Speed Contests
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GUSTAFSON LAW OFFICE
Colorado Springs, Colorado    El Paso County
Robert D. Gustafson  *  Attorney at Law  *  Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS SPEED CONTESTS - DRAG RACING

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Attorney Vita

Phone (719) 260-1002
Fax (719) 260-1003  **  Toll Free (800) 410-1002
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Fees & Costs

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COLORADO SPRINGS DRAG RACING DEFENSE
SPEED CONTEST * ACCELERATION CONTEST * EXHIBITION OF SPEED

ATTORNEY HOMEPAGE

COLORADO SPRINGS TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Attorney Trial Practice 29+ years Colorado State Courts, Colorado Springs Municipal Court & Colorado DMV License Hearings & Appeals

STATE COURT PROSECUTION
speed contest, acceleration contest
exhibition of speed or acceleration
MUNICIPAL COURT PROSECUTION
speed contest, acceleration contest
exhibition of speed or acceleration
Nuisance Forfeiture
Not Yet - Not Today
Colorado DMV License Defense DMV License Reinstatement  
Accident Reports & Colorado DMV Forms
Colorado State Accident Report CSPD Accident Cold Report
Potential Defenses
ATTORNEYS FEES AND COSTS Do I Need an Attorney? Traffic Safety Classes Useful Public Service
 
Warning Right to Silence Search & Seizure Demeanor
Criminal Court Proceedings Felony Misdemeanor Municipal
Traffic Court Proceedings Traffic Infraction Traffic Offense Municipal
Deferred Sentencing Sentencing Defense  Criminal  *  Traffic  *  DMV
Traffic Definitions Bail Bond Remedial Links Completion Forms
Self Legal Research Accounting Legal Forms On-Line * Hardcopy
Retainer Docs Client Docs Laymen Advice Disclaimer Notice
Independent Service Providers Alternatives Find A Lawyer
SPEEDING TICKET DEFENSE
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
 No Post Sentencing - Revocation or Appeal
attorney does not accept criminal & traffic cases after sentencing unless he defended the underlying case
non-acceptance includes probation revocation, deferred sentence revocation, parole violation or appeal  **  eligible collateral attack cases accepted
 

Speed contest traffic ticket defense, acceleration contests, exhibition of speed, CSPD targeting drag racing - speed contests - Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyer Robert D. Gustafson traffic defense trial practice 29+ years in Colorado courts

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files    Free Download

BASIC INFORMATION
please refer to the below links for basic information regarding defense of criminal & traffic cases

Right to Silence Search & Seizure Defendant Demeanor Bail Bond Independent Service Providers Advice from Laymen

 

CRS 42-4-1105. Speed contests - speed exhibitions - aiding and facilitating - immobilization of motor vehicle - definitions.
 
