There are over 80,000 traffic related cases filed in Denver County Court each year. There are four basic types of traffic cases: Traffic Infractions, Traffic Offenses, Traffic Misdemeanors, and Photo Enforcement.
INFRACTIONS:
Most traffic tickets filed in County Court are for minor infractions of the law. Examples of traffic infractions are improper left turn, minor speeding violations, defective vehicle, obstructed view, stop sign, and red light violations. Infractions can be paid without making a court appearance. If a defendant pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of a traffic infraction they cannot be sentenced to jail time. If you would like information on INFRACTIONS IN THE CRIMINAL DIVISION, click [HERE].
TRAFFIC OFFENSES:
Traffic offenses are more serious in nature. Examples of traffic offenses are careless driving, no proof of insurance, and six point speeding violations. Persons charged with a traffic offense are required to make a court appearance. Jail time is a possibility if the defendant pleads guilty, or is found guilty, and the judicial officer deems jail time is appropriate.
MISDEMEANORS:
The most serious traffic related charges are misdemeanors. Examples of traffic related misdemeanors are driving under restraint, driving while impaired, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Persons charged with a misdemeanor are required to make a court appearance. Jail time is a possibility and is often mandatory, if the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty.
PHOTO ENFORCEMENT:
Photo Enforcement tickets can be for speeding or failure to properly stop at a red light. Photo Enforcement cases are heard in County Court only if the defendant wishes to plead not guilty and have their case decided by a judicial officer. Photo Enforcement cases can be paid without making a court appearance. Detailed information on these type of tickets can be found in the Photo Enforcement Section of this site.
TRAFFIC LAW
Denver Revised Municipal Code(D.R.M.C.) – Use this link to read the laws you were charged with violating.
Colorado Revised Statutes(C.R.S.) – Use this link to read the laws you were charged with violating.