If you’ve been accused of traffic-related crimes or infractions, it’s important that you know that you have the right to defend yourself. You can decide that you don’t accept the ticket you’ve been given or don’t agree with the traffic offense charges you face. Your attorney can help you defend yourself, so you can make sure you aren’t treated unfairly or with a bias.
What is a traffic infraction, and can it be fought?
A traffic infraction is something that you receive a ticket for. For instance, you may get a speeding ticket, which is an infraction, or you may get a ticket for running a red light if no one was injured.
Traffic infractions may be paid or can be fought. For example, if you choose to pay the penalty, you need to pay what is shown on your ticket within 20 days to the local Bureau of Motor Vehicles. When you pay, you do plead guilty, so if you don’t want to admit guilt, you’ll want to go to the court date provided on the ticket.
Is a traffic offense serious?
Yes. It’s an offense like reckless driving or careless driving, both of which could put others in danger. A traffic offense, unlike an infraction, is a criminal case. That means you could go to jail if you’re found guilty, which is why your attorney will want to help you build a defense before you go to court.
At trial, you can call your own witnesses, and you have the option of staying silent to protect your own interests. Your attorney can help you decide on the best method for your case.
Source: Colorado Courts, “Infractions,” accessed July 26, 2016