Denver Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) Lawyer

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  • Speak with An Experienced Defense Attorney Today
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  • Speak with An Experienced Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing a habitual traffic offender (HTO) designation in Colorado, you’re also facing the possibility of losing your driver’s license for at least five years.

A mature female law enforcement officer stands by a vehicle she has stopped and takes the driver's license from a middle aged man
Multiple, major traffic violations can lead to HTO status in Colorado.

The Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law have helped many clients who were declared habitual traffic offenders or who were at risk for the HTO designation. Our lawyers understand the complex rules regarding HTO status, and we can help you determine the best solution for your unique circumstances.

Call Wolf Law today at 720-479-8574 for a free consultation or contact us online to tell us your story now.

How Does a Driver Become a Habitual Traffic Offender?

There are multiple situations that may lead a Colorado driver to be considered a habitual traffic offender:

  • A driver is convicted of at least three major traffic violations within a seven-year period.
  • A driver accumulates 10 or more traffic violation convictions within a five-year period, with each violation resulting in a DMV point assessment of four or more points.
  • A driver is convicted of at least 18 traffic convictions within a five-year period, with each violation resulting in a DMV point assessment of three or fewer points.

When it comes to the HTO designation in Colorado, traffic convictions are specific to major offenses, which include but are not limited to:

In some cases, traffic violations acquired in other states may apply to a Colorado driver’s total traffic convictions.

HTO Penalties in Colorado

A driver designated as a habitual traffic offender in Colorado will lose his or her license for a minimum of five years. Depending on the traffic violations in question, additional criminal penalties including fines and jail time may also apply.

Policeman stops woman driver to give her a traffic ticket for speeding.
An HTO designation in Colorado can have a driver losing his or her license for at least five years.

A habitual traffic offender who is convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license can face up to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

In addition to the corresponding penalties, an HTO designation and the loss of your driver’s license can have significant impacts on your daily routine. A revoked driver’s license can affect your ability to travel for work, or take your kids to school or extracurricular activities; it can make grocery shopping a challenge and limit your ability to respond to emergency situations.

Unfortunately, many people don’t have a detailed understanding of their traffic record and license points status, or of Colorado’s HTO rules. This leads to many drivers unknowingly becoming habitual traffic offenders.

What is Driving After Revocation Prohibited (DARP)?

An HTO designation can lead to further and more severe penalties for future violations, such as driving after revocation prohibited (DARP).

DARP is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by mandatory jail time ranging from six to 18 months in jail and fines up to $5,000. A DARP conviction may also be accompanied by community service and an additional driver’s license restraint of five years or longer.

A DARP violation occurs when a driver who has already been deemed a habitual traffic offender commits subsequent offenses such as:

  • DUI
  • DUI per se
  • DWAI
  • Reckless driving
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement

Probation is not available to individuals facing a DARP violation, though in some cases community service may be assigned to suspend all or a portion of the jail sentence and/or fine. In the case of aggravating factors, a DARP offense may increase to a Class 6 felony, the penalties for which include a mandatory jail sentence of at least 60 days.

Get the HTO Defense You Need and Deserve

A law book with a gavel - Criminal law
The Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law have extensive experience in traffic cases, including those involving HTO designations and DARP violations.

If you’re facing an HTO designation or DARP charges in Colorado, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and your driving privileges is to contact a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.

The Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law have extensive experience in traffic cases, including those related to DUI/DWAI, driving with a suspended license, HTO status, and DARP violations. Our lawyers offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your options, and we fight hard to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

If you are confronted with possible HTO status or you were recently designated a habitual traffic offender, please call Wolf Law today at 720-479-8574 or contact us online to arrange your complimentary consultation.

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Jeffrey handle my domestic case with sympathy and understanding. He reviewed all the facts and found that l was actually the victim in his opinion and never should have been put in the position l found myself. He reviewed his findings/opinion with the DA and got my case dismissed. Jeffrey was very thorough, sympathetic and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him.

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I called Jeff and talked to him about my case. His experience in this area put me at ease. Jeff guided me through everything I needed to do to see this case through. The greatest thing is that I never had to leave home to clear this up. At the end of the day Jeff cleared my case (Case Dismissed) without me ever leaving Boston. Jeff is incredible, and his team is equally amazing.

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