and a dead battery. When there’s evidence raising operability concerns, the jury must be properly instructed on whether the vehicle was operable, reasonably capable of being rendered operable, in motion, or at risk of being put in motion.
• DUI covers alcohol, drugs, or both. C.R.S. § 42-4-1301 applies to alcohol, “one or more drugs,” or any combination. That includes marijuana, prescription medication, and combinations of the two.
• A lawful prescription is not a defense. Colorado law explicitly says lawful entitlement to use a drug, including medical marijuana, is not a defense to DUI or DWAI.
• Private property is not a sanctuary. C.R.S. § 42-4-103 extends the DUI statute “elsewhere throughout the state,” not just to public roads.

When These Cases Can Be Defended

The headline of this article could just as easily be: “Yes, you can be charged, and no, that doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted.”

These cases turn on facts, not formulas. A defense lawyer should be looking at:

• Whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to contact you
• Whether the officer had probable cause to arrest
• Whether you actually drove or were in actual physical control
• Whether the vehicle was operable or reasonably could be made operable
• Whether you drank or used after driving (huge for sleeping-in-car cases)
• Whether the chemical test was accurate
• Whether the state can prove impairment at the time of driving
• Whether the roadside tests were properly administered
• Whether the body camera footage matches the report (it often doesn’t)
• Whether witness statements line up with the prosecution’s theory

A parked-car DUI, a sleeping-in-the-car DUI, a marijuana DUI, a prescription-drug DUI, a 0.00-breath DUI, a private-property DUI, none of those should be treated as a foregone conclusion.

If You’re Facing a DUI in Colorado

If you’ve been charged with DUI, DWAI, or any variation of the above, you need a defense built around Colorado law and the actual facts of your case, not a plea deal handed across the table on day one.

The McDowell Law Firm defends DUI cases in Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Ft. Carson, Teller County, and surrounding Colorado courts.

Call 719-227-0022 for a free consultation.

The post Can I Get a DUI in Colorado If: 10 Questions With Answers People Don’t See Coming first appeared on McDowell Law Firm.

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Colorado DUI License Revocations: How BAC Affects Your License, Interlock, and Reinstatement

A Colorado DUI case can create two separate problems at the same time.

The first is the criminal case in court. The second is the administrative license case through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. The DMV case can move fast, and it can affect your driving privileges even before the criminal case is resolved.

The DMV process is separate from the court case. A dismissal, plea bargain, or reduction in the criminal case does not automatically fix the DMV case. Colorado law treats the DMV revocation as its own process. You could “win” one side of your DUI case, and still face the consequences of the other.

I’ve actually seen it happen many times. The DMV hearing and the criminal case are in different venues and carry different burdens of proof. I have personally used different approaches/defenses in defending the case in court, than I did at the DMV.

For many drivers, the most important factors are:

• Whether the chemical test was .08 or higher
• Whether the BAC was above or below .15
• Whether the driver refused testing
• Whether the driver has prior alcohol-related driving history
• Whether the driver requests a DMV hearing on time

Below is how the major Colorado DUI license tracks work.

First-Offense BAC .08 to .149

If you are 21 or older and your first chemical test result is .08 or higher, but below .15, the DMV may impose a nine-month revocation for a first excess BAC violation. Colorado’s excess BAC statute provides a nine-month revocation for a first violation committed on or after January 1, 2009.

For violations on or after January 1, 2023, the old “one month of no driving” rule no longer applies to a standard first Per Se or DUI revocation. The Colorado DMV states that a first Per Se or DUI driver may be eligible to reinstate early on the first day the revocation action goes active, if the driver qualifies and installs an ignition interlock. No waiting period. However, in reality, it doesn’t always shake out like that. You’ll need the interlock, SR-22 and other conditions met before you’ll be reinstated

For a first offense with a BAC below .15, the interlock requirement is generally nine months, and the revocation period and interlock requirement run at the same time.

Early Removal From Interlock

A driver with a BAC below .15 may have one important advantage. If the driver reinstates early, drives only interlock-equipped vehicles, and has four consecutive months with no failed interlock tests or other violations, the driver may be eligible for an unrestricted license before completing the full nine months.

This early removal option is not automatic. The driver must comply with DMV requirements and receive clearance before driving without the restriction. This early removal is not available for a BAC of .150 or above.

BAC .15 or Higher: Persistent Drunk Driver Designation

A BAC of .15 or higher changes the case significantly.

A first offense with a BAC of .15 or higher can still involve a nine-month DMV revocation for excess BAC, but the high BAC triggers Colorado’s Persistent Drunk Driver designation. The Colorado DMV states that a chemical test BAC of .15 results in a Persistent Drunk Driver designation.

That designation matters because it creates tougher reinstatement requirements.

A driver designated as a Persistent Drunk Driver must generally:

• Carry ignition interlock for at least two years after reinstatement
• Complete Level II Alcohol and Drug Education and Treatment
• Maintain SR-22 insurance for the required period
• Meet all other DMV reinstatement conditions

Colorado law requires a Persistent Drunk Driver with an interlock-restricted license to hold that restricted license for at least two years before becoming eligible for a license without the interlock restriction.

For violations on or after January 1, 2023, the Colorado DMV states that a first Per Se or DUI driver with a BAC above .15 may be eligible to reinstate early on the first day the revocation action goes active, but the interlock requirement is two years.

The practical difference is substantial. A driver with a .10 BAC may qualify for early interlock removal after four clean months. A driver with a .16 BAC generally faces a two-year interlock requirement.

Refusal of a Chemical Test

A refusal is a separate license problem.

Under Colorado law, a first refusal results in a one-year revocation. A second refusal results in a two-year revocation. A third or later refusal results in a three-year revocation.

A refusal also triggers a Persistent Drunk Driver designation. The Colorado DMV states that, for violations on or after January 1, 2014, a refusal results in a one-year revocation for a first offense and a Persistent Drunk Driver designation. That designation requires Level II Alcohol and Drug Education and Treatment and at least two years of ignition interlock after restoration of driving privileges.

