It might seem crazy to hear that a person decided to drive through a crime scene in El Paso County last Tuesday, hitting a police cruiser and grazing a photojournalist, but that is exactly what happened. Crazier still is that, according to KKTV News, the driver had a warrant for their arrest. They were taken into custody after being pulled over by an officer who was present at the crime scene, investigating a deadly shooting. Luckily for the driver, police had already finished documenting all of the evidence from the crime scene, or they could be facing charges in addition to Careless Driving and Driving Without a License.

Castle Rock Careless Driving Definition

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Careless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1402 – is:

“A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving.”

This crime can be confused with Reckless Driving

Douglas County Reckless Driving Definition

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Reckless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1401 – is:

“A person who drives a motor vehicle, bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or low-power scooter in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or a willful disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”

Penalty for Careless and Reckless Driving in Parker, Colorado

Reckless Driving is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Parker, Colorado. If you are convicted a second or subsequent time, you will be facing a fine between $50-$1,000, and/or imprisoned in the Douglas County Jail for between 10 days to 6 months. You will also be facing the possibility of losing your license as this offense results in 8 points off your license. Careless Driving penalties are harsher if the driver’s actions cause injury to another. This will result in a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense as well as points off of your license.

If you or someone you love has been charged with Careless or Reckless Driving, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from O’Malley & Sawyer at 303-265-1950 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.