Habitual Offender
Home Up

GUSTAFSON LAW OFFICE
Colorado Springs, Colorado    El Paso County
Robert D. Gustafson  *  Attorney at Law  *  Colorado Springs
  COLORADO DMV HABITUAL OFFENDER DEFENSE

Email Attorney 

Attorney Vita

ATTORNEY TELEPHONE - NOT DMV
(719) 260-1002
Attorney Fax (719) 260-1003  **  Toll Free (800) 410-1002
Hours Consultation Terms

Fees & Costs

Retainer Documents Driving Directions Maps to Attorney Travel * Trade Area * Courts
 
 

COLORADO HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
COLORADO DOR - DMV LICENSE REVOCATION
COLORADO DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE

ATTORNEY HOMEPAGE
Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles  **  Colorado DMV  **  Colorado MVD
Colorado DMV / DOR habitual traffic offender defense - convictions, DMV criteria, ruling and effect 
5 five year license loss & SR-22 insurance. Interlock device, collateral attack and other defenses
PRIVATE ATTORNEY
NOT THE DMV

Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Lawyer and Traffic Defense Lawyer
Attorney Trial Practice 30+ years Colorado State Courts, Colorado Springs Municipal Court, Colorado DMV License Hearings & Appeals

representation inquiries are invited & most welcome ** questions from public seeking free advice or information declined ** first consultation terms
attorney does not accept installment payments  *  full payment is due at the time attorney is retained  *  major charge cards accepted
 

WEBPAGE INDEX

 

General Information & Probationary License Potential Defenses Selected Statutes
Subsequent Driving Misdemeanor Felony
Do I Need An Attorney? HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Statutory Criteria - Convictions
Reinstatement Alcohol
ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS Reinstatement Non-Alcohol
 
 
OUT OF STATE RESTRAINED DRIVERS SEEKING COLORADO LICENSE if you are not a Colorado legal resident
please do not call the attorney regarding probationary license eligibility

 

Interlock Vendors

Installation & Monitoring

Driving Under Restraint

ATTORNEY POLICIES
 Cases Outside Colorado Springs - Travel
 No Pro Bono Assistance  *  No Installment Payment
 Legal Advice Limited to Clients - Not General Public
 Representation Now - Another Attorney or Self
 Attorney Representation & Declined Matters
 Post Hearing - Appeal to District Court or Court of Appeals
 
 
Colorado Springs, Colorado, DMV, DOR, habitual, offender, habitual offender, defenses, convictions, criteria, habitual ruling, habitual finding, driver, license, hearing, loss, lost, suspension, revocation, denial, collateral attack, reinstatement, reinstate, habitual traffic offender
 
           Related DMV Information * Legal Representation * Traffic Defense * Gustafson Law Office  

TRAFFIC DEFENSE

DUI - DWAI - DEAC  *  Driving Under Restraint  *  No Operator's License  *  Speeding DMV DEFENSE DMV Appeal
Speed Contest - Drag Racing  *  Eluding Police  *  Hit & Run  *  Compulsory Insurance License Hearings * Point Structure * Forms
Reckless Driving - Careless Driving  *    *  Weaving - Roadways Laned for Traffic Habitual Offender  *  Interstate Compact
Minor - Alcohol Red Light - Stop Sign  *  Traffic Definitions  *  Traffic Infraction vs. Crime  *  Traffic Cams Insurance SR-22 Interlock  Driving Records

GENERAL INFORMATION and PROBATIONARY LICENSE
HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER

 

        If a driver meets statutory criteria, after a due process hearing the driver will be found by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Hearing and Appeals to be an habitual traffic offender.  In such event, the driving privileges are revoked or denied in Colorado for a period of five (5) years.  The driver can not shorten the period with "credit for good behavior."

 

        During the period of habitual offender revocation or denial, the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles can not issue any driving privileges whatsoever, except interlock.  Please refer to the Interlock Device & Probationary License page herein.

Authority.  CRS 42-2-205. Prohibition.
        (1) No license to operate motor vehicles in this state shall be issued to an habitual offender, nor shall an habitual offender operate a motor vehicle in this state:
                (a) For a period of five years from the date of the order of the department finding such person to be an habitual offender except as may be permitted by CRS 42-2-132.5; and
                (b) Until such time as financial responsibility requirements are met.