For refusal cases, early reinstatement is different from standard BAC cases. A driver who refused chemical testing may be eligible for early reinstatement after serving two months of the revocation, if the driver qualifies and completes the interlock reinstatement process.

Drivers under 21 face stricter limits. Colorado law provides that a person under 21 at the time of the offense may not apply for early reinstatement after a refusal until the license has been revoked for one year.

Quick Comparison of the Three Main Tracks

Quick Comparison of the Three Main Tracks

Scenario	First-Offense Revocation	Early Reinstatement Timing	Interlock Requirement	PDD Designation	Early Interlock Removal
BAC .08 to .149	9 months	First day action goes active, if eligible	Generally 9 months	No, unless another basis applies	Possible after 4 clean months
BAC .15 or higher	9 months	First day action goes active, if eligible	2 years	Yes	No
Refusal	1 year	After 2 months, if eligible	2 years	Yes	No

How to Reinstate Your License After a Colorado DUI Revocation

Reinstatement does not happen automatically. The DMV states that all alcohol or drug-related reinstatements are processed by mail, through document upload, or at the Lakewood office. You must complete the reinstatement process before you can lawfully drive again.

For many early reinstatement cases, the DMV may require:

• Application for reinstatement
• Reinstatement fee
• DUI restoration fee, when applicable
• SR-22 insurance
• Ignition interlock installation in every vehicle you own or may drive
• Restricted License Ignition Interlock Agreement Affidavit
• Interlock lease and installation documents
• Level II enrollment or completion documents when required

High BAC drivers have added requirements. If the BAC was .15 or higher, the DMV requires Level II Alcohol or Drug Education and Treatment and at least two years of interlock after reinstatement.

The Seven-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

The first deadline in a Colorado DUI license case is usually seven days for breath tests and refusal cases.

The DMV says a hearing must be requested within seven days of the DUI arrest if a breath test was given or testing was refused. If the case involves a blood test, the hearing must be requested within seven days of receiving the blood test results.

Colorado law also provides that when an officer serves a notice of revocation and takes a valid driver’s license, the officer issues a temporary permit valid for seven days. If the driver does not request a hearing within the seven-day period, the right to a hearing is waived and the DMV determination becomes final.

If a hearing is requested on time, the DMV may stay the revocation and issue a temporary permit while the hearing is pending.

That deadline matters. Missing it can cause the revocation to take effect automatically.

On blood test cases, you will receive a letter from the DMV with your blood results, and a letter notifying you of a pending revocation. This letter will have a “drop-dead” date to request a hearing. Sometimes it takes months for the DMV to file on you. Keep an eye on the mail, but don’t be surprised if it takes 3-4 months for that letter to come.

Why the DMV Hearing Matters

A DMV hearing gives you a chance to challenge the license revocation. It can also force the government to prove the basic requirements for the administrative action.

Depending on the facts, issues may include:

• Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to contact or arrest the driver
• Whether the Express Consent advisement was proper
• Whether the test was completed correctly
• Whether the alleged refusal was valid
• Whether the breath or blood result was legally sufficient
• Whether the paperwork supports the revocation
• Whether the chemical test was completed within 2 hours of the time of driving.

A DMV hearing does not decide guilt or innocence in the criminal case. It decides whether the DMV can revoke your driving privilege.

Talk to a Colorado DUI Defense Lawyer Before the Deadline Passes

A Colorado DUI can affect your license before the court case is finished. The DMV deadline is short, and the rules change depending on BAC, refusal, prior history, age, and reinstatement eligibility.

If you were arrested for DUI in Colorado, act quickly. You may have only seven days to request a DMV hearing and protect your ability to challenge the revocation.

This article provides general information about Colorado DUI administrative law. It is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts, test result, prior record, age, license status, and current DMV requirements.

The post Colorado DUI License Revocations: How BAC Affects Your License, Interlock, and Reinstatement first appeared on McDowell Law Firm.

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Is Road Rage a Criminal Offense in Colorado?

You’re driving home on I-25 after a long day. Someone cuts you off. Words are exchanged through windows. A middle finger gets thrown. Maybe you tap your brakes to send a message, or you follow them a little too close for a little too long.

By the time you pull into your driveway, you’re shaking with anger and convinced you were in the right.
A few weeks later, a deputy knocks on your door with a warrant for your arrest.

Colorado does not have a statute called “road rage.” You will not find that phrase in the criminal code. But that does not mean what is often referred to as “road rage” is legal. Prosecutors charge these incidents under several different laws, and the consequences can range from a traffic ticket to a felony charge, depending on the circumstances and allegations.

Key Takeaways: Is Road Rage a Criminal Offense in Colorado

• Road rage in Colorado can lead to criminal charges such as reckless driving, assault, menacing, disorderly conduct, or even vehicular assault.
• Colorado does not have a specific “road rage” statute, but aggressive driving behavior is prosecuted under existing traffic and criminal laws.
• Reckless driving, excessive speeding, tailgating, brake checking, and threatening another driver may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Road rage incidents involving weapons can lead to felony menacing charges under Colorado law, carrying severe criminal penalties.
• Serious road rage cases that cause injury or death may lead to felony charges such as vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or attempted murder.
• A road rage conviction in Colorado can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, DMV points, higher insurance costs, and a permanent criminal record.

What Colorado Law Actually Says About Road Rage

There is no specific “road rage” statute in Colorado. Instead, prosecutors look at what happened during the incident and choose charges that fit the alleged conduct.

A single road rage encounter can produce several charges at once. A driver who tailgates, cuts off another car, gets out of the vehicle to yell, and then throws a punch could face charges under several different statutes from one incident. That is why these cases get complicated quickly, and why what feels like a “he said, she said” argument on the highway can turn into a serious criminal case.