        (1)    (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly engage in a speed contest on a highway.
                (b) For purposes of this section, "speed contest" means the operation of one or more motor vehicles to conduct a race or a time trial, including but not limited to rapid acceleration, exceeding reasonable and prude speeds for highways and existing traffic conditions, vying for position, or performing one or more lane changes in an attempt to gain advantage over one or more of the other racing participants.
                (c) A person who violates any provision of this subsection (1) commits a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense.
        (2)    (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly engage in a speed contest exhibition on a highway.
                (b) For purposes of this section, "speed exhibition" means the operation of a motor vehicle to present a display of speed or power. "Speed exhibition" includes, but is not limited to, squealing the tires of a motor vehicle while it is stationary or in motion, rapid acceleration, rapid swerving or weaving in and out of traffic, producing smoke from tire slippage, or leaving visible tire acceleration marks on the surface of the highway or ground.
                (c) A person who violates any provisions of this subsection (2) commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
        (3)    (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, a person shall not, for the purpose of facilitation or aiding or as an incident to any speed contest or speed exhibition upon a highway, in any manner obstruct or place a barricade or obstruction, or assist or participate in placing any such barricade or obstruction, upon a highway.
                (b) A person who violates any provision of this subsection (3) commits, pursuant to section 42-4-1703, the offense that the person aided in or facilitated the commission of. Nothing in this subsection (3) shall be construed to preclude charging a person under section 42-4-1703 for otherwise being a party to the crime or engaging in a speed contest or engaging in a speed exhibition.
        (4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the operation of a motor vehicle in an organized competition according to accepted rules on a designated and duly authorized race track, race course or drag racing strip.
        (5)    (a) In addition to a sentence imposed pursuant to this section or pursuant to any other provision of law:
                        (I) Upon the second conviction for an offense specified in subsection (1) or (2) of this section, or any other crime, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by the court to include an act of operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the court may, in its discretion, order the primary law enforcement agency involved with he case to place an immobilization device on the motor vehicle or motor vehicles so operated for a period of up to fourteen days.
                        (II) Upon the third conviction for an offense specified in subsection (1) or (2) of this section, or any other crime, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by the court to include an act of operating a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the court may, in its discretion, order the primary law enforcement agency involved with he case to place an immobilization device on the motor vehicle or motor vehicles so operated for a period of up to thirty days but more than fourteen days.
                (b) The period during which a motor vehicle may be fitted with an immobilization device pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (5) shall be in addition to any period during which the motor vehicle was impounded prior to sentencing.
                (c) An order issued under this subsection shall state the requirements included in subsections (7) and (8) of this section.
                (d) For purposes of this section, "immobilization device" means a device locked into place of a wheel of a motor vehicle that prevents the motor vehicle from being moved. "Immobilization device" includes but is not limited to a device commonly referred to as a "traffic boot" or "boot".
        (6)    (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9) of this section, a law enforcement agency that is ordered to place an immobilization device on a motor vehicle pursuant to subsection (5) of this section shall attempt to locate the motor vehicle within its jurisdiction. The law enforcement agency may, in its discretion, attempt to locate the motor vehicle outside of its jurisdiction.
                (b) Nothing in this subsection (6) shall be construed to:
                        (I) Prohibit a law enforcement agency from seeking the assistance of another law enforcement agency for the purpose of placing an immobilization device on a motor vehicle or removing the device in accordance with this section; or
                        (II) Require a law enforcement agency to expend excessive time or commit excessive staff to the task of locating a motor vehicle subject to immobilization under this section.
                (c) The time spent by a law enforcement agency in locating a motor vehicle in accordance with this subsection (6) shall not alter the immobilization period ordered by the court under subsection (5) of this section.
                (d) A law enforcement agency that places an immobilization device on a motor vehicle pursuant to this section shall affix a notice to the immobilized motor vehicle stating the information described in subsections (7( and (8) of this section.
                (e) A peace officer who locates or attempts to locate a motor vehicle, or who places or removes, or assists with the placement or removal of, an immobilization device in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be immune from civil liability for damages, except for damages arising from willful and wanton conduct.
        (7)    (a) The owner of a motor vehicle immobilized under this section shall be assessed a fee of thirty five dollars for each day the motor vehicle is immobilized and, except as others provided in paragraph (d) of this subsection (7), thirty five dollars for each day up to fourteen days after the immobilization period that the fee for the immobilization period is not paid. The owner shall pay the fee to the law enforcement agency that places the immobilization device on the motor vehicle.
                (b) The owner, within fourteen days after the end of the immobilization period ordered by the court, may obtain removal of the immobilization device by the law enforcement agency that placed it by requesting the removal and paying the fee required under paragraph (a) of this subsection (7).
                (c) The failure of the owner of the immobilized motor vehicle to request removal of the immobilization device and pay the fee within fourteen days after the end of the immobilization period ordered by the court or within the additional time granted by the court pursuant to paragraph (d) of this subsection (7), whichever is applicable, shall result in the motor vehicle being deemed an "abandoned motor vehicle", as defined in sections 42-4-1802(1)(d) and 42-4-2102(1)(d), and subject to the provisions of Part 18 or 21 of this article, whichever is applicable. The law enforcement agency entitled to payment of the fee under this subsection (7) shall be eligible to recover the fee if the abandoned motor vehicle is sold, pursuant to section 42-4-1809(2)(b.5) or 42-4-2108 (2) (a.5).
                (d) Upon application of the owner of an immobilized motor vehicle, the court that ordered the immobilization may, in its discretion, grant additional time to pay the immobilization fee required under paragraph (a) of this subsection (7). If additional time is granted the court shall notify the law enforcement agency that placed the immobilization device.
        (8)    (a) A person may not remove an immobilization device that is placed on a motor vehicle pursuant to this section during the immobilization period ordered by the court.
                (b) No person may remove the immobilization device after the end of the immobilization period except the law enforcement agency that placed the immobilization device and that has been requested by the owner to remove the device to which the owner has properly paid the fee required by subsection (7). Nothing in this subsection (8) shall be construed to prevent the removal on an immobilization device in order to comply with the provisions of part 18 or 21 of this article.
                (c) A person who violates any provision of this subsection (8) commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
        (9)    (a) A law enforcement agency that is ordered to place an immobilization device on a motor vehicle pursuant to subsection (5) of this section shall inform the court at sentencing if it is unable to comply with the court’s order either because the law enforcement agency is not yet equipped with an immobilization device or because it does not have a sufficient number of immobilization devices. The court, upon being so informed, shall, in lieu of ordering immobilization, order the law enforcement agency to impound the motor vehicle for the same time period that the court initially ordered the motor vehicle to be immobilized.
                (b) If a motor vehicle is ordered to be impounded pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (9), the provisions of subsections (6) to (8) of this section shall not apply.
        Effective Date:  July 1, 2006

