Every driver in Colorado has had moments on the road where a split-second decision carries lasting consequences. A Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado is not just another ticket; it is a criminal offense with potential penalties including 10 days to one year in jail, fines between $300 and $1,000, or both, along with DMV points that may lead to license suspension, as the Colorado General Assembly explains. Examples of these offenses include speeding 25 mph or more in a construction zone, engaging in a speed contest, and careless driving that results in bodily injury. With penalties this severe, consulting a Greeley Traffic Offenses Lawyer at McAdams Law Office can make all the difference in how your case moves forward.
A Class 1 traffic misdemeanor involves the most serious non-felony traffic crimes in Colorado. These offenses go beyond minor infractions and place public safety at greater risk. Common examples include:
Each of these scenarios can lead to criminal penalties and administrative consequences with the Colorado Department of Revenue, which oversees driver licensing. This means that penalties extend beyond the courtroom, affecting your ability to keep driving legally in Colorado.
¨We’re not just a business in Weld County; we’re a part of the community. Living and working here, we’re dedicated to supporting the people of Greeley. Our office is right by the courthouse, deep in the heart of the local legal scene. With over 140 jury trials in 20 years, our experienced attorneys understand that everyone deserves respect and a strong defense, no matter the situation¨
Conviction brings both criminal and collateral penalties. Sentencing for these offenses can include 10 days to one year in jail and fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, or a combination of both, as outlined by the Colorado General Assembly. In many cases, drivers also face DMV points that threaten their license status. Beyond those immediate consequences, courts often add further obligations such as:
Because these penalties often accumulate, even a first conviction can disrupt employment, raise insurance premiums, and significantly make daily life more difficult. For many drivers, these combined effects linger long after the case closes, creating financial and personal challenges that are hard to ignore.
The difference lies in severity and consequences. Traffic infractions in Colorado, such as rolling through a stop sign or minor speeding, typically result in a ticket and fines but do not carry jail time. Class 2 traffic misdemeanors, while criminal, involve less serious conduct, such as driving without insurance or less dangerous forms of careless driving.
By contrast, a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado carries mandatory minimum penalties, potential incarceration, and long-term impacts on driving privileges. This distinction underscores why it is treated by prosecutors and judges as closer to a criminal act than a simple traffic violation.
Building a defense against a traffic misdemeanor requires a careful look at the circumstances of the stop, the evidence collected, and the way charges are presented in court. While no two cases are identical, certain approaches often prove effective in Greeley and throughout Weld County. These include:
Every defense strategy is tailored to the specific facts and how Weld County prosecutors present their case. A thoughtful review of the record, witness accounts, and technical evidence often determines whether the charge is reduced or dismissed.
Traffic misdemeanors may start as a traffic stop but can quickly become a courtroom matter with consequences that last for years. At McAdams Law Office, we represent drivers in Greeley facing a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado and work to protect what matters most: your license, livelihood, and record. Call us today at (970) 353-0000 to speak with a local attorney familiar with Weld County courts and how these cases are handled.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.