The most common charges that I’ve seen filed after a road rage incident in Colorado include:

• Reckless driving under C.R.S. § 42-4-1401
• Careless driving under C.R.S. § 42-4-1402
• Menacing under C.R.S. § 18-3-206
• Harassment under C.R.S. § 18-9-111
• Assault under C.R.S. § 18-3-202, § 18-3-203, or § 18-3-204
• Disorderly conduct under C.R.S. § 18-9-106
• Reckless endangerment under C.R.S. § 18-3-208
• Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide in the most serious cases

Let’s break these down one by one.

Reckless Driving and Careless Driving

Almost every road rage case starts with a driving offense. Someone gets cut off, or takes exception to another driver’s poor driving. Reckless and careless sound similar, but they are not the same charge.

1. Reckless Driving, C.R.S. § 42-4-1401

Reckless driving means driving a vehicle in a way that shows wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. In a road rage context, this often looks like swerving in front of someone to brake check them, weaving aggressively through traffic to chase another driver, or driving at high speeds while pursuing someone.

Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. A first offense can carry up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $300, and 8 points against your driver’s license. A second or later reckless driving conviction can carry higher penalties, including 10 days to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Eight points is enough to put many drivers at risk of a license suspension if they have other recent violations.

2. Careless Driving, C.R.S. § 42-4-1402

Careless driving is the lesser driving offense. It means driving without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and other conditions of the roadway. This charge often gets used when the driving was aggressive but not quite reckless, or as a plea-bargain landing spot from a reckless driving charge.

Careless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense if no one was hurt. If the careless driving proximately causes bodily injury or death, it becomes a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.

For a deeper understanding, explore our blog on Careless Driving vs Reckless Driving.

Menacing: When Anger Crosses Into a Criminal Charge

Menacing under C.R.S. § 18-3-206 is one of the most common charges filed in aggressive driving cases. It can turn a bad day on the road into a serious criminal case.

1. Misdemeanor Menacing

Menacing means knowingly placing or attempting to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury by threat or physical action.

In a road rage case, this could include conduct such as pulling alongside another car and shouting threats, getting out of a vehicle and acting as if a fight is about to happen, or using threatening movements that make another driver believe serious harm is imminent.

Menacing is generally a class 1 misdemeanor. A class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado can carry up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

2. Felony Menacing

Menacing becomes a class 5 felony when it is committed by the use of a firearm, knife, or bludgeon, or by the use of a simulated firearm, knife, or bludgeon. That matters in road rage cases because pulling out a gun, displaying a knife, holding a bat, or gesturing as if you have a weapon can change the level of the charge.

A vehicle can still matter in a road rage case. If prosecutors believe someone used a car to threaten, block, strike, or injure another person, they may consider other charges, including assault, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, or careless driving. See C.R.S. § 18-3-206.

A class 5 felony can carry 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, 2 years of mandatory parole, and fines up to $100,000.

Harassment Charges From Road Rage Incidents

Harassment under C.R.S. § 18-9-111 is another common road rage charge. This statute covers a wide range of conduct, including:

• Striking, shoving, kicking, or otherwise touching a person
• Following a person in or about a public place
• Repeatedly insulting, taunting, or challenging another person in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response

A driver who follows another car for miles, pulls into a parking lot to keep the confrontation going, or repeatedly makes obscene gestures and shouts insults can be charged with harassment.

Harassment penalties depend on the subsection charged. Many road rage harassment cases are charged as misdemeanors, but the classification can change based on the conduct and whether the prosecution alleges bias-based intent. If the alleged conduct was intended to harass or intimidate someone because of a protected characteristic, the charge can be treated more seriously.

For legal support, consider speaking with a harassment lawyer.

Assault Charges: When Road Rage Cases Turn Violent

When a road rage incident becomes physical, assault charges may follow. Colorado has three degrees of assault, and any of them can be charged depending on what happened.

1. Third Degree Assault, C.R.S. § 18-3-204

Third degree assault is the lowest level of assault. It applies when a person knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, or with criminal negligence causes bodily injury by means of a deadly weapon.

A punch through an open window, a shove during a roadside argument, or any other contact that causes pain or visible injury can be charged here.

Third degree assault is a class 1 misdemeanor and an extraordinary risk crime.

2. Second Degree Assault, C.R.S.

Second degree assault can apply in several situations, including when a person, with intent to cause bodily injury, causes that injury by means of a deadly weapon. It can also apply when a person intentionally causes serious bodily injury, or in other circumstances listed in the statute.

In a road rage case, prosecutors may look at second degree assault if a vehicle, firearm, knife, bat, or other object was allegedly used to cause injury, or if the alleged conduct caused serious bodily injury. Second degree assault is commonly a class 4 felony, though the classification and sentencing consequences depend on the subsection charged.

A class 4 felony generally carries 2 to 6 years in prison, mandatory parole, and fines up to $500,000. Some second degree assault charges are crimes of violence, which can require prison and increase the sentencing range.

3. First Degree Assault, C.R.S. § 18-3-202

First degree assault is a class 3 felony and is reserved for the most serious cases. It can apply when someone causes serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon and acts with the intent to cause serious bodily injury.

It can also apply when someone engages in conduct that creates a grave risk of death and causes serious bodily injury under circumstances showing extreme indifference to the value of human life.

Using a vehicle to deliberately ram another driver and cause severe injury can lead prosecutors to consider first degree assault (or vehicular assault), depending on proof of intent and the facts of the case.

A class 3 felony generally carries 4 to 12 years in prison, 5 years of mandatory parole, and fines up to $750,000. Sentencing can be higher if the offense is charged and proven as a crime of violence.

Consulting an assault lawyer can help you make informed legal decisions.

