Most people assume a speeding ticket is just a fine and a few points on their license, but Colorado law draws a sharp line between minor speeding and high-speed violations that can land you in jail. How far over the limit you were traveling determines not only the size of your fine but also whether you are facing a civil infraction or a criminal charge. That distinction matters far more than most drivers realize when they see the lights in their rearview mirror.
If you have been cited for speeding in Colorado and are unsure what you are up against, getting legal guidance right away is a smart move. At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, we have handled thousands of traffic violations across Denver and the surrounding area, and we know how to evaluate your situation and pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf.
When Speeding Becomes a Criminal Offense
Colorado law classifies speeding offenses based on how much you exceed the posted limit or the reasonable and prudent speed. Not every speeding ticket puts you at risk of incarceration, but crossing certain thresholds changes the nature of the charge entirely.
Infractions vs. Misdemeanors
Driving 1 to 24 mph over the limit is treated as a Class A traffic infraction under C.R.S. § 42-4-1101. Infractions carry fines but no possibility of jail time. However, the moment you reach 25 mph over the limit, the offense becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. That single mile per hour can change everything. According to the Colorado State Patrol, speeding 25 mph or more over the posted limit is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines, court costs, community service, and jail time ranging from 10 to 90 days.
Drivers charged at this level often face additional charges alongside the speeding offense, such as reckless driving, which can elevate the overall consequences even further. The combination of charges can quickly turn what felt like a routine traffic stop into a serious legal matter.
License Points and Long-Term Consequences
Beyond the immediate risk of jail, speeding convictions carry points against your Colorado driver’s license that can affect your driving privileges. Speeding 10 to 19 mph over the limit adds 4 points to your record, while speeding 20 mph or more over the limit adds 6 points. These are considered high-point traffic violations in Colorado, and accumulating too many points within a 12-month period can trigger a license suspension.
Points from traffic violations stay on your driving record permanently, though they only affect your driving privileges for two years. For drivers who already carry points from prior citations, a high-speed ticket can push them dangerously close to a suspension threshold. This is one reason why many drivers are surprised to discover how serious their situation is after what seemed like a routine speeding citation.
What Happens in Court
When a speeding charge is elevated to a misdemeanor, you are required to appear in court rather than simply pay a fine online. The prosecutor will consider the specific facts of your case, including your speed, the road conditions, your driving history, and whether other charges are involved. In some situations, there may be room to negotiate a reduction in charges that avoids a criminal conviction and its long-term consequences.
Having an attorney review your case before you appear in court can make a meaningful difference. An experienced lawyer may be able to challenge the basis of the stop, question the accuracy of the speed measurement, or negotiate with the prosecutor for a more favorable resolution. If you want to understand your options before your court date, reviewing the information on hiring a lawyer for a speeding ticket is a helpful starting point.
Contact Shazam Kianpour & Associates for Colorado Traffic Defense
A speeding citation in Colorado can be far more serious than it appears on the surface, and facing a misdemeanor charge without legal representation puts you at a real disadvantage. Shazam Kianpour & Associates has spent over 22 years defending clients against traffic and criminal charges throughout Denver and the Front Range. Mr. Kianpour has tried an extensive range of traffic and misdemeanor cases and has developed deep relationships throughout the Colorado criminal justice system that benefit our clients at every stage of the process.
If you are facing a speeding charge and want to know where you stand, do not wait until your court date to get answers. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we may be able to help protect your record and your driving privileges.