 

        If the habitual offender finding is not alcohol related, the DMV does not have statutory authority to issue an interlock probationary license.

Authority.  CRS 42-2-132.5(1.5) early reinstatement interlock restricted probationary license provisions:
       
(c) No person who has been designated an habitual offender under the provisions of CRS 42-2-202 for any offense other than a violation of CRS 42-4-1301, 42-2-138, or 42-4-1401 shall be eligible for a restricted license pursuant to this subsection (1.5).

 

        DMV has statutory authority to issue an interlock probationary license interim restricted license during restraint if the habitual offender finding is alcohol related.
  Not eligible during the first year; thereafter eligible
"
red license" to drive back and forth to work or on the job) may be available in the discretion of the DMV if you meet criteria
Regarding
probationary license restrictions & requirements, refer to reinstatement below  (interlock consecutive)
 
   

Authority.  CRS 42-2-205. Prohibition.
        (1) No license to operate motor vehicles in this state shall be issued to an habitual offender, nor shall an habitual offender operate a motor vehicle in this state:
                (a) For a period of five years from the date of the order of the department finding such person to be an habitual offender except as may be permitted by section 42-2-132.5; and
                (b) Until such time as financial responsibility requirements are met.

 
   

Authority.  CRS 42-2-132.5(1.5)(a) "A person whose privilege to drive has been revoked for more than one year because of a violation of any provision of CRS 42-4-1301(1) (a), (1)(b), or (2) or has been revoked for more than one year under any provision of section 42-2-126 may voluntarily apply for an early reinstatement with a restricted license under the provisions of this section after the person's privilege to drive has been revoked for one year. The restrictions imposed pursuant to this section shall remain in effect for the longer of one year or the total time period remaining on the license restraint prior to early reinstatement."

 

 
  1. Three (3) major offenses within 7 years  CRS 42-2-202(2)
            alcohol related offenses - 
    DUI - DEACDWAI
            reckless driving
            driving under suspension, revocation or denial - driving under restraint
            giving false information to the DMV
            vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide which results from operation of a motor vehicle or joyriding
            hit and run in any accident involving death or personal injuries

  2. Ten (10) or more convictions within 5 years - moving violations 4 points or more  CRS 42-2-202(3)
            Includes traffic infractions and penalty assessment tickets

  3. Eighteen (18) or more convictions within 5 years - moving violations 3 points or more  CRS 42-2-202(3)
            Includes traffic infractions and penalty assessment tickets

  4. All convictions must be separate and distinct - not arising out of the same criminal episode

  5. Period of license revocation or denial - five (5) years to run consecutive (back to back - not at the same time) to any other suspension, revocation or denial.  CRS 42-2-205  After a statutory waiting period, limited driving privileges during habitual status may become available with an interlock device.

ALFRED E. NEUMAN QUOTE (Mad Magazine):  "WHO ME?" 

 

Yes - you can become an habitual traffic offender and lose your license or driving privileges for 5 long years by merely speeding 9 mph over the limit or less.  Read again the above convictions criteria within five or seven years.  
  I've defended that type of driving after judgment prohibited felony criminal case when it carried mandatory minimum 1 year DOC penitentiary sentence to maximum 4 years DOC time.  
 
