Colorado Springs, CO criminal defense attorney Zoe Levesque talks about some common major traffic charges in Colorado. She notes that a common traffic-related offense is careless driving. This charge often arises when an individual is involved in an accident and is found at fault—or partially at fault—for disregarding road conditions, curves, grades, or traffic signals. Careless driving is broadly defined and generally involves negligent, imprudent behavior, without any requirement of intentional or reckless conduct.

Reckless driving, by contrast, is a more serious offense, reflecting a willful and wanton disregard for traffic rules, signals, and road conditions. It carries a higher level of culpability and more severe penalties.

Another frequent issue she encounters is leaving the scene of an accident or failing to report an accident. In all accidents—whether involving property damage, injury, or death—drivers have a legal duty to stop and report the incident. Leaving the scene is a strict liability offense, meaning that intent to evade responsibility is not required; simply leaving the scene constitutes a violation. Failure to report an accident, even in minor incidents such as parking lot fender-benders, can also result in legal consequences. Serious injuries resulting from leaving the scene can elevate the charge to a felony.

She also emphasizes that restitution is often part of traffic offense cases. This allows victims to recover damages related to the accident within the criminal court system, ensuring that accountability extends beyond fines or criminal penalties.