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In driving school, you’re taught to obey all of the different traffic laws; make a full stop at a stop sign, always use your blinker to signal a turn, yield right of way to pedestrians, and so on and so forth. Most young drivers generally adhere to these rules because the penalties they could face for disobeying them are quite intimidating to a 16-year-old.

But as people get older and gain more experience on the roads, they tend to start to believe that there are some instances where they know better. They begin to think that the rules can be bent to suit their needs or that they may as well break the law, because the odds of being caught are relatively slim.

This may manifest in the form of minor traffic violations, like running a red light, but it also extends to more dangerous crimes, like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Denver driving under suspension lawyerThis kind of mentality is one of the many reasons U.S. roads see so many traffic accidents that could be prevented. It’s also one of the reasons that many cities have started to employ the use of speed and red light cameras to catch reckless drivers in the act and swiftly issue them a fine.

The thing about this kind of behavior is, it doesn’t necessarily stop with a fine from a speed camera or even a traffic ticket from a police officer. Few drivers realize that continuing to break the rules of the road could end up securing them a much more severe punishment: a revoked or suspended driver’s license.

Reasons for License Suspension

In Colorado, there are a plethora of reasons why one’s driver’s license might be revoked. They can be the result of the ramifications of bad or reckless driving, but they can also result from non-driving related crimes. Being aware of these reasons and using common sense can help you prevent a situation that calls for the suspension of your license.

Below are some of the most common reasons your license could be suspended or revoked:

  • Using a vehicle to assist in committing a felony
  • Failing to pay child supported as ordered by the court
  • Driving while having a medical condition for which you have been told not to operate a motor vehicle (epilepsy, vision problems, etc.)
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI)
  • Refusing to consent to a Breathalyzer test or BAC testing when requested after being stopped for suspected drunk driving
  • Failing to pay traffic tickets or fines
  • Failing to acquire auto insurance at the level required by the state
  • Being convicted for a driving related crime (hit and run, racing, etc.)
  • Accumulating an excess of violation “points” on your driving record

Points-Based Suspension in Colorado

Most of reasons for suspension that we covered above are pretty self explanatory. The only one that takes a little bit more understanding is suspension based on an excess of violation points. Points are awarded to drivers based on convictions for traffic violations. Some violations carry a low penalty of a couple of points, whereas other violations can put you over the points limit after only one conviction.

Whether or not a license is suspended or revoked depends both on the age of the driver as well as the amount of points they have accumulated in a specified time. In Colorado, license suspensions due to an excess of points can be broken down as follows:

  • Drivers 18-years-old and younger will receive a suspension if they accumulate 6 points in 12 months of less, or if they get 7 or more points on any one occasion.
  • Drivers between the ages of 18-21 can have their license suspended for earning themselves 9 points within 12 months, 12 points within 24 months, or by receiving 14 or more points before they turn 21.
  • Drivers 21 and over will see their licenses suspended if they acquire 12 points within 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.

Penalties of Driving on a Suspended License

Driving on a suspended license is never a good idea. Even if you just need to make a quick trip to the store, don’t do it. If you get pulled over, the police officer making the traffic stop is certainly not going to be happy to see that you’re on a suspended license. If you get into an accident, the consequences could be even worse.

In Colorado, driving on a suspended license will land you with a charge of “driving under restraint.” This is a misdemeanor in our state, and it can carry of sentence of up to six months in custody and can be combined with a fine of $50 to $500.

A second charge of “driving under restraint” within five years will result in you losing your license for 3 more years in addition to the suspension time you were already given.  If the restraint on your license was caused by an alcohol related offense, jail becomes a mandatory minimum 30 days up to six months.

In addition to these penalties for driving on a suspended license, there are several others you could receive:

  • Mandatory community service
  • Additional points on your driving record
  • Increased suspension time
  • If the incident was alcohol or drug-related, mandatory participation in a substance abuse program
  • Revocation or cancellation of your license

Applying for a Restricted or Probationary License

In some cases, and mind you those are rare, you may be able to request a limited suspension. This usually allows the driver to drive to work, school, community service, or certain other activities. In the case of a driver who lost their license because of a DUI or DWI, a limited suspension may be awarded if the driver is willing to place an ignition lock system in their car.