The Levels of Crimes Associated With Road Rage

Here is a quick summary of where road rage charges can fall in Colorado’s criminal hierarchy:

Traffic Offenses

• Careless driving: class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense if no injury or death
• Reckless driving: class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense

Misdemeanors

• Disorderly conduct: classification depends on the subsection charged. Possible petty offense
• Harassment: classification depends on the subsection charged
• Third degree assault: class 1 misdemeanor and extraordinary risk crime
• Menacing without a firearm, knife, bludgeon, or simulated firearm, knife, or bludgeon: class 1 misdemeanor
• Careless driving causing bodily injury or death: class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense

Felonies

• Felony menacing: class 5 felony when committed by use of a firearm, knife, bludgeon, or simulated firearm, knife, or bludgeon
• Second degree assault: commonly a class 4 felony, depending on the subsection charged
• First degree assault: commonly a class 3 felony
• Vehicular assault: class 4 or class 5 felony, depending on whether the case involves alcohol, drugs, or reckless driving
• Vehicular homicide: class 3 or class 4 felony, depending on whether the case involves alcohol, drugs, or reckless driving

Road rage cases often start with a 911 call from one driver about another, ends with the police taking statements from both sides, and produces a charging decision based on whose story the prosecutor finds more credible.

That is why these cases often turn on witnesses, dash cam footage, body camera footage, surveillance video, and inconsistencies between the parties.

Why These Cases Get Overcharged

Prosecutors in El Paso County and across Colorado take road rage cases seriously and in some instances charge a laundry list of offenses for one incident. There are a few reasons for this.

First, the public is sensitive to aggressive driving. Local news stories about freeway shootings, crashes, and violent confrontations have made these cases politically charged.

Second, when a driver calls 911 and reports being threatened, the responding officer is going to take that report seriously. If the alleged victim claims they feared imminent serious bodily injury, that statement can support a menacing allegation. Whether the case becomes felony menacing depends on whether the prosecution can prove the weapon-related element required by C.R.S. § 18-3-206.

Third, road rage incidents almost always involve two angry people, both convinced they are the victim. Prosecutors often charge whoever the police believe started the encounter, which is not always the person actually at fault.

That last part matters. People get charged with road rage offenses even when they were the ones being followed, threatened, or boxed in. The label “aggressor” can depend on who called 911 first, what witnesses saw, and whose statement sounded more credible in the moment.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Road Rage

If you are facing charges from a road rage incident, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Do not talk to the police without an attorney. Anything you say can be used to support the charges, even if you think you are explaining yourself.

Preserve evidence. Dash cam video, cell phone footage, surveillance video, and witness contact information can be critical. Memories fade quickly, and the other driver’s story may become more dramatic over time.

Stay off social media. Posts about the incident, even ones that seem harmless, can be used by prosecutors to argue you are aggressive or unrepentant. Thorough investigators and DAs look at social media. They will see what you posted. Was there video? Inconsistent statements?

Take the charges seriously. Even a misdemeanor harassment or reckless driving conviction can affect your job, your insurance, and your driving record. Felony charges can mean prison time and a permanent criminal record.

Your Next Steps

Road rage cases are not as simple as they look. What feels like a routine misunderstanding on the highway can land you in front of a judge facing a long list of traffic and criminal charges.

The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony often comes down to small facts: whether someone displayed a weapon, whether a vehicle was used to threaten or injure someone, whether anyone was actually hurt, and whether the prosecution can prove intent.

If you are facing charges from a road rage incident in Colorado Springs or anywhere in El Paso County, you need an attorney who understands how these cases get charged and how to push back on overcharging. Former prosecutor Josh McDowell knows what the other side is looking for and how to attack the weak spots in the state’s case.

Call (719) 227-0022 for a free consultation. Your side of the story matters, and the sooner you start defending it, the better your chances of protecting your record and your future.

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Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Offer Confidential Online Consultations?

Yes. And the confidentiality that protects that online consultation is the same protection that has shielded communications between lawyers and clients for centuries.

Whether you call, send an email, meet in person, or connect over a video call, the privilege attaches the moment you consult a lawyer about your legal situation, even before you retain anyone.

I get this question regularly at my firm, often from people who are nervous about putting anything in writing or saying something over the phone.

The concern makes sense. But the law is clear on this point, and understanding it matters if you are facing criminal charges and trying to decide who to call.

The Privilege Attaches Before You Hire Anyone

Under Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.18, any person who consults with a lawyer about the possibility of forming an attorney-client relationship is a prospective client.

The rule is explicit: even when no representation follows, a lawyer who learned information from a prospective client shall not use or reveal that information. That protection applies regardless of whether the consultation was in person, by telephone, by email, or by video call.

Colorado courts have long recognized that the attorney-client relationship arises the moment someone consults an attorney about their case.

The Colorado Supreme Court stated in People v. Bennett, 810 P.2d 661, 664 (Colo. 1991), that the attorney-client privilege is established by the act of a client seeking professional advice from a lawyer, and that the relationship may be inferred from the conduct of the parties. The key factor is whether you, as the client, believed the relationship existed.

That is a low threshold by design. The law does not require you to have signed a retainer, paid a fee, or gotten confirmation from the attorney.

If you consulted a lawyer about your legal problem with the reasonable belief that the communication was confidential, the privilege applies.

One caveat to consider: Even though the communication with your lawyer is privileged, be very careful with communications like e-mails that could be discovered by other parties.

When in doubt, don’t put it in writing. Whether that e-mail could be used against you, is a separate issue. Best practices: certain things should be talked about in person with your counsel.

The Colorado Statutory and Ethical Framework

Colorado codified the attorney-client privilege in C.R.S. 13-90-107(1)(b). The statute provides that an attorney shall not be examined without the consent of the client as to any communication made by the client to the attorney in the course of professional employment. The same protection extends to the attorney’s secretary, paralegal, legal assistant, and other support staff.

The Colorado Supreme Court, in People v. Madera, 112 P.3d 688, 690 (Colo. 2005), recognized that Colorado applies a presumption in favor of the attorney-client privilege.

