Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

I hit a parked car in a parking lot of a courthouse in Arapahoe County, Colorado. I was charged with careless driving (a misdemeanor) with four points on my license. This is all because a witness made a statement. The other car and mine were not damaged (at most a few scratches). I have a hearing set for mid-October. What will happen at the hearing? Does the owner of the other vehicle have any say about my punishment? What's the best and worst outcomes? Will the witness be testifying? By the way, I'm 18, and I've never had a ticket or accident before. I've only had my license since March.


Asked on 8/13/12, 10:56 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Damon Cassens Waters, Kubik, and Cassens

Most likely what wil happen on that date is the DA will offer you a plea bargain. You need to prepare to either accept the offer or to set the matter for trial.

Technically the victim gets to give input on the disposition; realistically the victim probably won't care as long as their damage gets paid for.

Best outcome is a dismissal if you can arrange it; the worst possible outcome is up to 90 days of jail. Neither are very likely.

The only way the witness will appear and testify is if this is the trial. If it is a pretrial conference, the witness won't appear.

Read more
Answered on 8/13/12, 2:54 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Colorado