If you’ve been hit with an aggravated reckless driving charge in Colorado, it probably feels like your whole world stopped. You may be wondering what this really means, what you’re up against, and how it’s going to impact your future. That’s where this page comes in. We’re here to help you understand what you’re facing in plain, simple terms—and what you can do next.
What Reckless Driving Means in Colorado
In Colorado, reckless driving means you’re accused of driving in a way that shows you didn’t care about the safety of others. That doesn’t mean you had to hurt someone. It doesn’t even mean you meant to do anything wrong. It just means the police or prosecutor believe your driving put people in danger, and they think you knew it could.
It could be speeding in a way that goes far beyond the limit. It could mean weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring signals, or racing someone else. Sometimes, just how the driving looked to others is enough to bring this charge.
When It Becomes Aggravated
Reckless driving on its own is already serious. But it turns into aggravated reckless driving when there are certain added parts—things that make it more dangerous or harmful.
That might include hurting someone badly in a crash. It might mean you were also accused of being drunk or high while driving. Or maybe a child was in the car. It could also be based on how fast you were going or whether there was property damage.
The word “aggravated” means the charge is more severe, with bigger penalties. This kind of charge usually means the law thinks the public is at greater risk—and it wants to respond in a stronger way.
What the Law Says About Penalties
In Colorado, a regular reckless driving charge is usually a misdemeanor. If you’re found guilty, you could be looking at fines, points on your license, and possibly some jail time. But when it becomes aggravated, everything gets heavier.
That could mean steeper fines. It could mean jail or even prison, depending on the facts. You might lose your license for a long time. And if someone got hurt or there was property damage, you might be ordered to pay for that, too.
It’s not just about what the court does. Your insurance rates could skyrocket. You could lose your job, especially if it involves driving. And a mark on your record can follow you long after the case ends.
What the Prosecutor Has to Prove
To convict you, the state has to show that you drove in a way that clearly showed you didn’t care who got hurt. Then they have to show that one or more “aggravating” facts were there—like serious injuries, alcohol, or extreme speed.
The law in Colorado doesn’t need you to admit what you were thinking. They just have to show that your actions, taken together, looked like someone who didn’t care about the risk.
But that doesn’t mean they always get it right. There might be another side to the story. Maybe you were swerving to avoid a crash. Maybe you didn’t realize something was wrong. Or maybe what happened wasn’t as dangerous as it seemed at first.
How These Charges Can Affect Your Life
Most people charged with this have never been in serious trouble before. That makes this even harder. You’re probably worried about your future—your job, your family, your name. You might feel scared or ashamed. You might feel stuck. That’s completely normal. And it’s why it’s so important to have someone in your corner who knows how to help.
How to Defend Yourself
Defending an aggravated reckless driving charge isn’t about arguing for the sake of it. It’s about showing the court what really happened—and what didn’t. Maybe there was no real risk. Maybe you were driving fast, but not in a reckless way. Maybe the facts don’t match the charge. Or maybe there’s another charge that fits better.
Sometimes the best plan is to fight the charge head-on. Other times, the best option is to work toward a better deal—one that avoids jail, keeps your record clean, and lets you move forward. Every case is different. But every person deserves a fair shot.
Why It Matters Who Helps You
You only get one chance to handle this the right way. And the law isn’t kind to people who try to go it alone. This charge is serious. It can hurt your life, your job, and your family. And it won’t go away just because you didn’t mean to break the law.
If you’ve been charged, you need someone who understands how Colorado law works—and how to help a judge see the whole picture, not just the worst part of it. That’s where we come in.
What You Say Now Can Change Everything
One thing most people don’t know is how much your words and actions right now can shape the rest of your case. After getting charged, you might feel the need to explain yourself—to the officer, to the court, even to friends or family. That’s natural. But what you say can be used later, and not always in the way you expect.
This is a time to be quiet, calm, and careful. Don’t post anything on social media about what happened. Don’t guess about the facts. Don’t try to explain things to the police without help. Even small comments can be twisted or taken out of context. Instead, get someone on your side who can speak for you the right way. Someone who knows what matters in court—and what doesn’t.
Getting Your License Back
One of the toughest things about these charges is that they often lead to a license suspension. That can be a major blow. It affects how you work, how you get around, how you take care of your family.
Depending on the facts, there may be a way to fight the suspension or to get a limited license that lets you drive to work or school. But you have to act quickly. These cases often come with tight deadlines for requesting hearings or filing the right paperwork. Waiting too long can mean losing your chance. The sooner you reach out for help, the more options you might have.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
If you’re facing an aggravated reckless driving charge in Colorado, you don’t have to face it alone. You deserve someone who listens, who cares, and who knows how to help. The team at Hebets & McCallin P.C. has helped many people in your shoes—and we’re ready to help you too. Call us now to set up a time to talk. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you build a plan that makes sense. There’s no pressure. Just clear, honest help when you need it most.