This requires the driver to test their blood alcohol content (BAC) before driving. If they’re sober, the ignition will unlock and allow them to drive. If the driver is drunk or possess a BAC over the legal limit, they’re locked out and unable to go anywhere.

Effect on Insurance

As you can probably imagine, a suspended or revoked license will not look good to insurance providers. Once your insurance company finds out, they’re probably going to flag you as a risk. This will, more likely than not, make your insurance rates skyrocket.

The effects of this could last only a little while or they could follow you from insurance company to insurance company. It all depends on which provider you’re with. Nobody wants to pay more in insurance, so it’s best to just not risk driving on a suspended license. With taxis, buses, trains, and rides from friends, there are plenty of other options for you to take advantage of.

Reinstatement

After your license has remained suspended for the specified amount of time, you should be able to apply for reinstatement. Keep in mind that the reinstatement procedure may differ depending on why your license was revoked in the first place. It all depends on the crime committed and whether or not this is the first instance of bad driving or you are a habitual offender. In Colorado, you can find out more about your reinstatement on the DMV website or by calling 303-205-5613.

Once you’re ready to apply for reinstatement, you’ll need to fill out and submit an Application for Reinstatement by mail. Along with this form, you’ll need to include:

  • Any documents required by your reinstatement conditions (proof of insurance, etc.)
  • A money order or check in the amount of $95
  • Your license or ID number

If your suspension was the result of unpaid tickets, failure to pay child support, or an excess of points, you may be able to get your license reinstated in person at one of the Colorado DMV full service license offices.

Get in Touch with an Attorney

The fact of the matter is; you can’t possibly know what the true consequences of running a red light or breaking a traffic law could be. It’s always a good idea not to take chances with this kind of thing but it’s important to know that that split second decision you make on the road could change your life, and the life of someone else, forever.

It could be you or a family member who has had their license suspended or revoked. No matter what the circumstances, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer. The criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law LLC have navigated this process before. In some cases, we may be able to help you challenge the basis for your suspension or help you negotiate a plea-bargain that can lessen the consequences of suspension or revocation.

Don’t hesitate; you never know what the outcome could be unless you try to change it. Call us at 720-479-8574 or contact us to set up a time to come in and let us review your case ASAP.

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Colleen Kelley is the Best

I have hired Colleen previously and she did wonders including case dismissal. The flat rate fee is such a wonderful carefree situation. I wouldn’t trust anyone else when it comes to felony legal matters.

— Dustin

Highly Recommended!

Mr. Wolf is an incredible attorney to work with. My father and I have spent some time over the past 10 years with him, and have always seen fantastic results from different types of situations. He is very intelligent, honest, and diligent about any work brought his way.

I highly recommend Mr. Wolf and will call him first, anytime I need legal advice or representation!

Thank you Jeff!

— Greg

Worth every penny. Wolf Law at your side.

Wolf Law LLC is an exceptional law firm that I would recommend to all in search for legal help or advice. I had a troublesome case, it had me very worried and distraught, I had no idea what to do. I talked with Jeff in a FREE consultation, he was very knowledgeable and understanding of my situation, it had made me feel a lot more comfortable about my case and the position I was in (as if I was family). Every time there was something new about my case or even if I had questions, I felt comforted and relieved, Jeff responded very quickly.

I know not every case is the same and may not be dismissed like mine was, but with Wolf Law in your corner, I believe you have a fighting chance. Thank you again Wolf Law for fighting with me!

— B. Davis

Highly Recommend Wolf Law for DUI Cases

I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me for a DUI and accident involving damages. While I knew I was 100 percent in the wrong, Jeff never once made me feel like a terrible person for making a mistake. He quickly responded to emails and always called me back quickly when I had questions (I had a lot of questions). I’ve never been in trouble with the law before, and Jeff was patient in explaining everything thoroughly to me throughout the entire process, and was also able to get my sentence reduced. I recommend him to anyone going through a similar situation.