That presumption reflects a policy choice: the legal system needs people to speak candidly with their lawyers, and that candor is only possible if the client knows the conversation is protected.

The ethical obligation runs alongside the evidentiary one. Colorado Rule of Professional Conduct 1.6 prohibits a lawyer from revealing information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent or the disclosure is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation. The rule covers current clients, former clients, and, through RPC 1.18, prospective clients.

Federal Law Recognizes the Same Privilege

For anyone facing federal charges or consulting a lawyer about federal matters, Federal Rule of Evidence 501 governs.

Under FRE 501, the common law as interpreted by federal courts governs claims of privilege. Federal courts have consistently recognized attorney-client privilege as protecting confidential communications between clients and their attorneys made for the purpose of obtaining legal advice.

The U.S. Supreme Court addressed the scope of the privilege directly in Upjohn Co. v. United States, 449 U.S. 383 (1981), emphasizing that the privilege exists to encourage the full and frank communication between attorneys and their clients that is necessary for sound legal advice and effective representation. That rationale applies equally whether the communication happens in a conference room or over a video call.

To effectively defend you, your attorney requires open communication about the facts of your case. If those facts incriminate you, the attorney/client privilege exists to encourage sharing this information. Your attorney can craft a defense based on the facts, and you know that it is safe to discuss the information with your attorney.

What the Privilege Actually Covers

In practical terms, the privilege protects the content of your communications with a lawyer, not the underlying facts. What you say to me in a consultation is protected. The facts of what happened are not erased from the world by telling me about them. However, what you told me, and when, and how, cannot be disclosed without your consent.

The privilege covers communications in every format:

• In-person meetings at the lawyer’s office
• Telephone calls, including calls made from a cell phone
• Video consultations over Zoom, FaceTime, Teams, or similar platforms
• Emails and written messages sent to request or receive legal advice
• Text messages when the context makes clear you are seeking legal guidance
• Notes written on paper and passed to an attorney during a proceeding

The Colorado Supreme Court confirmed in Gordon v. Boyles, 9 P.3d 1106, 1123 (Colo. 2000), that the privilege extends both to communications from the client to the attorney and from the attorney to the client, provided the attorney’s communication would reveal the substance of what the client disclosed.

The Privilege Survives the Consultation

One question I hear is whether the confidentiality lasts. It does. Colorado attorneys cannot disclose privileged communications after a case is resolved, after you decide not to retain the attorney, or after you pass away. The duty of confidentiality under RPC 1.6 does not have an expiration date.

That permanence matters in criminal defense. A conversation you have with a lawyer today about a matter under investigation, even one that never results in charges, is protected. What you disclosed in that consultation cannot be used against you later.

Limits You Should Know

No privilege is absolute. Two exceptions are worth knowing. The crime-fraud exception applies when a client consults a lawyer in furtherance of a future crime or fraud, not to discuss a past act but to plan a future one.

The purpose of the consultation, not merely the subject matter, determines whether the exception applies. Caldwell v. District Court, 644 P.2d 26, 31 (Colo. 1982).

There is also a narrow exception when a lawyer must disclose information to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. These are narrow exceptions with a high threshold. They do not apply to the ordinary criminal defense consultation.

The Bottom Line

If you are considering calling a criminal defense attorney, the format of that call does not change your protections. A Zoom consultation is as confidential as a walk-in meeting. An email asking about your case is protected the same way a phone call is.

The law is designed this way on purpose. Effective legal representation requires that you be able to tell your lawyer everything. The privilege is what makes that possible.

Have questions about a criminal matter in Colorado Springs or El Paso County? Call The McDowell Law Firm at 719-227-0022 for a free, confidential consultation. Communications are protected by attorney-client privilege during your call regarding representation.

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What Is the Best Defense for a DUI?

This is among the most frequent questions I receive from people facing DUI or DWAI charges in Colorado. The honest answer: it depends.

DUI defense is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. The best defense for your case depends entirely on your specific facts, the evidence the prosecution has, and where the weaknesses in that evidence are. What worked for someone else who got a DUI last year may have nothing to do with what works for you.

That said, there is a framework that I use when evaluating every DUI case, and it comes down to two core elements of the offense: the driving and the intoxication. A DUI conviction requires the prosecution to prove both. If you can meaningfully challenge either one, you have a viable defense at trial.

The Two Pillars of a DUI Charge

Under Colorado law, a DUI requires proof that you were operating or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while you were substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs. Every DUI case the prosecution builds stands on those two legs: they have to show you were driving, and they have to show you were impaired.

The simplest answer: Knock out one of those legs, and the case becomes much harder to sustain. That is the analytical starting point for every DUI defense I build.

Defenses That Attack the Driving

You might think proving someone was driving is the easy part. But it is not always as straightforward as it sounds.

1. Actual Physical Control

Colorado DUI law includes something called “actual physical control,” which means you can potentially be charged even if the vehicle was not moving. Courts have found people in actual physical control while sitting in a parked car with the engine running, or even sleeping in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition.

But this cuts both ways. If you were not in the driver’s seat, if the keys were not accessible, or if there is a legitimate question about whether you were actually in control of the vehicle, that is a factual dispute worth litigating. I have handled cases where the driving element was the weakest part of the prosecution’s case because no one actually saw the defendant operating the vehicle.

2. No Witness to the Driving

In single-vehicle accidents or situations where law enforcement arrived after the fact, the prosecution sometimes has no witness to the driving at all. The defendant was found near a vehicle, or at the scene of an accident, but no officer or bystander observed them operating it.

Without direct evidence of who was driving and when, the prosecution has a real problem. The impairment evidence, however strong, does not matter if they cannot prove you were the one behind the wheel.

3. The Timeframe Problem

Even in cases where driving is established, the timing of consumption matters. Colorado law requires that the impairment existed at the time of driving, not just at the time of the test.