****************************** ****************************** ******************************
 
Major Offense Definitions
Habitual Traffic Offender
 

CRS 42-2-202. Habitual offenders — frequency and type of violations
       
Relevant Statutes
        (1) An habitual offender is any person, resident or nonresident, who has accumulated convictions for separate and distinct offenses described in subsection (2) of this section committed during a seven-year period or committed during a five-year period for separate and distinct offenses described in subsection (3) of this section; except that, where more than one included offense is committed within a one-day period, such multiple offenses shall be treated for the purposes of this part 2 as one offense. The record as maintained in the office of the department shall be considered prima facie evidence of the said convictions.
        (2)(a) An habitual offender is a person having three or more convictions of any of the following separate and distinct offenses arising out of separate acts committed within a period of seven years: 
                    (I) Driving a motor vehicle in violation of any provision of section 42-4-1301(1) or (2)(a); -
DUI - DEACDWAI
                    (II) Driving a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, in violation of section 42-4-1401;
                    (III) Driving a motor vehicle upon a highway while such person's license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle has been denied, suspended, or revoked, in violation of section 42-2-138; - driving under restraint
                    (IV) Knowingly making any false affidavit or swearing or affirming falsely to any matter or thing required by the motor vehicle laws or as to information required in the administration of such laws; 
                    (V) Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, or manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide which results from the operation of a motor vehicle, or aggravated motor vehicle theft, as such offenses are described in title 18, C.R.S.;    
                    (VI) Conviction of the driver of a motor vehicle involved in any accident involving death or personal injuries for failure to perform the duties required of such person under section 42-4-1601.  hit and run
             (b) The offenses included in subparagraphs (I), (II), (III), and (V) of paragraph (a) of this subsection (2) shall be deemed to include convictions under any federal law, any law of another state, or any ordinance of a municipality that substantially conforms to the statutory provisions of this state regulating the operation of motor vehicles. For purposes of this paragraph (b), the term "municipality" means any home rule or statutory city or town, a territorial charter city, or a city and county. 
        (3) A person is also an habitual offender if such person has ten or more convictions of separate and distinct offenses arising out of separate acts committed within a period of five years involving moving violations which provide for an assessment of four or more points each or eighteen or more convictions of separate and distinct offenses arising out of separate acts committed within a period of five years involving moving violations which provide for an assessment of three or less points each in the operation of a motor vehicle, which convictions are required to be reported to the department and result in the assessment of points under section 42-2-127, including any violations specified in subsection (2) of this section. 
        (4) For the purpose of this section, the term "conviction" has the meaning specified in section 42-2-127(6) and includes entry of judgment for commission of a traffic infraction as set forth in section 42-4-1701. 

MISDEMEANOR DRIVING UNDER RESTRAINT FELONY DRIVING UNDER RESTRAINT

        DMV has failed to provide adequate notice of hearing.  It periodically happens that the DMV fails to comply with hearing notice requirements, and thus has failed to acquire personal jurisdiction.  This would be a defense..

        DMV has assessed points or conviction against wrong person.  It periodically happens that when a court certifies a conviction and points to the DMV, the assessment is made against the wrong person.  Usually two persons have the same or similar names, but different dates of birth.  Error may have been made the law enforcement officer issuing the ticket, by a court clerk or by a DMV keypunch operator.  Certified copies of the court file (including the ticket) can be obtained from the originating court, introduced into evidence at DMV hearing.  Misidentification:

  1. Deprives the DOR hearing officer of use of the "conviction" or points to support DMV adverse action order (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status), or driver would have meritorious grounds for appeal.  Multiple Colorado cases have been decided regarding improper application of the law, however none have been decided specifically on the issue of misidentification.

  2. Will not affect the underlying court proceedings - but, they pertain to someone else.

  3. May not be used as a subsequent driving under restraint criminal case jurisdictional attack.

  4. May be a defense in a subsequent driving under restraint criminal charge as a collateral attack (DMV order void for lack of personal jurisdiction).  However that is questionable.  DMV has subject matter jurisdiction over license actions and personal jurisdiction is acquired when the notice of hearing is served.  There is no Colorado appellate caselaw on the issue of whether misidentification deprives the DMV of personal jurisdiction to proceed with adverse action.  If not argued at DMV hearing, use of an improper conviction may be considered a mere error in application of the law and denial of criminal case collateral attack.

        Points not identified on traffic infraction penalty assessment.  Periodically a state court or municipal court traffic infraction penalty assessment has been paid by mail or paid at an expedited and simplified traffic violations bureau, and the law enforcement officer failed to provide notice on the traffic infraction penalty notice (ticket) of points for each relevant charge.  Certified copies of the court file (including the ticket) can be obtained from the originating court, introduced into evidence at DMV hearing.  Failure to provide notice of points:

  1. Deprives the DOR hearing officer of use of the "conviction" or points to support DMV adverse action order (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status), or driver would have meritorious grounds for appeal.  Three Colorado cases have been decided on point.  

  2. Will not affect the underlying court proceedings or plea & payment.

  3. May not be used as a subsequent driving under restraint criminal case jurisdictional attack.

  4. May not be used as be a defense in a subsequent driving under restraint criminal charge as a collateral attack.  This issue does not rise to:
            DMV order void for lack of personal jurisdiction
            Deprivation of constitutionally protected right

  5. This prohibition of usage for DMV adverse action is not applicable if, in the underlying traffic case, the driver appeared in court and entered a guilty plea or was convicted at trial. 