        In case you didn't catch it on first read, the statute essentially provides for police impound lot sale of your vehicle if the owner doesn't timely request removal of the boot and pay the expensive immobilization fee.

 
State Court Possible Penalties Adult Minor
Jail 10 - 90 days 10 - 90 days
Fine $10 - $300 $10 - $300
Points against Colorado Driving Privileges 12 Points 12 Points
 
Drag racing is not defined as a major offense for purpose of habitual traffic offender determination. CRS 42-2-202
Drag racing is not a DARP Aggravator criminal court sentencing

DRAG RACING
 
SPEED CONTEST
EXHIBITION OF SPEED
ACCELERATION CONTEST

Colorado Springs
MUNICIPAL COURT

TRAFFIC OFFENSE  12 Points

 

10.5.107: SPEED CONTESTS
 
        A.  No person shall engage in any motor vehicle speed or acceleration contest or exhibition of speed or acceleration on a street or highway, and no person shall aid or abet in any motor vehicle speed or acceleration contest or exhibition on any street.
        B.  No person shall for the purpose of facilitating or aiding or as an incident to any motor vehicle speed or acceleration contest upon a street or public right of way in any manner obstruct or place any barricade, obstruction, starting or timing device or assist or participate in placing any barricade, obstruction, starting or timing device upon any street or public right of way. (1968 Code §6-5-7; Ord. 75-86; Ord. 01-42) 

 
Colorado Springs Municipal Court Possible Penalties Adult Minor
Jail 10 - 90 days  0 - 10 days
Fine  $10 - $500 $10 - $500
Points against Colorado Driving Privileges 12 Points 12 Points
 

Drag racing is not defined as a major offense for purpose of habitual traffic offender determination. CRS 42-2-202
Drag racing is not a DARP Aggravator criminal court sentencing

Robert D. Gustafson
Attorney At Law
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Phone (719) 260-1002

