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Colorado Traffic Infractions Defense: Don't Just Pay and Walk Away
Civil Violations That Can Still Ruin Your Record and Raise Your Rates
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720-209-1469
Traffic Infractions Can Derail Your Life and Finances
The Hidden Truth: Most people don't realize that paying a traffic infraction is the same as pleading guilty. You're accepting points on your license, giving insurance companies permission to raise your rates, and creating a permanent mark on your driving record that lasts seven years.
Paying a Traffic Infraction Is the Same as Pleading Guilty — and It Can Haunt You for Years
Think that traffic infraction is “just a ticket”? Think again. While Colorado traffic infractions aren’t criminal charges, they can still devastate your driving record, skyrocket your insurance premiums, and accumulate points toward license suspension. What looks like a minor fine today becomes a major financial burden tomorrow.
As a former Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted thousands of traffic cases throughout Colorado, Attorney Lori Beck knows exactly how prosecutors handle traffic infractions—and more importantly, how to challenge them effectively. She understands which infractions are worth fighting, when dismissal is possible, and how to protect your driving record from long-term damage.
Colorado Traffic Infractions
Civil Violations vs. Criminal Charges
Traffic infractions are civil matters, not criminal charges.
This means no jail time, but they still carry significant consequences that can affect your life for years. Unlike criminal traffic offenses, infractions are resolved through fines and points rather than potential incarceration.
Key Characteristic of Infractions
Most traffic infractions are "strict liability" offenses. This means prosecutors only need to prove the violation occurred—they don't need to prove your intent, state of mind, or whether you knew you were violating the law.
The Two Classes of Traffic Infractions
Colorado divides traffic infractions into two categories, each with different penalties and consequences.
— Colorado Traffic Infractions —
Class A Traffic Infractions: The More Serious Civil Violations
What Are Class A Infractions?
Definition: More serious traffic infractions that carry fines, court costs, and points on your license.
Penalty Range
- Fines: $15 to $100 (plus surcharges and court costs)
- Points: Yes — points are added to your driving record
- License Impact: Points count toward suspension thresholds
- Insurance Impact: Violations reported to insurance companies
Why Class A Infractions Are Dangerous
- Point Accumulation Risk: Too many points triggers automatic license suspension:
• Adults (21+): 12 points in 12 months
• Young drivers (18–20): 9 points in 12 months
• Teens (under 18): 6 points in 12 months
Insurance Rate Increases: Even a single Class A infraction can raise your premiums 20–30% for seven years — often costing thousands more than the original fine.
Common Class A Infractions Include
- Speeding Violations: 1–24 mph over the posted limit
• 1–4 mph over = 0 points
• 5–9 mph over = 1 point
• 10–19 mph over = 4 points
• 20–24 mph over = 6 points
Negotiation opportunity: A skilled lawyer can often reduce the charge to a lower-speed violation with fewer points. - Right-of-Way Violations: Failing to yield to vehicles, pedestrians, or emergency responders
- Traffic Control Violations: Running red lights or stop signs, failing to obey traffic signals, improper turns
- Following and Lane Violations: Tailgating, improper lane changes, driving the wrong way on a one-way street
- Equipment and Safety Violations: Driving without insurance (first offense in some cases), seat belt violations, defective equipment
— Colorado Traffic Infractions —
Class B Traffic Infractions: Minor Violations with Hidden Costs
What Are Class B Infractions?
Definition: The least serious traffic infractions with lower fines and usually no points.
Penalty Range
- Fines: $15 to $100 (plus surcharges and court costs)
- Points: Usually zero points (some exceptions)
- License Impact: Generally no direct point accumulation
- Insurance Impact: May still be reported to insurance companies
Common Class B Infractions Include
Minor Equipment Violations:
- Defective headlamps
- Minor lighting issues
- Equipment not affecting vehicle safety
Parking and Minor Violations:
- Certain parking violations
- Minor registration issues
- Non-moving violations
The Class B Trap: “Zero Points” Doesn’t Mean Zero Consequences
- Permanent Record: Class B infractions cannot be sealed and remain visible forever.
- Insurance Impact: Even without points, insurers can see and use these violations in rate calculations.