        Municipal court default judgment - defendant failure to appear
        traffic infraction penalty assessment
        Periodically the law enforcement officer issues a traffic infraction penalty notice (ticket) into municipal court, the driver failed to appear in municipal court and default judgment enters. Certified copies of the court file (including the ticket and the court register of action) can be obtained from the originating court, introduced into evidence at DMV hearing.  Municipal court FTA default judgment:

  1. Deprives the DOR hearing officer of use of the "conviction" or points to support DMV adverse action order (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status), or driver would have meritorious grounds for appeal.  One Colorado case has been decided on point.  

  2. Will not affect the underlying court proceedings or the default judgment.

  3. May not be used as a subsequent driving under restraint criminal case jurisdictional attack.

  4. May not be used as be a defense in a subsequent driving under restraint criminal charge as a collateral attack.  This issue does not rise to:
            DMV order void for lack of personal jurisdiction
           
    Deprivation of constitutionally protected right

  5. Will not affect the DMV noting the infraction plea on the consumer driving abstract
            insurance rates may increase

  6. This prohibition of usage for DMV adverse action is not applicable if, in the underlying traffic case, the driver appeared in court and entered a guilty plea or was convicted at trial.

  7. Caveat:  Failure to appear will result in an outstanding judgment warrant fee ($30 in state court) which must be paid before a driver is eligible for license renewal or reinstatement.  OJW hold triggers suspension, is a hold against future licensing and will cause driving under uspension charges to be brought against the driver if he or she operates a motor vehicle before becoming reinstated.

****************************** ****************************** ******************************

        Penalty assessment notice deficiencyPeriodically a penalty assessment notice fails to comply with the requirements of Colorado state law.  Certified copies of the court file (including the ticket) can be obtained from the originating court, introduced into evidence at DMV hearing.  This has arisen in the context of the PA notice failing to advise the defendant that payment constitutes a guilty plea and will be used as a conviction.   PA notice deficiency:

  1. Deprives the DOR hearing officer of use of the "conviction" or points to support DMV adverse action order (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status), or driver would have meritorious grounds for appeal.  One Colorado case has been decided on point.  

  2. Will not affect the underlying court proceedings or the judgment - 
            A separate collateral attack would be required in the underlying court proceedings
            If the DOR is unable to use the "conviction" or points for DMV adverse action, in my opinion separate collateral attack would be a waste of time and money unless
                    The driver will incur significant insurance or employment consequences, such as hazmat CDL.
                    DMV uses "convictions" and points for a statutory period of time when issuing DMV adverse action notices (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status) - see Point Structure page.  If the driver has no intent to be a law abiding citizen, but intends to be a "truly dangerous criminal" and anticipates receiving another minor traffic infraction or DUI within the near future, the same issue may arise before expiration of the point suspension period or the period for which revocation, denial or habitual offender status may enter.  If the driver is unable to control his / her behavior, collateral attack in the underlying court proceedings may be worthwhile.

  3. May not be used as a subsequent driving under restraint criminal case jurisdictional attack.

  4. May be a defense in a subsequent driving under restraint criminal charge as a collateral attack - (inadequate notice reaches constitutional proportions)  However that is questionable - no Colorado cases have been decided whether PA notice deficiency may be used as a collateral attack in a subsequent driving under restraint criminal charge.  If not argued at DMV hearing, use of an improper conviction may be considered a mere error in application of the law and denial of criminal case collateral attack.

  5. Will not affect the DMV noting the infraction plea on the consumer driving abstract
            insurance rates may increase

  6. This prohibition of usage for DMV adverse action is not applicable if, in the underlying traffic case, the driver appeared in court and entered a guilty plea or was convicted at trial.

        Constitutional deprivation - penalty assessment notice deficiency
        or summons and complaint traffic offense.:
        A penalty assessment notice may be defective to the degree of constitutional proportions, or
        In a traffic offense, misdemeanor traffic offense or misdemeanor offense in a providency hearing under C.R.Crim.P. 11, the court may fail to adequately advise the defendant of his / her constitutional rights
        Whether PA notice, traffic offense, misdemeanor traffic offense or misdemeanor offense this usually arises as failure to advise of the right to counsel, but may be other constitutional rights.  Certified copies of the court file (including the ticket, register of action and transcript of court proceedings) can be obtained from the originating court, introduced into evidence at DMV hearing.  Error of constitutional proportion:

  1. Deprives the DOR hearing officer of use of the "conviction" or points to support DMV adverse action order (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status), or driver would have meritorious grounds for appeal.  Multiple Colorado cases have been decided on point.  

