Habitual Traffic Offender Attorney

Is It Possible To Beat My Habitual Traffic Offender Charge?

Yes, It Is Possible To Beat Your Habitual Traffic Offender charge – But Only With An Experienced Colorado Springs Traffic Attorney Who Has Defended Thousands Of Cases.

I Can Beat Your Habitual Traffic Offender charge!

In the state of Colorado, the designation of “Habitual Traffic Offender” (HTO) is used to describe an individual who has been convicted of specific traffic offenses multiple times within a designated period. The legal ramifications of this designation are quite severe and include extended license suspension periods and potential imprisonment for subsequent driving offenses.

Definition and Criteria for Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO):

1. Timeframe: The habitual traffic offender statute primarily looks at traffic convictions within a 7-year period.
2. Types of Convictions: The criteria for being labeled a Habitual Traffic Offender are based on the accumulation of certain types of convictions within this 7-year timeframe. These convictions include:
   • Three or more convictions involving any combination of:
     • Driving under the influence (DUI)
     • Driving while ability impaired (DWAI)
     • Driving with a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.08 or greater
     • Reckless driving
     • Driving under restraint (DUR), which involves driving with a suspended, revoked, or restrained license.
     • Vehicular assault
     • Vehicular homicide
   • Ten or more convictions of separate and distinct offenses involving moving violations, singularly or in combination, in the commission of which three or more points could be assessed against the driver’s license.

Consequences of Being Declared a Habitual Traffic Offender:

1. License Revocation: Once designated as a Habitual Traffic Offender, the individual’s driver’s license will be revoked for a period of five years. It’s essential to understand that this is not just a suspension but a complete revocation.
2. Driving During Revocation Period: If an individual is caught driving during this five-year revocation period, they can face serious penalties, including:
   • Mandatory jail time, typically ranging from 30 days to 18 months.
   • Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.
   • Extension of the HTO revocation period.
3. Reinstatement: After serving the revocation period, individuals must go through a process to reinstate their driver’s license. This often involves:
   • Demonstrating an understanding of their offenses and a commitment to not repeat them.
   • Payment of reinstatement fees.
   • Completion of driving courses or other educational programs.
   • Providing proof of financial responsibility, typically through SR-22 insurance.
4. Alcohol and Drug Treatment: If the convictions leading to the HTO status involved alcohol or drug-related offenses, the individual might also be required to complete an alcohol and drug treatment program before reinstatement.

Other Considerations:

It’s important to note that Colorado’s Habitual Traffic Offender laws can be complicated, and the consequences of such a designation are severe. If someone finds themselves facing the potential of being labeled an HTO, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in traffic offenses. They can provide guidance, challenge potential convictions, and possibly help prevent the HTO designation or mitigate the consequences.

The Habitual Traffic Offender status in Colorado is a legal designation meant to deter repeat offenders and maintain road safety. Given the stringent penalties associated with this status and the complexities surrounding traffic laws, individuals should exercise caution and be aware of their driving records to avoid facing such severe consequences.

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