A speeding ticket rarely feels like a life-changing event, until the number on it crosses a line most drivers never knew existed. In Colorado, going 25 miles per hour or more over the posted or reasonable and prudent speed limit does not stay a routine traffic infraction. It becomes a criminal charge that can follow you long after the fine is paid.
At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, we have spent 22+ years defending drivers across the Denver metro area, and unlike a large firm where your file gets passed between paralegals, you work directly with an attorney who has handled thousands of traffic and criminal cases. Understanding exactly what you are up against is the first step toward protecting your license, your finances, and your record.
Where Colorado Draws the Line
Colorado law splits speeding violations into two categories, and the dividing line sits at 25 miles per hour over the limit. Under C.R.S. 42-4-1101, driving less than 25 mph over the limit is a traffic infraction. Once you hit that threshold, the charge shifts to a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
Think of it like a light switch rather than a dimmer. One mile per hour flips the entire case from a civil matter to a criminal one. An infraction cannot lead to jail time. A misdemeanor can.
What a Class 2 Misdemeanor Actually Means for You
A class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense carries the possibility of a fine and potential jail time. You may also be required to appear in court in person, and a conviction becomes part of your permanent record.
If the same violation happens inside a designated construction zone, the charge is elevated to a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense. Colorado takes work zone safety seriously, and prosecutors tend to pursue these cases aggressively.
When Careless or Reckless Driving Joins Your Speeding Charge
A high-end speeding citation does not always arrive alone. In our experience, officers often add a careless driving or reckless driving charge to a speeding ticket, even though those charges are usually reserved for accidents. If your paperwork lists one of them, your case is more serious than the ticket first suggested.
The difference matters. A reckless driving conviction counts as a habitual traffic strike in Colorado, and careless driving does not. Three strikes within seven years can lead to a five-year license suspension under the habitual traffic offender law, so one added charge can reach well beyond a single stop.
The stakes recently climbed again. A new Colorado traffic law that took effect on August 12, 2026, increased penalties for repeat speeding and illegal passing, and drivers with multiple speeding violations must now appear in court. One high-end speeding charge can cascade into court dates, license points, and license battles that stretch far beyond the original ticket.
How a Charge Like This Can Affect Your Driving Record
A conviction for excessive speeding results in a quick accumulation of points on your license. Enough points within a short period can lead to a suspended license, a serious problem if you depend on driving for work or family.
Court costs, surcharges, higher insurance premiums, and a possible required driving course also add up quickly, and a conviction can complicate any job that requires a clean driving history.
Building a Defense Against a High-End Speeding Charge
Every case depends on how the speed was measured, the road conditions, and whether the stop was conducted properly. Officers commonly rely on radar, LIDAR, or pacing techniques, and each can be challenged under the right circumstances.
We also look closely at whether the criminal justice process was followed as the law requires. A charge filed today can still be fought, reduced, or in some cases dismissed with the right representation.
Steps To Take If You Are Facing This Charge
If you were cited for driving 25 mph or more over the limit, a few early decisions can shape your case. Consider the following before your court date arrives:
- Do not pay the ticket outright, since doing so is treated as a guilty plea to a criminal misdemeanor
- Write down everything you remember about the stop, including the officer’s stated reason and the road conditions
- Avoid discussing the details of your case with the officer or on social media
- Reach out to a lawyer for your speeding ticket before your first court appearance
Taking these steps early gives your attorney the best starting point.
Shazam Kianpour & Associates
Whether your ticket says speeding, careless driving, or reckless driving, you should not navigate it alone. Our team has spent 22+ years handling traffic and criminal matters throughout the Denver area, and we bring the same fearless, personal approach to every case, from challenging the evidence to preparing for trial. Our attorneys are recognized by the National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
Reach out to our team today through our contact form so we can start building a defense strategy tailored to your stop.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.