  2. Will not affect the underlying court proceedings or the judgment - 
            A separate collateral attack would be required in the underlying court proceedings
            If the DOR is unable to use the "conviction" or points for DMV adverse action, in my opinion separate collateral attack would be a waste of time and money unless
                    The driver will incur significant insurance or employment consequences, such as hazmat CDL.
                    DMV uses "convictions" and points for a statutory period of time when issuing DMV adverse action notices (suspension, revocation, denial or habitual offender status) - see Point Structure page.  If the driver has no intent to be a law abiding citizen, but intends to be a "truly dangerous criminal" and anticipates receiving another minor traffic infraction or DUI within the near future, the same issue may arise before expiration of the point suspension period or the period for which revocation, denial or habitual offender status may enter.  If the driver is unable to control his / her behavior, collateral attack in the underlying court proceedings may be worthwhile.

  3. May not be used as a subsequent driving under restraint criminal case jurisdictional attack.

  4. May be used as a defense in a subsequent driving under restraint criminal charge as a collateral attack - (defect reaching constitutional proportions).  Multiple Colorado cases have been decided on point.

  5. Will not affect the DMV noting the infraction or offense plea or conviction on the consumer driving abstract
            Insurance rates may increase

        The logic applied by Colorado appellate courts in this area is somewhat of a maze.  To simplify, each above defense will work in DMV adverse action hearings and appeal to district court should the DOR hearing officer rule against the driver.  Bottom line - except for DMV lack of jurisdiction or deprivation of constitutional rights in the underlying tickets, the arguments will not work as a collateral attack in driving under restraint criminal charges - if you snooze, you lose.  Driving under restraint criminal charges carry mandatory jail and some are felonies carrying penitentiary time.  If you have a license problem and your driver's license is important to you, it's a plan to consult an attorney as quickly as possible.

REINSTATEMENT OF COLORADO DRIVING PRIVILEGES
HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER - ALCOHOL RELATED REVOCATION OR DENIAL
Selected Statutes

 

Revocation - Reinstatement Information - Habitual Offender - Alcohol Related
                       
refer to link Continuing License Loss Until Reinstatement
1.  Application for reinstatement: by mail only to DMV Driver Control Section - Reinstatement  - not allowed at any DMV Office
2.  Written and driving tests:  mandatory.  CRS 42-2-126(7)(c)(I), CRS 42-2-127(12), CRS 42-2-111, DOR Regulation 1 CCR 204-6
3.  Mandatory interlock restricted license:  2 years - refer to persistent drunk driver   CRS 42-2-132.5(1.7)
        voluntary
probationary license interlock runs consecutive (back to back) with mandatory interlock - stacked times
4.  Insurance Requirement - Habitual Offender - Alcohol Related

Type of Insurance. 

Mandatory SR-22 Insurance 

Period Required. 

3 years or period of license restriction (longer period)
Authority.  CRS 42-2-132(2)(a)(II)(B), CRS 42-2-132.5(1.5)(b)(II), CRS 42-7-408(1)(b)
5.  Education required for reinstatement - Habitual Offender - Alcohol Related
            CRS 42-2-126(7)(c), CRS 42-2-127(14)(a)(1)(A)
  Level II Alcohol Education
completion proof required

Alcohol Education Grid: Level II Alcohol Education Classes
proof of enrollment - alcohol treatment agency discharge & referral summary required

   Alcohol Therapy
completion proof required
 
BAC 0.169 or Less Conviction:    68 Hours in not less than 8 months
BAC 0.17 or Greater Conviction: 86 Hours in not less than 10 months
proof of enrollment - alcohol treatment agency discharge & referral summary required
  DMV Forms Application for Reinstatement Affidavit of Enrollment - Alcohol Education or Therapy
    Alcohol Certification for Reinstatement Interlock Agreement Affidavit Affidavit - Out of State Residency

REINSTATEMENT OF COLORADO DRIVING PRIVILEGES
HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER - REVOCATION OR DENIAL NOT ALCOHOL RELATED
Selected Statutes

