Traffic Ticket Defense Durango
Traffic ticket defense in Durango, Colorado can help you avoid points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and potential license suspension by challenging citations and negotiating reduced penalties.
Common Traffic Violations and Penalties
Speeding violations represent the most frequent citations issued on Highway 160 and downtown Durango streets, with fines ranging from $100 to $500 depending on speed exceeded. Reckless driving charges carry more serious consequences including potential jail time and mandatory court appearances.
Careless driving citations often result from accidents or aggressive driving behaviors. Following too closely, improper lane changes, and failure to yield violations create additional penalties that can impact your driving record.
Red light violations and stop sign infractions carry automatic points and fines that affect insurance rates throughout Southwest Colorado. Cell phone use while driving has become increasingly common with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
Points System and License Consequences
Colorado uses a points system where violations accumulate on your driving record, with 12 points in 12 months triggering automatic license suspension. Minor infractions add 1-4 points while serious violations can add up to 12 points per offense.
License suspension affects employment opportunities, especially for commercial drivers and delivery personnel working in La Plata County. Motor vehicle department statistics show that approximately 82% of license suspensions result from point accumulation rather than single serious violations.
Challenging Traffic Citations in Court
Traffic court challenges require understanding radar calibration requirements, officer training records, and equipment maintenance logs that support citation validity. Technical defenses examine speed detection accuracy and proper citation procedures followed by law enforcement.
Witness testimony and photographic evidence can contradict officer observations about traffic conditions, weather factors, or road signage visibility. Constitutional challenges address unlawful stops or searches that violate Fourth Amendment protections during traffic enforcement.
Negotiating Reduced Charges and Penalties
Plea negotiations can reduce moving violations to non-moving infractions that avoid points on driving records. Deferred judgment programs allow dismissal of charges after completing defensive driving courses or community service requirements.
Traffic school completion often results in reduced fines and point reduction for eligible violations. Having handled traffic cases for over eleven years, including eight years as a Deputy Public Defender, provides insight into successful negotiation strategies with prosecutors and judges.
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
Commercial driver's license holders face stricter standards, where even a single violation can result in employment termination. Professional drivers must maintain clean records to preserve both CDL privileges and job opportunities.
Our Georgetown Law training and extensive traffic court experience help us identify the most effective defense strategies for each case. Traffic tickets carry consequences beyond just fines—contact NewbergerKing Law LLC today for experienced traffic defense that protects your license, insurance rates, and employment opportunities.