If significant time passed between the driving and the chemical test, a retrograde extrapolation argument may be available. The defense can challenge whether the BAC result at the time of testing accurately reflects what the BAC was when the vehicle was actually being operated.

Defenses That Attack the Intoxication

This is where most DUI defenses are built, and it is where the technical and procedural complexity of these cases really shows up.

1. Challenging the Field Sobriety Tests

Standardized field sobriety tests, the walk and turn, the one-leg stand, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, are designed to give officers a basis for probable cause to arrest. They are not proof of impairment. They are subjective observations made by an officer who has already decided to investigate you for DUI.

These tests have real limitations. Medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, road conditions, footwear, and physical fitness can all affect performance.

If the officer did not administer the tests correctly or if the conditions at the scene were not suitable for the tests, the results can be challenged. I have cross-examined officers extensively on their field sobriety test training and administration in DUI trials, and juries do not always find those tests as convincing as prosecutors hope.

2. Challenging the Breathalyzer

The Intoxilyzer 9000 is the breath testing device used in Colorado. It is not infallible. Mouth alcohol contamination, radio frequency interference, residual mouth alcohol from recent burping or vomiting, and improper observation periods can all affect results. The device also requires regular calibration and maintenance, and the records documenting that maintenance are discoverable.

A rising BAC defense is another option when the facts support it. If you were still absorbing alcohol at the time of the stop, your BAC at the time of testing may have been higher than it was at the time of driving. Alcohol absorption rates vary based on what you ate, when you drank, and your individual physiology. This defense requires expert testimony but can create a real reasonable doubt in the right case, challenging the Blood Test.

Blood tests are generally considered more reliable than breath tests, but they are not bulletproof either. Chain of custody issues, improper storage, contamination, fermentation in the sample, and laboratory error are all potential challenges. In Colorado, defendants have the right to obtain an independent test of a preserved blood sample. If the prosecution’s lab made errors or if the sample was mishandled, an independent expert can expose those problems.

3. Medical and Physiological Conditions

Certain medical conditions can affect both field sobriety test performance and chemical test results. Diabetes and ketosis can produce compounds that some breath testing devices misread as alcohol.

Acid reflux or GERD can introduce stomach alcohol into the mouth and affect breath test readings. Inner ear conditions can affect balance tests. These are not magic defenses, but in the right case, they are legitimate, and they deserve to be explored.

4. The Reason for the Stop

Every DUI case starts with a traffic stop or an encounter with law enforcement, and that encounter has to be legally justified. If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle in the first place, everything that came after the stop may be suppressible. This is a Fourth Amendment argument.

If the stop was unlawful, a motion to suppress can exclude the field sobriety tests, the chemical test, and the officer’s observations. In some cases, that leaves the prosecution with nothing left to prove their case.

So What Is the Best Defense?

The best defense is the one that targets the weakest part of the prosecution’s case in your specific situation. Sometimes that is a suppression motion that guts the evidence before trial. Sometimes it is an expert who dismantles the breath test results.

Sometimes it is a credibility attack on an officer whose field sobriety test administration did not follow the standardized protocol. Sometimes it is a combination of several challenges.

What it is never is a template pulled off a shelf. DUI defense in Colorado requires a close look at your specific facts, your specific test results, the specific officer’s conduct, and the specific evidence the prosecution intends to use. That analysis is what determines strategy.

If you have been charged with DUI or DWAI in Colorado Springs, call the McDowell Law Firm at 719-227-0022 for a free consultation. We will review the facts of your case and give you an honest assessment of the defenses available to you.

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When Does a Traffic Ticket Become a Criminal Charge in Colorado

In Colorado, not every traffic ticket is just a fine. Some traffic tickets are civil infractions. Others are criminal charges that can lead to jail, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

If you receive a ticket in Colorado Springs or anywhere in El Paso County, check the ticket carefully and verify the level of the offense. There is a major difference between a traffic infraction and a misdemeanor or felony case. Some traffic offenses carry serious criminal penalties, and some can even be felonies.

The Four Categories of Traffic Offenses in Colorado

Colorado traffic violations fall into four primary categories:

• Traffic infractions (civil, but may carry points)
• Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses
• Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offenses
• Felony traffic offenses

DUI and DWAI exist in their own statutory category and are not classified as Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses.

1. Traffic Infractions (Civil Only)

Traffic infractions are civil matters. They do not create a criminal record.

Common examples

• Speeding (lower-level violations)
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Improper lane change
• Following too closely
• Most equipment violations

Typical penalties

• Fines
• Points on your license
• Insurance increases
• No jail

Colorado point system for drivers age 21 and older

• 12 points in 12 months = suspension
• 18 points in 24 months = suspension

Too many points can result in a license suspension, even if each ticket seems minor.

2. Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses (MT2)

These are criminal charges prosecuted in county court. A conviction creates a criminal record.

Common MT2 charges

• Careless driving (C.R.S. 42-4-1402)
• Reckless driving (C.R.S. 42-4-1401)
• Driving without insurance (first offense)
• Most first-time license violations

Maximum penalties

• Up to 90 days in jail
• $150 to $300 fine
• Criminal record

Careless Driving

Careless driving means operating a vehicle without due regard for road conditions or in a manner that shows negligence.

Police often issue this charge after accidents, even when no one is injured.

Penalty:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• $150 to $300 fine
• 4 DMV points

If careless driving causes bodily injury or death, the offense becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving requires willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

This is more serious than careless driving because it involves conscious disregard of risk.

Penalty:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• $150 to $300 fine
• 8 DMV points

Reckless driving is also a habitual traffic offender strike.

Reckless vs Careless

The difference is the driver’s mental state:

• Careless driving involves negligence
• Reckless driving involves willful or conscious disregard for safety

Examples include extreme speeding, racing, aggressive weaving, or intentionally dangerous maneuvers.