 

Revocation - Reinstatement Information - Habitual Offender - Not Alcohol Related
                       
refer to link Continuing License Loss Until Reinstatement
1.  Application for reinstatement: by mail only to DMV Driver Control Section - Reinstatement  - not allowed at any DMV Office
2.  Written and driving tests:  mandatory.  CRS 42-2-126(7)(c)(I), CRS 42-2-127(12), CRS 42-2-111, DOR Regulation 1 CCR 204-6
3.  Mandatory interlock restricted license:  not applicable - not alcohol related
4.  Insurance Requirement - Habitual Offender - Not Alcohol Related

Type of Insurance. 

Mandatory SR-22 Insurance 

Period Required. 

3 years or period of license restriction (longer period)
Authority.  CRS 42-2-132(2)(a)(II)(B), CRS 42-7-408(1)(b)
  DMV Forms Application for Reinstatement Affidavit - Out of State Residency

DMV Addresses and Links Driving Abstracts and Records DMV Point Structure On-Line Colorado Driving Records
Driver License & Hearing Defense DMV Appeal Legal Research Selected Statutes & Regs "Red" License & Interlock Devices
Insurance Actions SR-22 Insurance Habitual Traffic Offender Interstate Compact Accident Reports & DMV Forms
DMV Hearing
Defense
DMV Appeal
statute of limitations

Driving in Colorado is a constitutionally protected privilege, but nevertheless a privilege which may be lost.  Multiple statutes can cause loss of driving privileges for different driver behavior.  Drivers are entitled to a DMV hearing.  In some circumstances the right to hearing precedes potential DMV adverse action; under other Colorado traffic laws the adverse order is entered, then the driver is provided notice of the adverse action and right to request subsequent hearing.  If hearing has been held or a DMV final order has otherwise entered and the Colorado driver's license or Colorado driving privileges have been suspended, revoked or denied, the driver's remaining recourse is appeal to the District Court.  DMV appeal is subject to a statute of limitations.  Right to appeal may be lost if the driver delays.  Upon final order in the District Court, either party make take the case on appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals.  Refer to links for information.

CSPD Accident Cold Report    due within 72 hours of accident
obtain hardcopy cold report from CSPD Police Operations Center
State of Colorado On-Line Accident Report
accident report obsolete 8/4/04 unless no officer accident report
 

INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS
private investigators * process service * laboratories * transcription
refer to attorney-client privilege and attorney work product doctrine

ADVICE BY LAYMEN
forewarned is forearmed
advice by unsupervised paralegals & street corner lawyers

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE

 

Do I need an attorney?

Probably time to loosen the pocket book and hire a defense attorney.

DMV habitual offender status results in 5 year loss of driving privileges and can lead to later misdemeanor or felony criminal charges of driving after revocation prohibited (DARP) with county jail or state penitentiary time.  Habitual offender is serious.  You may retain my services or the services of another attorney, but hire competent counsel. 

 
 
 

ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS
HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE
Colorado Traffic Defense and Criminal Defense Trial Practice 30+ Years

 
 
 
 
 
map * travel policy - time & expenses * travel rates click jitney for travel tables
outside El Paso County
 

Habitual offender arises when sufficient convictions have occurred within a specified period as noted in this webpage.  Unless the DMV has assigned to the subject driver's abstract (driving record) a conviction pertaining to another person, the most likely defense to habitual finding is collateral attack - setting aside a former guilty plea or conviction.  Refer to the statute of limitations noted in that webpage - lapse of time may be problematic.  Collateral attack may be raised in the DMV hearing requesting continuance or reservation of jurisdiction to reconsider, however the attack occurs in the court of conviction and is independent from a DMV license hearing. 

Contemplated within the above flat fee is one court case conviction collateral attack as well as fees for habitual offender DMV defense and litigation costs in both the court case and the DMV habitual case.  Cost absorption includes court records and transcripts.  Essentially, a flat fee quoted after consultation is "the only price."  If additional convictions are subject to attack, refer to collateral attack fees and costs.  Reinstatement fees, interlock or SR-22 insurance costs are not included in the flat fee.  If client elects hourly fee billing, trust deposit would be required for all costs incurred in DMV defense plus collateral attack fees and costs.  Under either the flat fee or hourly structure, travel would be additional if any case is outside El Paso County.  Appeal is not included in the flat fee.

