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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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Wolf Law is your best option!

I’ve had the privilege of getting Jeff Wolf to represent me in my 1st DUI case. He did a great job explaining the case, the possible outcomes and overall getting good results. I highly recommend his services to anyone who has any moving violation infraction perhaps more and want to have the best results in court. Thank you Jeff.

— Marco

100% Worth It

Jeffrey Wolf was very professional, helped me feel better through an extremely scary process, and the serious case reached a favorable outcome. Highly recommend.

— JT

Truly There for You

Jeff is the best attorney my husband and I have used. He actually cared about what was best for my family. He actually fought for my husband and was on his side. He listened to my husband and made us feel like he was on our side and we could trust him with my husband’s future. I suggest to anyone looking for an attorney to put your trust in Jeff, he got us the best deal ever.

— Raena

Jeff Wolf

I was very impressed with the services provided and knowledge of him, and his firm. His direct communication and direction were very helpful and very much appreciated.

Thank you.

— Steve Bares

Responsive, Insightful, Professional and Compassionate

Jeff is not only great in the courtroom, but has a sense of caring and true passion for his profession. He takes the time to explain things with a productive attitude. I would highly recommend him and can’t thank him enough.

— Mike

Excellent Representation

After finding myself wrongfully accused of a DUI charge, Mr. Wolf fought to show the DA that I was not guilty and ultimately got the charge dismissed. Mr. Wolf’s knowledge, professionalism, and effectiveness made me feel comfortable and confident throughout my case. He was always more than willing to answer any questions I had promptly and thoroughly. Although this was an unfortunate situation, I couldn’t have asked for better representation. I would highly recommend Mr. Wolf!

— Anonymous

Look No Further – Jeff is the Best

I was falsely accused of a crime with serious consequences, was very depressed and got even more depressed and frustrated as I was interviewing attorneys to defend me. They had a broad spectrum of approaches and some were ready to head to trial immediately as it seemed they were primarily interested in battles and my money rather than my best interests. The first one was extremely arrogant and rushed to get me off the phone. My court appearance date was approaching and I was ready to give up when I came across Jeffrey’s website. I read he had once also been falsely accused which motivated him to become an attorney. After further reading, his philosophy appealed to me so I set up a free session.

I met with Jeffrey and told him what happened. He explained the alleged crime and potential consequences and then spoke about himself and his approach. I spent more time than the “free time” allocated but was never rushed. He listened, believed me and was really genuine as I had not witnessed before with other attorneys.

By the time we finished talking, I felt respected and not disrespected as I found out with this accusation, you are guilty until proven innocent from most everyone’s perspective. I hired Jeff on the spot and when I left his office, I felt this big burden lifted off my shoulders as I knew I could trust him to do his best for me. I was finally able to sleep that night and after several weeks able to put this out of my mind as being the constant main focus.

If you are seeking a very knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, honest and respectful attorney, Jeffrey fits the bill. He is a great listener and never rushed me even with a flat fee rate. He has a good rapport with the Court who also respectfully listens to him. He is well spoken in the courtroom. I have seen him in several cases reaching very good settlements for his clients. On my case, he provided me his opinion with his rationale as to how I should proceed but allowed me to then make a decision as to go to trial or take a plea bargain. He would fully support my decision either way. Jeff is very good in providing the pros and cons, risks, and potential scenarios that may play out. My case will be dismissed shortly and record sealed as a result of Jeff’s hard work, negotiations, poking holes in the accuser’s story pre-trial, and dedication to my satisfactory case resolution. If you want the best, look no further as you have found him. Thank you Jeff!

— David C.

The best lawyer you could ever hire !!!

Jeffrey Wolf is the best lawyer you could ever hire. He most definitely went way above and beyond the call of duty for me and my case. I’m sure that some of you have hired other lawyers in the past and it seemed like they drug their heels, and wouldn’t return calls, which made you feel that they didn’t care about you.

As far as I’m concerned that will never happen to you if you hire Jeffrey Wolf. He treated me like I was either his best friend or a member of his family, that’s how I felt dealing with him. I honestly looked forward to his calls. He seems like a super cool/good guy. If I lived in Colorado I would be honored to even hang out sometime, maybe shoot some pool, go bowling, ect just have fun. But the most important thing as far as business goes he got an amazing result for me in the case he represented me for. If yall don’t hire Jeffrey as your attorney then you’re making a HUGE mistake that you will probably regret the rest of your life. Again tyvvvvvvvm Jeffrey Wolf for taking care of me. You are the best.

— Francis White

The Best!

Jeff is very professional, knowledgeable, and as good of a lawyer as there is. I had a restraining order full of false allegations, and Jeff got everything dismissed. Even though it was a restraining order, Jeff treated my case as important as any other case. Thanks, Jeff!

— Anonymous

I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Lawyer

Until the night of my DUI, I had never been in trouble before so one could only imagine how scared I was. Facing a DUI with a possible felony/assault charge, I honestly wasn’t sure how I was going to get through it all. I happened to find Jeffrey Wolf through another lawyer. After meeting with him in person, I knew immediately that he was going to help me. I was a complete wreck from day 1 and yet he made me feel at ease with every meeting, phone call and court appearance.

One of the traits I appreciated most was his honesty. Mr. Wolf told me straight up from the beginning what could happen and what I was facing but reassured me that he would do everything he could to get me through it with the best outcome. Having him there with me through this process and through every court appearance with him by my side made it easier to handle and I am so grateful to have worked with him. At the end of it all, I was able to get probation with a deferred judgment on my case. I would absolutely refer Mr. Wolf to any of my friends and/or family!

— Nichole G.