Also read: The difference between careless driving and reckless driving

Driving Under Restraint (Alcohol or Drug Related)

Driving under restraint after an alcohol- or drug-related revocation is a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense under C.R.S. 42-2-138.

This commonly occurs when a license is revoked because of:

• DUI or DWAI conviction
• Administrative DUI suspension
• Refusal to submit to testing

Penalties:

• 30 days to 364 days in jail (mandatory minimum applies)
• $500 to $1,000 fine
• Additional license revocation

Knowledge of the suspension is not required in most cases. Proof that the notice was mailed to the driver’s address of record is typically sufficient.

3. Class 1 Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses (MT1)

These are the most serious misdemeanor traffic crimes and carry greater jail exposure.

Common MT1 charges

• Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage (C.R.S. 42-4-1601)
• Speed contests (drag racing)
• Careless driving causing bodily injury or death
• Driving under restraint (alcohol or drug related)
• Eluding police
• Driving without insurance (repeat offenses or certain circumstances)

Maximum penalties

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 fine
• Criminal record

Hit and Run (Property Damage)

Leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage is a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.

Penalty:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• $300 to $1,000 fine

If the accident involves injury or death, the offense becomes a felony.

Speed Contests

Knowingly engaging in a speed contest or drag race on a public roadway is a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.

Careless Driving Causing Injury or Death

If careless driving results in bodily injury or death to another person, the offense is elevated to a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.

4. DUI and DWAI (Separate Criminal Category)

DUI and DWAI are not MT1 or MT2 offenses. They are governed by their own statutory framework.

Penalties may include

• Jail or community service
• Fines
• Alcohol education and treatment
• Ignition interlock
• License revocation
• Permanent criminal record

Even a first offense carries mandatory sentencing requirements.

5. Felony Traffic Offenses

Felony traffic cases are prosecuted in district court.

Common felony traffic charges

• Vehicular homicide
• Vehicular assault
• Hit and run involving injury or death
• Felony DUI (fourth or subsequent offense)
• Habitual traffic offender with driving after revocation

Hit and Run Classifications (C.R.S. 42-4-1601)

• Property damage only: Class 1 misdemeanor traffic
• Injury: Class 4 felony
• Serious bodily injury: Class 3 felony
• Death: Class 3 felony

Felony DUI

A fourth or subsequent DUI, DUI per se, or DWAI is a Class 4 felony.

Possible penalties

• 2 to 6 years in the Department of Corrections
• Mandatory parole period
• Significant fines
• Long-term license revocation
• Permanent felony record

In many cases, probation may be available depending on the circumstances and criminal history.

Which Court Handles Your Case

County court handles

• All traffic infractions
• All misdemeanor traffic cases
• Most DUI and DWAI cases

District court handles

• All felony traffic offenses

Failing to appear for a required court date will result in a warrant for your arrest.

Why This Classification Matters

The level of your charge determines:

• Whether jail or prison is possible
• Whether you will have a criminal record
• Whether the case may be sealed later
• Which court hears your case
• Potential immigration consequences

Common Situations That Become Criminal

• You are cited for careless driving after a minor accident
• You are stopped and arrested for driving under restraint
• You leave a parking lot after a small collision and later face a hit-and-run charge
• You are driving far above the speed limit and are charged with reckless driving

Many traffic cases that seem minor can quickly become criminal matters.

What To Do If Your Ticket Is Criminal

If your ticket lists a misdemeanor, DUI, DWAI, or felony charge:

• Do not simply pay the ticket
• Do not ignore the court date
• Preserve evidence, including photos and witness information
• Speak with a qualified Colorado defense attorney

Criminal traffic convictions can affect employment, insurance, professional licenses, and your driving privileges.

If you are facing careless driving, reckless driving, driving under restraint, DUI, or hit-and-run charges in Colorado Springs or El Paso County, experienced legal representation can make a significant difference.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. If you are facing criminal charges, consult a qualified Colorado criminal defense attorney.

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What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Colorado

Any car accident can be devastating, but being hit by an uninsured driver can make matters much worse. Who will pay for the damages? How will your medical bills be paid? Here are a few important steps to protect your rights and recover compensation.

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough. Discovering the at-fault driver has no insurance can make a terrible situation feel hopeless.

In Colorado, approximately 13% of drivers operate vehicles without insurance, despite it being illegal under Colorado law.

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Colorado Springs or anywhere in El Paso County, understanding your legal options is critical to protecting your financial recovery.

Key Takeaways – What Happens if an Uninsured Driver Hits My Car

• Call police at the crash scene to get an official report documenting the uninsured driver.
• Take photos of vehicle damage, scene conditions, and collect names/contact info.
• Seek medical attention right away. Many injuries aren’t immediately obvious.
• File an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) claim with your insurance if you have it.
• If you opted out of UM/UIM, you can sue the uninsured driver — but collecting payment can be hard.
• Consider seeking criminal restitution if the uninsured driver is charged with a traffic offense.
• Don’t accept quick lowball settlements before knowing the full extent of injuries.

Immediate Steps After the Accident

1. Call Police and Document Everything

Even if the other driver admits they don’t have insurance, call law enforcement immediately. A police report is essential documentation for any future claims. While waiting for officers to arrive:

• Take photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, and the accident scene
• Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and driver’s license number
• Collect contact information from any witnesses
• Note road conditions, weather, time of day, and any other relevant factors

Do not leave the scene even if the other driver has no insurance. Leaving could jeopardize the strength of your case, and potentially result in criminal charges against you.

Especially if they are at fault, you’ll want to stay and explain the circumstances. If the other party is not charged as being at-fault (careless driving, failure to yield, running a stop sign, etc.), it will be very difficult to collect for your damages.

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Many accident injuries don’t manifest symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage may take hours or days to become apparent.

Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility as soon as possible after the accident. Medical records created immediately after the collision are crucial evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. This is true even in a case where you are pursuing a recovery with your own insurance as a UM claim.