 

hourly fees may be less than offered flat fees, however are not capped and more likely may exceed offered flat fees
hourly fee option election by client --- payment of flat fee + estimated costs total trust deposit required to retain
trust deposit overage - refunded at case conclusion   **   undercapitalization - immediate trust deposit required
CLIENT'S INITIAL ELECTION RE FLAT FEE OR HOURLY FEES SHALL BE BINDING AND FINAL

 

 

attorney does not accept installment payments  *  full payment is due at the time attorney is retained  *  major charge cards accepted

 

HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE
 
Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson
ATTORNEY FEES

LITIGATION COSTS DEPOSIT

 
 

$ 5,000  
$ 0  
 
common trust deposit request
including attorney's fees & litigation costs - excluding travel
additional cost deposit may be requested as trial preparation proceeds & anticipated litigation expenses solidify

$5,000*

 

 
 
 
* this shall not constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate
Out of pocket litigation cost expenditures are the client's responsibility under hourly billing - trust deposit for attorney fees & costs required.
Refer above to costs absorption by attorney under flat fee billing structure.

At the time of the first visit, a prospective client will be given a quote for fees and estimated costs. The quote will be honored for a period of seven (7) days, after which quotes are subject to change without notice if this office has not been retained.  Fee quote and costs trust deposit is dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each individual case.  Attorney fee options + litigation costs: hourly fees or habitual flat fee at client's discretion - client's initial election is final.  Litigation costs are not included in fees - client's obligation under an hourly billing, but would be absorbed by attorney in the flat fee structure and not billed to the client.  Attorney is a sole practitioner with need to manage his caseload.  Pending proposed client acceptance and payment, retainer agreement proposals are subject to withdrawal.  Attorney reserves the right to decline any case.  Refer to:  a) first consultation  b) attorney fees * costs * billings page  c) additional information.

Client authorization is obtained for any large cost expense.  Final expenditure may run less or client may periodically be asked for additional amounts to be deposited to trust if fees and costs will exceed previous deposits. 

Client will be provided with a trust accounting and itemized billing statement when there has been activity on the account.  At the end of each case, a detailed accounting summary is provided and remaining trust proceeds are refunded.

trust deposit for anticipated fees & costs is due when retained

attorney does not accept installment payments

regular billings are scheduled on the 1st and 15th
if fees and costs are not paid as agreed, representation is withdrawn

 
PARTIAL LIST OF POTENTIAL COSTS
out of pocket costs are the responsibility of the client
appellate e-Filing District Court mandatory requirements
eService personal service of process
litigation costs fluctuate - not within attorney control
note: costs change & below cost information may be obsolete
 
link to Colorado Judicial Branch website
current costs information published by state
COLORADO STATE
COURT COSTS & FILING FEES
DMV Transcriptionists
generic costs litigation generic costs criminal
    Potential Expenses
Price   Client Background Search
Varies   DMV Out of State Driving Record
10.00   Accident Report
20.00   Offense Report
25.00   DMV discovery packet - estimate (actual may be more or less)
10.00   DA Office discovery packet - estimate (actual may be more or less)
10.00   Court records search & copy costs (actual may be more or less)
10.00   Copy expense at courthouse for prior offense files (estimate - may vary)
Varies   Traffic Safety Class
75.00   Public Service supervision fee
37.50   OJW fee to court (outstanding judgment warrant) - anticipating Integral Recoveries collection agency referral costs
95.00   DMV reinstatement fee
4.40   DMV clearance letter - certified copy of Colorado driving abstract
500.00   Private Investigator - variable based upon number of witnesses to interview
200.00   Law enforcement 911 / dispatch records, tapes & transcript - widely variable
200.00   Subpoena process service expense - depends on number of subpoenas issued
$3 per page  250.00   Transcriptionist - law enforcement 911 / dispatch audio files & investigator interview audio recordings if relevant
Varies   On-line legal research - dependent upon issues requiring legal research, if any
Rates   Travel time and expenses if the case is outside El Paso County
    Alcohol or Substance Testing & Testimony if Relevant
165.00   Toxicology - BAC Ethanol (alcohol) only
215.00   Toxicology - BAC Ethanol (alcohol) + NaFl (preservative)
consult counsel or lab
 