— Emily

I Was Very Well Represented by Jeff

Regarding a DV assault charge, Jeff was able to have the judge do something he stated he’d never done in any similar case: he deferred my sentence, reduced probation, reduced the amount of classes I would have to take from being many weeks on end to 2 days, and instead of requiring a no-contact order (which would have left me homeless and unable to speak to my partner via any means), he placed me on a no-contact order with alcohol… That alone was the best thing I could hear.

Without going into details of my case, this was the best possible outcome I could have been given, and I’m so happy that I was recommended to him by a fellow law professional that went to school with Jeff. I will be using him again when the time comes to put this case behind me for good, and would recommend him to anyone who needs expert defense, and wants someone to explain your case in simple, yet professional terms. I felt very well taken care of. Thank you again, Jeff!

— Laurie A.

Jeff Wolf was Well Worth the Investment

When you get charged with a crime it is tough to deal with, mostly because you are embarrassed and disappointed with yourself for what you have done. I was charged with theft and was very worried about what type of impact that would have on my business professional career when applying for jobs. I contacted a few lawyers but knew that Jeff was the right direction to take. He made me feel more at ease knowing that people make mistakes and that this would not effect my whole life. He was very helpful and quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had.

During my time with Jeff he made me feel very comfortable and I knew going into everything what to expect, what to say, and how to present myself. Whether you hire a lawyer or not is your own decision. But to me what Jeff was able to provide was well worth it. I literally told him my story, how I felt and what type of outcome I was looking for on the first day. Besides showing up with him to court he did everything else and took care of everything. We were sentenced to the verdict that we were looking for and now I can move forward and put this case behind me. Thanks for all your help Jeff it was much appreciated.

— Nick

Expedient, Thorough and Effective

Fortunately, I don’t find myself needing legal representation often…only once before have I needed an attorney. My situation was interesting…I was given a disorderly conduct summons and felt it was far beyond the pale in terms of its validity. I didn’t want this on my record and needed help navigating the legal process. I did some research on a few attorneys and read about Jeff Wolf’s practice. I called Jeff and we spoke the same day. He listened to me and I met with him a few days later. He took the time to explain his process and approach, which made sense to me and seemed to be in the right dollar range for what we were dealing with. Thankfully, my case was dismissed. Jeff took the time to show the DA that there were inconsistencies all over the place and that there was no way I was guilty…likely shouldn’t have even been issued a summons. As I said to Jeff, I hope I never have to talk with him again, but I won’t hesitate to call if need be.

— Christian

Excellent Lawyer

I would like to share my experience and recommend Jeffrey Wolf at Wolf Law for their dedication and awesome team. I had recently contacted the Wolf Law firm with a rather challenging case and he was able to get it resolved satisfactorily and for that, thank you.

— Cece M.

Great Attorney

I contacted Mr. Wolf through a reference from a separate out-of-county attorney’s office. I was very pleased with his professional attitude and staff, but mostly the results he was able to achieve for my case. I would definitely recommend Jeff and hire him again if I ever need to.

— Jeremy

Outstanding Results

I have contracted Cassandra twice now and both times had outstanding results. In the first case she got the results I tried to obtain with ease. When I spoke on my own behalf to the district attorney they wouldn’t budge in any way. Once Cassandra was involved it was like watching a master at work. She stated the facts and provided evidence to back her argument in my situation and actually got better results then I initially wanted. Then in a second unexpected turn of events she yet again worked her magic. She remained real with me the entire time and explained the reality of the situation and prepared me for the worst while still working hard to achieve the best results and let me tell you she far beyond exceeded expectations. Her hard work and perseverance caused unheard of result and I couldn’t be more satisfied. Throughout the entire process she never misled me, always remained patient and understanding; she always listened and always made sure to go the extra mile to make sure things went as planned. I was never charged with surprise fees or felt taken advantage of financially in any way. What I paid for the service and commitment to my case is unheard of in this day and age. I would recommend Cassandra and Wolf Law to anyone I know who is having legal troubles. You will not be disappointed! Sincerely thank you again to Cassandra and Wolf Law for everything you have done.

— Ryan W.