Fax (719) 260-1003

Toll Free (800) 410-1002

Surrounding Area
MUNICIPAL COURTS
SPEED CONTEST DEFENSE

TRAVEL TIME & MILEAGE
Billed Outside El Paso County
 
Colorado State Courts
Billed Outside El Paso County

Southern Colorado

Metro Denver Area
Colorado Springs Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Calhan Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Calhan, Colorado
Denver City & County Traffic Court
Traffic Court - Denver, Colorado
Denver City & County Criminal Court
Criminal Court - Denver, Colorado
Canon City Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Canon City, Colorado
Castle Rock Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Castle Rock, Colorado
Aurora Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Aurora, Colorado
Brighton Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Brighton, Colorado
Cripple Creek Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Cripple Creek, Colorado
Fairplay Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Fairplay, Colorado
Broomfield Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Broomfield, Colorado
Centennial Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Centennial, Colorado
Florence Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Florence, Colorado
Fountain Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Fountain, Colorado
Englewood Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Englewood, Colorado
Federal Heights Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Federal Heights, Colorado
Manitou Springs Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Manitou Springs, Colorado
Monument Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Monument, Colorado
Golden Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Golden, Colorado
Littleton Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Littleton, Colorado
Palmer Lake Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Palmer Lake, Colorado
Pueblo Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Pueblo, Colorado
Sheridan Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Sheridan, Colorado
Thornton Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Thornton, Colorado
Simla Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Simla, Colorado
Woodland Park Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Woodland Park, Colorado
Wheat Ridge Municipal Court
Municipal Court - Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Municipal Ordinances and Codes
Colorado Model Traffic Code

        NOTICE: It is the policy of the presiding judge in Palmer Lake Municipal Court not to accept negotiated plea settlements.  If charges are filed in this court, counsel must prepare for trial; trial fees and costs would be quoted.

        Municipal courts do not have the availability of e-Filing as do state district courts, however some of the local area smaller municipal courts have now come into the 21st century by accepting pleadings and filings via email and payment of fines and costs via bank on-line bill pay.  Depending upon court policy regarding entry of plea via email and e-payment subsequent to negotiation without the necessity of physical appearance, travel time & mileage may possibly be avoided.  Not all courts permit this.

 
  1. Jurisdictional attack  - refer to link for information DUI case
            Attack the jurisdiction (power) of the court in the pending criminal case
            Jurisdictional attack may be an important concept in defense of any given eluding case

  2. Lack of reasonable suspicion for initial attempted contact by the law enforcement officer

  3. Lack of probable cause for warrantless arrest or seizure of the defendant's person

  4. Color of authority - peace officer acting within course & scope of his or her employment.  

  5. Unlawful extra-jurisdictional arrest

  6. Defendant's admissions the result of undue influence, duress and coercion - due process violation

  7. Defendant's admissions taken in violation of
            5th Amendment privilege against self incrimination
            6th Amendment right to legal counsel

  8. Alleged offense did not occur on public roadway or highway? - yes, the defense works in drag racing cases

  9. Driving
            A third person, not defendant, was driving a motor vehicle

  10. Officer observations - what didn't he observe which a jury member might expect?  What was the officer's opportunity to observe? - lighting, time spent, temperature, etc.  

  11. Officer credibility.  Experience with traffic enforcement and training, over concern with conviction statistics, a cop's cop or an average Joe doing a job, would the jury members want this particular officer stopping him / her?  Has the officer overstated his / her observations in relation to the driving behavior?  How well was the stop and investigation conducted?

  12. Eluding is a factual determination based upon the circumstances of the case.  The case may turn upon factual argument - defendant's conduct & driving pattern and officer conduct.

  13. Reasonable doubt - state proof beyond a reasonable doubt

  14. Cloak of innocence and burden of proof upon state - beyond a reasonable doubt.  A defendant is not required to prove innocence - the state must prove guilt.

  15. When all else fails:

  16. Trial lawyer's adage:
            If the facts are on your side - pound the facts.
            If the law is on your side - pound the law.
            If neither the facts nor the law are on your side - pound the table !

NUISANCE FORFEITURE
not yet - not today

CRS 16-13-303. Class 1 public nuisance.   State Statutes - CRS

        So far the state legislature has not enacted legislation regarding vehicle forfeiture on the basis of motor vehicle speed contest, acceleration contest or exhibition of speed or acceleration.  Based upon the fact drag racing appears to be a new target offense or "designer crime" and forfeiture appears in vogue, it is only a matter of time before drag racing results in motor vehicle forfeiture.  It's coming, folks - look at forfeitures regarding:
                1.  DUR - DARP  driving under restraint or driving after revocation prohibited - DUI underlying license loss
                2.  Forfeiture - Defense  -  prostitution & related sex offenses, gambling, drugs & paraphernalia, theft by receiving, hit & run with serious bodily injury or death, drive by crimes, crimes against the elderly
                3.  Felony vehicular eluding

        The state legislature has enacted legislation regarding vehicle immobilization, including expensive reimbursement to the law enforcement agency installing the boot and sale of the vehicle if not timely paid.  Effective 7/1/06 the legislature moved closer to forfeiture.  Legislative outright forfeiture may only be a matter of time.

