Anytime a person tries to avoid police contact by driving away, they will be facing Vehicular Eluding charges in Castle Rock and Douglas County. A man was recently charged with this crime after leading police on a 15-minute chase. According to the news, a state trooper attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation, but the man did not stop. He sped down the interstate, but then stopped shortly after he exited the highway. When speaking with the officers, he admitted the reason he fled was because being chased by police was on his bucket list. He was just fulfilling a dream. Unfortunately for him, that dream would result in felony charges in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker.

Douglas County Vehicular Eluding Definition

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Vehicular Eluding – C.R.S. 18-9-116.5 – is:

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“Any person who, while operating a motor vehicle, knowingly eludes or attempts to elude a peace officer also operating a motor vehicle, and who knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being pursued by said peace officer, and who operates his or her vehicle in a reckless manner, commits vehicular eluding.”

Based on the statute, the elements of this crime are:

• Driving a vehicle;
• Evading a police officer;
• While the peace officer is in a vehicle;
• The person evading knows they are being pursued by the officer; and
• While operating the vehicle in a reckless manner.

By speeding, it can be argued that the person is driving recklessly – without due regard for others on the road.

Sentence for Vehicular Eluding in Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch

Vehicular Eluding is a class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. If, however, any bodily injury is a result of the police chase, then it is charged as a class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 6 years in the DOC. Vehicular Eluding is a class 3 felony if death results in the eluding. A class 3 felony carries a potential sentence of 4 to 12 years in prison. Not exactly the way you would want your fun bucket list adventure to end.

If you or someone you love has been charged with Vehicular Eluding, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 303-265-1950 to schedule a free consultation or set up a jail visit. Together, we can protect your future.

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