Understanding Colorado’s Uninsured Motorist Laws

Colorado is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. But what happens when that driver has no insurance to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your car?

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage to all policyholders. However, drivers can reject this coverage in writing.

This coverage is designed precisely for situations where you’re hit by someone with no insurance or insufficient insurance.

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage pays for your damages when you’re hit by a driver with no insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage pays when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your full damages.
• Under C.R.S. § 10-4-609, insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage equal to your liability limits unless you specifically reject it in writing. If you have UM/UIM coverage, this becomes your primary avenue for compensation after being hit by an uninsured driver.

Should you obtain UM or UIM coverage on your auto insurance policy?

As an attorney who handles these cases frequently, of course I have UM and UIM coverage. I have Medical payments coverage (MedPay) as well.

I have seen many cases where UM/UIM saved the day on cases with serious injuries where my client may not have been able to recover for their losses. I highly recommend obtaining UM/UIM coverage.

I also highly recommend MedPay coverage. These options will raise your rates, but it is typically money that is very well spent if you are ever injured in an accident.

This is a great way to protect yourself from irresponsible drivers on the road who do not have enough insurance coverage, or insurance at all.

How UM/UIM Coverage Works

When you file a UM/UIM claim, you’re essentially making a claim against your own insurance policy. Yes, even though you weren’t at fault.

Think of it this way: your insurance company is stepping into the shoes of the uninsured driver who should be paying for your damages.

Your UM/UIM coverage can compensate you for:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (in some policies)
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

The process involves:

• Notifying your insurance company about the accident
• Providing documentation of your damages
• Negotiating a settlement with your own insurer
• Potentially pursuing arbitration if you can’t reach agreement

Important note: Insurance companies, even your own, have financial incentives to minimize what they pay you. Having experienced legal representation can level the playing field.

What If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage?

If you rejected UM/UIM coverage you still have options, though recovery becomes more challenging.

1. File a Claim Against the Uninsured Driver Directly

You can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver personally. If successful, you would obtain a judgment for your damages.

However, the practical reality is that uninsured drivers often lack financial resources to pay a judgment. You may win in court but struggle to collect actual compensation.

Talk to an attorney about whether the “juice is worth the squeeze” in this type of case. You may be better off pursuing option #2.

2. Contact the District Attorney’s Office About Restitution

If the uninsured driver is criminally charged for the accident, such as for careless driving, reckless driving, or DUI, you have another avenue for recovery through the criminal justice system.

Also learn: Careless Driving vs Reckless Driving.

Restitution in Colorado criminal cases allows victims to recover economic losses through the criminal proceedings. Under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-603, courts must order defendants convicted of crimes to pay restitution to victims for their economic losses.

Here’s how to pursue restitution:

Contact the District Attorney’s Office handling the criminal case. In El Paso County, this is the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Inform them you are a victim seeking restitution.

Document Your Losses thoroughly. Provide the DA’s office with:

• All medical bills and treatment records
• Repair estimates or total loss valuations for your vehicle
• Documentation of lost wages
• Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident

Submit a Victim Impact Statement if the case goes to sentencing. This statement explains how the accident affected you financially and physically.

The court will order restitution as part of the defendant’s sentence. While collection can still be challenging if the defendant lacks resources, the restitution order follows them and can be collected through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and other enforcement mechanisms.

Restitution payments will be ordered as a condition of payment.

Important note: Restitution in criminal cases typically covers only economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage), not non-economic damages like pain and suffering. You may still need to pursue a civil lawsuit for full compensation.

3. Other Potential Sources of Recovery

Depending on your situation, additional options may include:

• Your Health Insurance: Your health insurance should cover medical treatment, though they may seek reimbursement if you later recover compensation.
• MedPay Coverage: If you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage on your auto policy, it pays medical expenses regardless of fault, up to your policy limits. This can be a lifesaver in under-insured/uninsured motorist cases. If you had serious injuries, need surgery, or have an extensive hospital stay, medical bills can be tens of thousands of dollars very quickly. Good MedPay coverage can cover some or all of those bills.
• Your Collision Coverage: If you carry collision coverage, it will pay to repair or replace your vehicle minus your deductible, even if the other driver was uninsured.

Common Mistakes That Harm Your Case

Accepting a Quick Settlement

Insurance companies often offer quick, lowball settlements before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Once you accept and sign a release, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation even if you discover more serious injuries later.

Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters,even from your own insurance company, may ask for a recorded statement. These statements can be used against you. That is why they record them.

Talk to an attorney before making any kind of statement about facts or injuries to an insurance company. Remember: Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim’s value.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Insurance companies routinely monitor social media. A post showing you smiling at a family gathering can be mischaracterized as proof you’re not really injured, even if you’re putting on a brave face despite chronic pain.

Missing Medical Appointments

Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Follow all treatment recommendations from your healthcare providers.

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Uninsured motorist claims can be complex, especially when dealing with your own insurance company. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts.

You deserve an experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer fighting for your full compensation.

As a personal injury attorney serving Colorado Springs and El Paso County, I understand the legal system. I know the tactics insurance companies use, and I know how to counter them effectively.

At the McDowell Law Firm, we:

• Investigate your accident thoroughly and gather all necessary evidence
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Document your full damages, including future medical needs
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
• File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your rights
• Coordinate with the DA’s office if criminal restitution is available
• Advise you on all available sources of recovery

Time Limits: Colorado’s Statute of Limitations

Colorado law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Under C.R.S. § 13-80-101, you generally have three years from the date of a motor vehicle accident to file a lawsuit. (Note: different types of claims have shorter statutory time limits)

Don’t wait. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Contact the McDowell Law Firm Today

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, or anywhere in El Paso County, contact the McDowell Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence or their failure to carry insurance.

Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. For advice about your specific situation, contact an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney.

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