The Colorado Court of Appeals has upheld the denial of unemployment benefits to Raul Treto, who was discharged from his job as a building inspector due to speeding violations. The court's decision, announced on October 29, 2026, affects Treto's ability to receive financial assistance after losing his job. This ruling emphasizes the importance of maintaining job performance standards and the consequences of violating safety regulations in the workplace.

Treto worked for the Colorado State Department of Local Affairs until his termination in December 2025. Following his discharge, Treto filed a claim for unemployment benefits, which was denied by a deputy for the Division of Unemployment Insurance. He subsequently appealed the decision, leading to an evidentiary hearing to examine the reasons behind his job separation.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Treto had repeatedly exceeded the speed limit while driving the employer's vehicle. The hearing officer found that Treto had driven at speeds of up to ninety miles per hour, which directly contributed to his termination. The officer concluded that Treto was disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits because he failed to meet established job performance standards as outlined in Colorado law.

Treto appealed the hearing officer's decision to the Industrial Claim Appeals Office (Panel), which affirmed the findings and legal conclusions of the hearing officer. The Panel determined that Treto's actions constituted a violation of a statute that could have endangered lives and damaged the employer's interests, leading to his disqualification under Colorado law.

The court ruled, "Substantial evidence supports the finding that Treto was discharged for speeding on public roadways," and noted that Treto's conduct could have endangered himself and others. The judges emphasized that Treto exercised control over the circumstances leading to his discharge and was therefore at fault for his separation from employment.

The ruling also highlighted that Treto's arguments for overturning the decision were not sufficient. He claimed that certain factual allegations against him were untrue and that a GPS tracker in his vehicle misreported his speed. However, the court found that these claims were not raised during the initial proceedings and thus could not be considered. The court stated, "We do not consider arguments raised for the first time in briefing to this court," reinforcing the importance of addressing issues during the administrative process.

This ruling has significant implications for individuals seeking unemployment benefits in Colorado. It underscores the necessity of adhering to job performance standards and the potential consequences of violating safety regulations. Workers must be aware that actions leading to their termination can impact their eligibility for benefits, particularly if those actions involve legal violations that could endanger lives.

The decision also serves as a reminder that unemployment benefits are designed for those who become unemployed through no fault of their own. The court’s interpretation of the law emphasizes that fault involves a volitional act or control over the circumstances resulting in the separation from employment.

Going forward, this ruling may influence how similar cases are handled in the future. Employers may feel reassured in their decisions to terminate employees who violate safety regulations, knowing that such actions can lead to disqualification from unemployment benefits. Employees, on the other hand, must be cautious in their job performance to avoid jeopardizing their eligibility for assistance.

As for next steps, Treto has the option to appeal the decision further, although details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases or future actions he may pursue. The ruling stands as a significant precedent for future unemployment benefit claims in Colorado, particularly those involving safety violations.