Texting and Driving Outlawed in Colorado

By Josh McDowell

On December 1st, 2009 Governor Ritter of Colorado signed into law a bill criminalizing text messaging while driving. The new law will make texting and driving a Class A driving infraction.

The Denver Post Article is linked below:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12498806 The new law, which will be Colorado State Statute 42-4-239, prohibits use of cellphones for drivers under 18 years of age, and texting for any drivers. The texting language is below: A person eighteen years of age or older shall not use a wireless telephone for the purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar forms of manual data entry or transmission while operating a motor vehicle.

The law also states that no one under the age of eighteen is allowed to use a cell phone while driving: An operator of a motor vehicle shall no be cited for a violation of subsection (3) of this section unless the operator was eighteen years of age of older and a law enforcement officer saw the operator use a wireless telephone for the purpose of purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar forms of manual data entry or transmission. (7) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of a wireless telephone, unless otherwise provided by law. (8) This section does not restrict operation of an amateur radio station by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operation license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

The entire statute can be found here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2009a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/349F9CCA2B83CD5087257537001A2BB0?open&file=1094_enr.pdf

The fines for violating this statute are:

$ 50.00 Fine with a $6.00 Surcharge for a First Offense $100.00 Fine with a $6.00 Surcharge for a Second Offense - 29880

About the Author:

Josh McDowell is a Colorado Springs Attorney practicing in DUI, criminal and personal injury matters. As a Colorado Springs Personal Injury lawyer his law firm handles car accidents, slip and falls, and other injury matters.

The Low-Down On Colorado Bankruptcy Exemptions

By Jason Lancaster

The economy in Colorado in 2009 is in rough shape. Unemployment is up, credit is scarce, and the housing market is down. Many Colorado residents are faced with crippling amounts of debt and no prospects of paying that debt back anytime soon. Consumers who are in this desperate situation are likely considering bankruptcy, and some of these people may be under the mistaken impression that bankruptcy means they will lose all their important possessions. Fortunately, this is not true. Colorado residents who file bankruptcy can keep many of their important possessions thanks to Colorado's bankruptcy exemption rules.

In fact, the state of Colorado is one of the most progressive in the country when it comes to bankruptcy. This is due in large part to Colorado's relatively generous bankruptcy exemption rules. When a consumer files chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado, they're entitled to a series of exemptions. Exemptions are an important legal right that allow people who are filing bankruptcy to keep important assets like their car or their home.

Many people do not realize that bankruptcy is a fundamental American right that's included in the U.S. Constitution. America's founders included the right to file bankruptcy in the constitution because they believed that the common person is entitled protection from creditors. Many famous people in America's history - from businessmen Henry Ford and Milton Hershey to politicians Abe Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson - have filed for bankruptcy protection.

First and foremost, the purpose of bankruptcy is to protect consumers from crippling, overwhelming debt. Since protection is the ultimate goal of bankruptcy, Colorado's lawmakers have defined fairly generous exemptions for residents. Specifically designed to help consumers start over, Colorado allows consumers to exempt as much as $60,000 dollars worth of home equity. This allows people to file bankruptcy and start their lives over without losing their most valuable asset (their home).

In addition to allowing consumers to exempt quite a bit of home equity, Colorado bankruptcy laws also allow residents to keep their vehicle. Logically, cars are an essential tool that consumers need in their daily lives, so they can be exempted. Other essentials - such as tools needed for work, retirement assets, and other basics like clothing - are also exempted during bankruptcy. Of course, there is a limit on the dollar value that can be exempted, so be sure to consult with a bankruptcy attorney.

Colorado's bankruptcy exemption rules are designed to help consumers, but they're not some sort of pass that allows people to avoid their obligations. When a consumer files bankruptcy, any cash, second homes, or valuables they have may be taken and distributed to creditors. These valuables can include clothing, jewelry, furniture, artwork, and even family heirlooms. If you're serious about filing bankruptcy and you'd like to avoid losing your valuables, there are some strategies you can implement, but you must consult with a bankruptcy attorney to learn more about these strategies and how to implement them.

Bankruptcy isn't something that should be taken lightly, and anyone considering bankruptcy would be smart to consult with an attorney. Filing bankruptcy can be a complicated legal process. There can be a lot of preparation involved, and if mistakes are made there can be serious legal and financial ramifications. Bankruptcy lawyers are invaluable because they can help consumers avoid costly mistakes.

Obviously, bankruptcy isn?t for everyone, and it isn?t an easy out that allows people to avoid obligation. However, in the right circumstances, bankruptcy can make a lot of sense. If you decide bankruptcy is right for you and you live in Colorado, you can take heart in the fact that Colorado is a consumer-friendly state. Now it's time to find a Colorado bankruptcy lawyer. - 29880

About the Author:

Author Jason Lancaster is a former finance manager and a Colorado native. If you're considering bankruptcy, be sure to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer to learn more about Colorado bankruptcy exemptions and your legal rights.