AUTOMATED TRAFFIC CAMS
NO POINTS ASSESSED

CRS 42-2-127(5.8)
AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT - TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Local Traffic Cams Automated Traffic Enforcement Traffic Cam Information Colorado Statute DMV Point Structure Traffic Defense

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.

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
 
State of Colorado accident report obsolete 8/4/04 * police now verify insurance at the accident scene
refer to above link for information, forms, state on-line accident report and CSPD Cold Report
 

        Under Colorado law, if the insurance information of a driver was not included in a law enforcement traffic accident report, a Colorado State Accident Report must be submitted to the DMV within 10 days of an accident. CRS 42-4-1609 Also by statute, statements by a driver in the accident report may not be used in conjunction with any court proceedings, criminal or civil, except that the DMV may disclose the identity of a person involved in an accident when such identity is not otherwise known or when such person denies his or her presence at such accident. CRS 42-4-1610, CRS 42-7-504.  The primary purpose of filing the accident report is to comply with state law, and to provide evidence of insurance on the vehicle - thereby avoiding an FRA suspension.- refer to link for information.  If any of the below charges are alleged, a driver should consult with his or her defense attorney regarding exercise of constitutional privileges before making any oral or written statement.

 

Drunk Driving - DUI * DEAC * DWAI

Hit and Run

Driving under Restraint or Driving After Revocation Prohibited

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view Colorado DMV forms & CSPD cold report .pdf files    Free Download
Colorado State Accident Report on-line Colorado State Accident Report hardcopy Evidence of Insurance
FRA - Waiver of Security - Financial Responsibility FRA - Release from Liability Affidavit of Financial Responsibility
Affidavit - Out of State Residency - FRA SR-22 Avoidance         Promissory Note Contract Other DMV forms
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

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
 

SPEED CONTEST DEFENSE
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

 

Do I need an attorney?

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

 

If you are charged with drag racing - motor vehicle speed contest, acceleration contest or exhibition of speed or acceleration - it is advisable to retain competent legal counsel.  These are serious charges.  All such charges contain potential jail sentences and 12 point suspension of driver's license or Colorado driving privileges.  Vehicle insurance consequences could also be anticipated.  You may retain my services or the services of another attorney, but hire defense counsel. 

 

If convicted of any drag racing offense, you could anticipate policy termination or significant increase in your insurance premiums - probably over a period of 3 - 5 years.  Contact your insurance company underwriters to learn more of the potential consequences.

ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS
DRAG RACING  *  SPEED CONTEST  *  EXHIBITION OF SPEED DEFENSE

     

        At the time of the first visit, a prospective client will be quoted attorney's fees and estimated costs. The quote will be honored for a period of seven (7) days, after which it is subject to change without notice if this office has not been retained.  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.
 
        In most circumstances, attorney initially makes an option offer of 1.) billing to be upon hourly fees, or in the alternative, 2.) quote of a settlement flat fee or a trial flat fee.  Attorney reserves the right to quote hourly fees only without a flat fee offer, or hourly and trial flat fee options only. 
ELECTION. Offered fee options will be up to the client, however client's initial election will be final.
 
        Included in attorney's primary website is a web page devoted to clear definition & understanding of free
first consultation, fees and costs, retainer agreement and terms of representation.  Additional information regarding fees & costs may be found via the links following potential quotes.

POTENTIAL FEE QUOTE
DRAG RACING  *  SPEED CONTEST  *  EXHIBITION OF SPEED DEFENSE
SETTLEMENT FLAT FEE
would be deducted from trial flat fee
$950
 
TRIAL FLAT FEE
settlement fee would be deducted
$3,000
 

I generally offer hourly fees or a settlement flat fee.  Most drag racing cases plea bargain and do not proceed to trial.  The settlement flat fee would be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case, however the above would be a common quote.  This shall neither constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate.
 

Trial flat fee would be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case, however the above would be a common quote.  This shall neither constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate.  

frequent trust deposit request regarding fees & costs

 

PAYMENT

Prior to commencement of representation, the attorney will quote the amount requested as a trust deposit against which attorney's fees and costs may be billed.  The requested trust deposit will be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of your case.

Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson
ATTORNEY FEES

LITIGATION COSTS DEPOSIT
 
$          950  
$            75  
 
settlement common trust deposit request
including attorney's fees & litigation costs - excluding travel
map * travel policy - time & expenses * travel rates
settlement trust deposit would be deducted from trial trust deposit
 

OR

$1,025*

 

Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson
ATTORNEY FEES

LITIGATION COSTS DEPOSIT
 
$       3,000  
$          275  
 
trial 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
map * travel policy - time & expenses * travel rates

$3,275*

drag racing  *  speed contest  *  exhibition of speed
* this shall not constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate

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
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
direct link to criminal or traffic court costs - costs change & lists may be obsolete
COUNTY COURT CRIMINAL COSTS DISTRICT COURT CRIMINAL COSTS
Price   Client Background Search
Varies   DMV Out of State Driving Record
10.00   Accident Report
20.00   Offense Report
10.00   DA Office discovery packet - estimate (actual may be more or less)
25.00   State court jury deposit - C.R.Crim.P. 23, CRS 16-10-109 (non-refundable except by acquittal)
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)
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 initial retainer - if relevant - 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   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
    depending upon the facts if an accident was involved, it may be prudent to retain an accident reconstruction expert

Given allegations of speed contest, it would be prudent to place law enforcement 911 * dispatch tapes and records, plus other law enforcement records under subpoena duces tecum.  Expense will depend upon the amount of time the law enforcement agency spends searching dispatch tapes and records.

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

 
 
****************************** ****************************** ******************************
 
POTENTIAL FEE QUOTE
DOR * DMV LICENSE HEARING
SUSPENSION
  *  REVOCATION  *  DENIAL
  Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson
common quote - limited flat fee

$650

this shall neither constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate
DMV limited flat fee would be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case

A DMV limited flat fee would likely be offered.  Additional hours necessitated by continuance requested by police or by subpoena procurement are billed at hourly rates.  A client may retain the attorney's services in a DUI or traffic criminal case without asking for assistance at DMV proceedings.  Attorney does not undertake representation in DMV proceedings until the DMV limited flat fee has been paid, and full payment is required at least *seven (7) days in advance of hearing.  Fees beyond the DMV limited flat fee would be unusual.

 

Attorney will initially make an option offer of 1.) billing to be upon hourly fees, or in the alternative, 2.) quote of a hearing flat fee per above.  Offered fee options will be up to the client, however client's initial election will be final.  Hourly fee billings are based solely upon time, and may be more or less than the offered flat fee.  Hourly fees are not capped at the limited flat fee.  Attorney reserves the right to quote hourly fees only without a flat fee offer.  Attorney reserves the right to decline any case.

 

* Applicable case law, statutes, rules of civil procedure, and Department of Revenue or Department of Health regulations contain mandatory time constraints, are complex and are generally unfavorable to the driver. The above 7 day hiring limitation is based solely upon client control over fees paid at time attorney is retained in the criminal case and upon avoidance & resolution of attorney calendar conflicts.  Prospective clients are notified 7 days is insufficient time to prepare an adequate license hearing defense which involves DMV discovery or DOR issuance of subpoena (compelling testimony) or subpoena duces tecum (compelling testimony & production of documents or evidence).  Delay in retaining attorney may prejudice the defense. Whether the underlying basis is alcohol related or not, time is critical in DOR hearings regarding suspension, revocation or denial of Colorado driving privileges.

 

DOR hearing fee Estimate Caveats.  If collateral attack is required, the attorney would need to know more about the number and locations of underlying court cases to be attacked before offering a DOR hearing fee.  Legal research and research time would increase the estimates.

 

Non-Alcohol

Alcohol

Habitual Offender

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

 
 
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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

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

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INITIAL CONSULTATION TERMS
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attorney is a sole practitioner with need to manage his caseload
attorney reserves the right to decline any legal matter

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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
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Website Copyright © 2003 - All Rights Reserved - Document Revised August 27, 2010
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: January 29, 2010

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