Legally Reviewed by Shazam Kianpour on August 20, 2026
A speeding ticket in Denver can carry consequences well beyond the fine printed on the citation, including license points, higher insurance premiums, and in serious cases, criminal exposure. Paying the ticket without a second look is often the most expensive option available, since doing so is treated as an admission of guilt with long-term consequences attached.
Shazam Kianpour & Associates represents drivers across Denver who want to understand their options before deciding how to handle a speeding citation.
Understanding Speeding Ticket Penalties in Colorado
Colorado law imposes a point system on all traffic violations, and speeding tickets add a set number of points to a driver’s license depending on how far above the limit the driver was traveling:
- 1 to 4 mph over: 1 point.
- 5 to 9 mph over: 1 point.
- 10 to 19 mph over: 4 points.
- 20 to 39 mph over: 6 points.
- 40 mph or more over: 12 points, with license suspension possible.
For adult drivers in Colorado, accumulating 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months can trigger a license suspension. Fines for a speeding ticket in Denver can range from roughly $30 to several hundred dollars depending on the speed involved, and court costs add to that total.
How a Lawyer Can Reduce Fines and Points on Your License
One of the primary benefits of retaining an attorney for a speeding ticket is the potential to reduce or eliminate the penalties attached to it. A lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to have a charge reduced to a non-moving violation, which carries no license points and helps protect a driver’s insurance rate. In some cases, an attorney can also challenge the validity of the citation itself, including whether the radar or laser device was properly calibrated, whether the officer had adequate training with the speed-detection equipment used, whether posted speed limit signage was visible and compliant, and whether any procedural errors occurred in how the citation was issued.
Why a Single Ticket Can Affect Your Insurance for Years
Insurance companies use license points and violations to calculate risk, and even one speeding ticket can raise premiums for several years. The increase tends to be more significant for younger drivers or those who already have prior violations on their record. Reducing or eliminating the points attached to a citation is often the single most effective way to keep those long-term insurance costs from climbing.
When a Speeding Ticket Becomes a More Serious Legal Matter
Not every speeding citation is a minor traffic matter. In Colorado, excessive speeding or reckless driving can escalate into misdemeanor or even felony territory. A few examples include:
- Driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit in a marked construction zone, which can carry higher fines and potential jail time.
- Speeding combined with reckless driving or an accompanying DUI allegation, which can lead to separate criminal charges.
- Driving 40 mph or more above the posted limit, which can trigger automatic license suspension in addition to standard penalties.
In these situations, simply paying the fine is rarely the right move, since the underlying charge can carry consequences well beyond a citation, including a criminal record.
What to Expect When You Hire a Traffic Defense Attorney
Retaining an attorney typically means you do not have to appear in court yourself for routine hearings, since your lawyer can handle many court appearances on your behalf. Your attorney will review the citation, the officer’s equipment records and training, and the specific conditions of the stop before recommending whether to negotiate a reduced charge or contest the ticket outright. Local familiarity with how Denver-area courts and prosecutors typically handle speeding cases can meaningfully affect which strategy makes the most sense for your situation.
Talk to a Denver Traffic Defense Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer for a speeding ticket may seem unnecessary for what looks like a routine citation, but the potential savings in avoided points, protected insurance rates, and avoided license suspension often outweigh the cost of representation. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and discuss the specific citation you are facing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speeding Ticket Defense
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a single speeding ticket?
Often, yes. The long-term cost of higher insurance premiums and accumulated license points can exceed the cost of legal representation, particularly if an attorney can negotiate the charge down to a non-moving violation that carries no points.
How many points can cause my Colorado license to be suspended?
Adult drivers in Colorado can face license suspension after accumulating 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months. A single high-speed citation can add as much as 12 points on its own.
Can a speeding ticket become a criminal charge in Colorado?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Speeding 25 mph or more over the limit in a marked construction zone, speeding combined with reckless driving, or driving 40 mph or more above the posted limit can all carry consequences beyond a standard traffic citation.
Do I have to go to court myself if I hire an attorney?
In many routine traffic matters, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf, which can save you time away from work. Certain hearings may still require your presence, and your attorney can explain which apply to your specific case.
Can I challenge the accuracy of the radar or laser device used?
Yes. An attorney can request the device’s calibration and maintenance records and examine whether the officer had proper training with the specific equipment used, both of which can become relevant if the citation is contested.
About the Attorney
Denver Criminal Defense Attorney
Shazam Kianpour has represented clients in more than 10,000 criminal and traffic cases across the Denver area. He is a graduate of California Western School of Law, has been licensed in Colorado since 2004, and holds a Lead Counsel Verification in criminal law covering state felony, misdemeanor, and drunk driving defense.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.