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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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I Recommend Jeff Wolf to Anyone Needing Legal Defense

I retained the services of Jeff Wolf after I received a DUI. During the free consultation, Jeff reviewed his services and the details of what would happen before, during and after my trial. He was very thorough, supportive and diligent in ensuring all my questions were answered. I am thrilled with the level of service he provided for an extremely reasonable fee. Jeff was accessible and reassuring throughout this entire process. The end-result of my hearing was exactly what I had expected based on Jeff’s counseling. This is a direct result of his knowledge and experience with the court and the system. I was very impressed with his closing presentation in court and his professionalism and felt that the judge reduced my fines and my sentence because of Jeff’s efforts. I have already recommended him to two other people and will continue to recommend him to anyone requiring the services of a defense attorney.

— Monty

Jeff Wolf Helped Me Keep My Job

Jeff was a terrific advocate while representing me through my DWAI. He was professional. I am convinced that it was his prior trial experience and effective communication skills that secured a much more desirable sentence than I had expected. I am positive that Jeff’s representation made it so that I could keep my job.

— Matt

Amazing law firm

I am so glad I came across this law firm. I was fighting a domestic violence case and needed some assistance immediately. I picked up the phone and called Wolf Law and was treated like family from that moment on. Cole took my call and got me right to Jeff Wolf during that call so I can attain his services asap. Mr. Wolf went above and beyond and got me on his busy schedule to discuss the case and explain the legal process to me. Mr. Wolf stayed in constant contact throughout the case, providing updates as he received them so I knew how the case was going to proceed. I’m happy to say with all his effects and knowledge of the law we beat the case, I’m forever grateful of his services. I couldn’t have found a better firm to represent me.

— John

Helped Me Through a Rough Time!

I became quite the habitual traffic offender with two speeding tickets and one ticket with two charges totaling 12 points. Jeff brought the 12-pointer down to a 3-pointer and a small fine, and saved my license with the two other tickets at bay. I had a lot of trauma at the time of the tickets, and he not once judged me. He is quick to respond to a call or email or text and walks you through each process. I am so glad I listened to earlier reviews because he made this process so much easier. I would definitely recommend him to anyone dealing with similar infractions and problems!

— Tiffany

Excellent Representation!

Jeff was with me from Day 1 after getting pulled over for an accused DUI charge. Jeff’s knowledge of the process and responsiveness to my questions, concerns were impressive. His professionalism to me and in court was excellent. Jeff truly made this stressful and emotionally taxing situation 100 times better. I am grateful he was referred to me. I would definitely recommend Jeff if ever faced with a driving-related charge. Jeff will be my first call in the future for any legal counsel (which hopefully, is never again).

— Scott

DUI Charge Reduced to Reckless Driving

I approached Mr. Wolf due to a first-time DUI charge. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional throughout every step of the legal process. As a result of his diligence in court, the charges against me were reduced to reckless driving. I would recommend Mr. Wolf’s services to my friends and family.

— Gina

A Man of Passionate Action!

Colorado Law had recently passed a law, that would help me in the messy situation I was in. I knew immediately I had to find a lawyer to discuss the situation and the circumstances surrounding the process, and eligibility requirements for my specific case. I have to admit, I was very nervous reaching out to any lawyers who could help me.

So I did my research to the best of my ability, and having questions to ask to confirm I was making the right choice in a lawyer. A friend of mine who had previously worked with Mr. Wolf, had strongly recommended that I contact him. I am very grateful that I had! He was very respectful, and had a obvious passion to help me, asking specific questions surrounding my situation so that we can both deal with the issue at hand. Talking me through the processes and possible outcomes, straight forward. No sugar coating, which is nice because I value honesty.

Throughout the whole process, I was comfortable, and very trusting, as questions were answered accurately and after I tried contacting him with new questions or comments, he would return my call or email within 24 Hours! That showed me that he cared and was on top of his workload.

Nonetheless, the outcome of my case worked really well for me, and was a success. And for that, I want to show my gratitude.

Thank You Mr. Wolf for being on my side! I strongly recommend to anyone looking for a well competent lawyer, to contact Jeffrey Wolf at Wolf Law!

— Erwin H.

APPRECIATION

I would like to place on record the immense appreciation for Ms Colleen Kelly, Partner at Wolf Law LCC. I had an opportunity as a Solicitor to interact with her on behalf of one of my clients in a DV Matter. Her professionalism and knowledge of law is absolutely outstanding. She is extremely honest and straightforward in her legal advice. She always keeps the interest of the client a priority and safe guards the interest of the client at all times. She is an asset to the legal team and adds value with her expertise and knowledge.

— Nirvikar Singh, Advocate Supreme Court of India

A Great Lawyer

Colleen was a great lawyer and made everything easily understandable.

— Juan

Highly Professional

Jeffrey Wolf handled my traffic violation in a highly professional manner, giving it the same consideration and time as a more challenging case, during a very stressful time in my life. As soon as the accident happened, he was there to offer advice and help. He went to court for me, so I would not have to take time off of work to go. His care and concern for my well-being was top-notch. Thank you so much, Jeff!

— Carol P.