Colorado criminal charge
Traffic offenses and infractions classified in Colorado
Traffic offenses and infractions classified is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 42-4-1701. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 42-4-1701.
How is traffic offenses and infractions classified classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic infraction (general) | civil infraction | Any violation of articles 1 to 3 or parts 1 to 3 and 5 to 19 of article 4 of title 42 not otherwise declared a felony, misdemeanor, petty offense, civil infraction, or misdemeanor traffic offense is a traffic infraction, constituting a civil matter. | 42-4-1701(1) |
| Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense (magistrate jurisdiction reference) | class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense | A county court magistrate may hear traffic infraction matters and matters involving class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses. | 42-4-1701(2)(a) |
Common questions about traffic offenses and infractions classified in Colorado
Is traffic offenses and infractions classified a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: traffic offenses and infractions classified ranges from a civil infraction to a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado under C.R.S. § 42-4-1701.
Traffic infraction (general): civil infraction (C.R.S. § 42-4-1701(1)) · Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense (magistrate jurisdiction reference): class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense (C.R.S. § 42-4-1701(2)(a))
Which Colorado statute covers traffic offenses and infractions classified?
Traffic offenses and infractions classified is governed by C.R.S. § 42-4-1701 (Traffic offenses and infractions classified - penalties - penalty and surcharge schedule - repeal).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.