- Outstanding Judgment Warrants (OJW): Unpaid infractions lead to an OJW and immediate license suspension by the Colorado DMV.
- Employment Consequences: Employers requiring clean driving records will see these violations on background checks.
—Financial Impact Beyond the Fine —
The Hidden Costs of "Just Paying" Your Infraction
Insurance Rate Increases
Even minor infractions can trigger insurance rate increases that last seven years. A $75 infraction can easily cost you $2,000+ in higher premiums over time.
Point Accumulation Risk
Class A infractions add points that bring you closer to license suspension. Multiple infractions within 12 months can quickly push you past suspension thresholds.
Permanent Record Consequences
Traffic infractions stay on your driving record for seven years and cannot be sealed, affecting:
- Employment opportunities requiring clean records
- Background checks for certain jobs
- Professional licensing applications
- Future traffic stops and officer interactions
The Outstanding Judgment Warrant Trap
What Happens If You Don't Pay: Failing to pay any traffic infraction (Class A or B) results in an Outstanding Judgment Warrant (OJW) being issued against you.
Immediate Consequences of OJW:
- License suspension by Colorado DMV
- Inability to renew your driver's license
- Ineligibility for a new license if moving to Colorado
- Full payment required immediately — no payment plans
Additional Criminal Risk: Driving with a suspended license due to OJW becomes a separate criminal charge (Driving Under Restraint), carrying additional fines, points, and potential jail time.
Why You Should Never Defend Yourself Against Traffic Infractions
🛑 The Procedural Disadvantage 🛑
Strict Liability Standard
Since most infractions are strict liability offenses, prosecutors only need to prove the violation occurred. Without understanding legal defenses and procedural requirements, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Technical Evidence Challenges
Modern traffic enforcement uses sophisticated technology—radar guns, cameras, laser devices—that require specific challenges regarding calibration, maintenance, and operator training.
No Jury Trial
Unlike criminal charges, traffic infractions are decided by a judge alone. This means your case depends entirely on presenting legal arguments effectively to someone who handles hundreds of these cases monthly.
Choose Beck Law Office for Traffic Defense
🚦 Get The Advantage of a Former former Deputy District Attorney🚦
Prosecution Strategy Knowledge
As a former Deputy District Attorney, Attorney Lori Beck knows exactly how traffic infractions are prosecuted and what evidence is needed for conviction.
Negotiation Leverage
Her prosecutorial background and relationships in Colorado courts often lead to better outcomes—reduced charges, dismissed cases, or alternative penalties.
Technical Defense Expertise
Understanding of radar/laser technology, proper signage requirements, and officer training standards allows for effective challenges to the evidence.
How We Fight Your Traffic Infractions
Common Defense Strategies
Challenge the Stop
Officers need proper justification for traffic stops. If the stop was improper, all evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed.
Attack Technical Evidence
- Radar/laser gun calibration records
- Officer training and certification
- Equipment maintenance logs
- Proper operation procedures
Question Legal Requirements
- Posted speed limit signs (visibility, placement, compliance)
- Construction zone markings and signage
- Traffic control device functionality
- Proper notice requirements
Negotiate Alternative Outcomes
- Reduction to lesser charges
- Community service in lieu of fines
- Traffic school options
- Deferred judgment agreements
Special Defenses for Specific Infractions
Speeding Violations
- Challenge radar/laser accuracy
- Question speed limit posting
- Emergency or necessity defenses
- Medical emergency circumstances
Right-of-Way Violations
- Traffic signal malfunction
- Emergency vehicle response
- Pedestrian behavior analysis
- Intersection design flaws
Equipment Violations
- Proof of subsequent compliance
- Manufacturing defect claims
- Emergency equipment failure
- Financial hardship considerations
The Smart Alternative: Fight Before You Pay
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Fighting Often Costs Less
Our legal fees are frequently less than the long-term insurance rate increases from paying infractions. When you consider seven years of higher premiums, fighting makes financial sense.
Better Outcomes Available
- Complete dismissal (no fine, no points, no record)
- Reduced charges with fewer consequences
- Alternative penalties that don’t affect your record
- Traffic school options for point reduction
When Fighting Makes the Most Sense
- Multiple Infractions: If you have several infractions, the cumulative point total could trigger license suspension.
