Traffic Law in La Plata County
La Plata County, located in the scenic San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, is home to Durango and attracts millions of visitors annually to its national parks, ski resorts, and outdoor recreation areas. The combination of mountain highways, tourist traffic, and local commuters creates a high volume of traffic enforcement activity throughout the county. Residents and visitors alike can face serious legal consequences from traffic violations, making it essential to understand their rights under Colorado law. A qualified Traffic Law lawyer can help navigate the complexities of Colorado's traffic statutes and protect your driving record and livelihood.
Courts Handling Traffic Law Cases in La Plata County
Traffic Law cases in La Plata County are primarily handled by the La Plata County Court, located in Durango, which hears misdemeanor traffic offenses, civil infractions, and minor violations. More serious traffic-related criminal matters, such as felony vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, are heard in the La Plata County District Court, also based in the Durango Justice Center. The City of Durango Municipal Court handles violations occurring within Durango city limits, including local ordinance infractions and certain moving violations.
Common Traffic Law Situations in La Plata County
Among the most common Traffic Law situations in La Plata County are speeding citations on US Highway 550 and US Highway 160, which are heavily patrolled corridors connecting Durango to surrounding mountain communities. Driving under the influence charges are also frequent, particularly during summer tourist season and around the Purgatory Resort area in winter. Reckless driving, failure to maintain lane on mountain roads, and commercial vehicle violations are also regularly seen, often carrying significant consequences for professional drivers.
Penalties and Outcomes in Colorado
Under Colorado law, traffic violations are classified as class A or class B traffic infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies depending on severity, with penalties ranging from fines and license points to jail time and license revocation. A standard speeding ticket can result in points added to your Colorado driving record, and accumulating 12 points within 12 months can lead to license suspension for adult drivers. More serious offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) carry mandatory minimum jail sentences, substantial fines, license revocation, and required alcohol education programs under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42.
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Why Go To Court for Traffic Law in La Plata County
Go To Court Lawyers connects people in La Plata County with experienced Traffic Law attorneys who understand the specific courts, local enforcement patterns, and Colorado traffic statutes that apply to your situation. With free 24/7 access to legal information and a lawyer booking service coming soon, Go To Court makes it simple to get the guidance you need when facing a traffic matter in southwestern Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I just pay my traffic ticket in La Plata County without fighting it?
Paying your traffic ticket in La Plata County is treated as an admission of guilt under Colorado law, which means points will be added to your driving record and your insurance premiums may increase. Depending on the number of points assessed, accumulating too many within a set period can trigger a license suspension by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Consulting a Traffic Law lawyer before paying a ticket can help you understand whether contesting the charge might result in a better outcome.
How does Colorado's points system work for traffic violations?
Colorado uses a points-based system under CRS 42-2-127, where each traffic conviction adds a set number of points to your driving record based on the severity of the offense. For adult drivers, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, or 18 points within 24 months, can result in a license suspension. A Traffic Law attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced charge that carries fewer points or seek a dismissal to protect your driving privileges.
Can a traffic lawyer help me avoid a DUI conviction in La Plata County?
A Traffic Law attorney can review the circumstances of your DUI arrest in La Plata County, including whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the stop, field sobriety testing, and chemical testing under Colorado's Express Consent law. Errors in procedure or faulty equipment can sometimes result in evidence being suppressed or charges being reduced or dismissed. Given that a DUI conviction in Colorado carries mandatory minimum penalties including jail time, fines, and license revocation, having experienced legal representation is highly advisable.
What is the difference between a traffic infraction and a traffic misdemeanor in Colorado?
In Colorado, a traffic infraction is a civil violation, not a criminal offense, and typically results in a fine and points on your license without the possibility of jail time. A traffic misdemeanor, such as reckless driving or driving with a revoked license, is a criminal charge that can result in jail time, larger fines, and a permanent criminal record. Understanding the classification of your charge is critical because misdemeanor traffic offenses in La Plata County are heard in county or district court and can have long-lasting consequences beyond your driving record.
Do out-of-state drivers need to worry about traffic tickets received in La Plata County, Colorado?
Yes, out-of-state drivers who receive traffic tickets in La Plata County should take them seriously because Colorado participates in the Driver License Compact, which shares conviction information with most other states. This means that a conviction for a moving violation in Colorado can result in points being assessed on your home state driving record and potential insurance premium increases. An attorney can sometimes resolve La Plata County traffic matters through remote appearances or written submissions, sparing out-of-state drivers the cost and inconvenience of returning to Colorado for court.