Important Information - Drivers License Issues and Traffic Offenses

DMV - Administrative Hearings

The Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) in Colorado can revoke or suspend your privilege to drive in Colorado for many and varied reasons. Some reasons have nothing to do with the operation of a vehicle (Possessing Alcohol By a Minor, Failure to Pay Child Support, Conviction of a felony drug offense, etc.). In most cases, a Hearing Officer at the Colorado Department of Revenue makes the determination of these issues at an Administrative Hearing. This process is distinct from, and very different than, a courtroom hearing before a judge.

In DUI cases, it is extremely important that you get sound legal advice immediately, even before you request an administrative hearing. Contacting an experienced lawyer such as the ones at Miller & Harrison, LLC is essential to the proper outcome of these matters.

Driver's License Point System

In addition, many traffic violations can have driver’s license consequences as well as consequences in Court, such as fines or even jail time, in addition to the points imposed against your driver's license in Colorado.

In Colorado, for people over 21 years old, the law is that if they receive 12 or more points against their license in a 12 month time period (from date of offense to date of offense - not court date to court date), or 18 points within a 24 months time period, the person’s license is suspended in Colorado for up to one year. It may be possible to obtain a probationary (restricted) license in some circumstances. People under 21 have fewer points to lose than those over 21.

Restitution Orders

With some offenses, the most important thing to watch out for is the “restitution” order. For example, in "Careless Driving Resulting in Bodily Injury" charges, some people have been able to resolve the matter fairly easily because it is just a 4-point traffic ticket - but then they are presented with a “restitution” bill for thousands of dollars since they admitted fault in the accident. They wish they had not been so quick to accept the prosecutor’s offer to settle the case.

It always makes sense to consult an experienced lawyer, such as those at Miller & Harrison, LLC, to be sure that there will be no surprises when you resolve your case.