  Toxicology - UA qualitative or quantitative toxicology screen for marijuana, substance quantitative toxicology screen for marijuana or
                         qualitative and quantitative drug screen
3,000
 
  Laboratory - Toxicologist testimony hourly fees and travel mileage  -  if expert testimony relevant
                          misdemeanor hourly rate $350 - 5 hours travel time + minimum 1.5 hours court time

CAVEAT: Not all above costs will be relevant to any given case, and additional expenses not identified may be incurred in any individual case.  Costs quoted are subject to change by independent providers; actual costs paid will be billed.  *limited search pricing*  Refer to collateral attack fees and costs

 
 
****************************** ****************************** ******************************
 
First Consultation Accounting Structure Hourly Fees Costs Flat Fee - Definition
Settlement Phase Contested Phase Settlement Flat Fee Trial Flat Fee
Flat Fees - Phases Earned Compare Hourly vs Flat Fees Client's Election Final Travel Time & Expenses
Security for Fees & Costs Trust Account Withdrawal or Termination Alternatives to Private Counsel
Client Duty to Disclose Omission or Non-Disclosure Attorney Selection Retaining Gustafson Advice by Laymen

Thank you for considering my services; I appreciate your inquiry.

please feel free to call or email if you are a client or are seeking representation

DISCLOSURES
Privacy
 
Notice & Disclaimer
 
Ethics & Client Disclosures
 applicable whether site visitor
reads or not

 
INITIAL CONSULTATION TERMS
not an offer for legal advice - refer to link
attorney is a sole practitioner with need to manage his caseload
attorney reserves the right to decline any legal matter

PRIMARY WEBSITE

 

GUSTAFSON LAW OFFICE TOPICAL WEBSITES

DUI DEFENSE - DWAI & DEAC DRUNK DRIVING DEFENSE MIP - UNDERAGE ALCOHOL TRAFFIC TICKET DEFENSE DRIVING UNDER RESTRAINT SPEEDING TICKET DEFENSE
HIT AND RUN DEFENSE DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE CRIMINAL DEFENSE PROSTITUTION DEFENSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFENSE
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS NUISANCE FORFEITURE DEFENSE SHOPLIFTING - THEFT DEFENSE
FAMILY LAW DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE COLORADO DIVORCE LEGAL SEPARATION STEP-PARENT ADOPTION GRANDPARENT ADOPTION
PATERNITY - LEGAL PARENTAGE CHILD SUPPORT SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT RESTRAINING ORDERS DEBT COLLECTION PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS

 MAJOR SEARCH ENGINES

AltaVista AOL Search Ask Jeeves aka Teoma Bing - Microsoft Network Dogpile Excite Google
InfoSeek - Go Lycos Netscape Search WebCrawler Yahoo!
 

 Serving Colorado Springs Area Zip Codes

80918 80920 80919 80917 80915 80908 80132 80909 80913 80916 80921 80922 80925 80901 80902 80903 80904 80905 80906 80907 80910 80911 80912 80914 80921 80926 80928 80929 80930 80931 80933 80934 80935 80936 80937 80940 80941 80942 80943 80944 80945 80946 80947 80949 80950 80960 80962 80970 80977 80995 90997
 

Colorado Springs, Colorado, DMV, DOR, habitual, offender, habitual offender, defenses, convictions, criteria, habitual ruling, habitual finding, driver, license, hearing, loss, lost, suspension, revocation, denial, collateral attack, reinstatement, reinstate, habitual traffic offender, SR-22 insurance, interlock device, Colorado DMV, Colorado DOR, Colorado MVD, Colorado Department of Revenue, Colorado Dept. of Revenue, Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, Colorado Dept. of Motor Vehicles, driver license, driver's license, driver license defense, defense, lawyer, attorney, El Paso County, traffic tickets, traffic ticket, tickets, ticket, Colorado driver license, Colorado driver's license, driver's, license, suspended, revoked, denied, driving, privileges, driving privileges, Colorado driving privileges

Website Copyright © 2003 - All Rights Reserved - Document Revised January 30, 2012
mountains photo image, attorney photo image & law office logo copyright © Robert D. Gustafson - all rights reserved - no copyright claimed to other images
Website Initial Publication Date: October 18, 2003 - Republication Date:
July 22, 2011

Hit Counter