- Clean Record at Risk: If you have a clean driving record that’s important for employment or insurance rates.
- Commercial Drivers: Any moving violation can affect CDL privileges and employment.
- Young Drivers: With lower point thresholds, even minor infractions can quickly lead to suspension.
- Professional Licenses: Some professional licenses require clean driving records.
— What Makes Our Traffic Defense Different? —
How Does Former Prosecutor Experience Help Your Traffic Case?
Former Prosecutor Advantage
- Prosecution Insight: Deep understanding of how traffic infractions are prosecuted allows us to anticipate prosecution strategies and build stronger defenses.
- 24+ Years Experience: Extensive experience defending traffic violations across municipal courts, county courts, and district courts throughout Colorado.
- Relationship Benefits: Professional relationships built during prosecutorial career often lead to better negotiation outcomes.
💼 "Best decision I ever made — Lori and her team were awesome..." — Adan Diaz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Sets Our Infraction Defense Apart
- Cost-Effective Results: Our legal fees are often less than the long-term insurance rate increases from paying infractions.
- Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of traffic enforcement technology and the legal requirements for valid citations.
- Multiple Resolution Options: Access to traffic school, community service, reduced charges, and dismissal possibilities.
- Full-Service Support: If your infraction involves related issues, we also provide DUI defense and criminal defense services.
- Court Coverage: Experienced in all Denver metro municipal courts, county courts, and traffic courts, with detailed knowledge of local prosecutors and judicial preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protecting Your License
Can I just pay my traffic infraction online and be done with it?
Yes, you can pay online, but it’s always a plea of guilty: While paying online is convenient, it’s legally equivalent to entering a guilty plea in court. You automatically accept all consequences: points on your license, insurance rate increases for seven years, and a permanent mark on your driving record that cannot be sealed.
A lawyer’s representation is often the better long-term option: Rather than accepting these consequences, legal representation might achieve complete dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative penalties that protect your record. When you consider that a single infraction can cost thousands in insurance increases over seven years, investing in legal defense often saves money while preserving your clean driving record.
Will a traffic infraction show up on background checks?
Yes, indefinitely: Traffic infractions remain on your driving record for seven years and cannot be sealed. Many employers, especially those requiring driving, will see these violations during background checks.
What happens if I don't pay my traffic infraction?
License suspension: Colorado DMV will issue an Outstanding Judgment Warrant (OJW) and suspend your license until you pay the full amount. You’ll also lose the option to make payment arrangements.
Can I get traffic school for my infraction?
Limited options: Traffic school is only available for specific violations and only once every 12 months. Additionally, you must be convicted first, meaning you’ve already accepted points and insurance consequences. Legal representation might achieve complete dismissal instead.
Do I need a lawyer for a "simple" traffic infraction?
Smart investment: When you consider that a single infraction can cost thousands in insurance rate increases over seven years, legal representation often pays for itself. A former prosecutor knows which cases can be dismissed and how to protect your record.
What if I was speeding because of an emergency?
Emergency defense available: Colorado law recognizes emergency situations as a defense to certain traffic violations. However, this requires proper legal presentation of evidence and testimony to be effective.
Don't Let "Minor" Infractions Create Major Problems
What seems like a simple traffic infraction today can become a significant burden tomorrow. Insurance companies are counting on you to just pay that ticket so they can raise your rates for seven years. The state is counting on you to accept points that bring you closer to license suspension.
Your driving record affects more than just driving—it impacts employment opportunities, insurance costs, and professional licensing. A clean record is valuable, and once you’ve paid that infraction, you can’t get it back.
The good news? Traffic infractions are often the most defensible traffic violations because they rely heavily on technical evidence and proper procedures. With the right legal representation, many infractions can be dismissed entirely or reduced to minimize long-term consequences.
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Serving Colorado's Front Range Traffic Courts
Beck Law Office defends traffic infractions throughout Colorado:
Counties Served: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
Municipal Courts: Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Thornton, Westminster, Lakewood, Arvada, Littleton, Englewood, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Broomfield, Longmont
County Courts: Jefferson County, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Boulder County, Douglas County
Traffic Court Experience: Detailed knowledge of local traffic court procedures, prosecutor practices, and judicial tendencies in each jurisdiction.