Vehicular eluding is an offense in Douglas County, Colorado that involves evading police in your car. The expectation for Colorado drivers is that they safely pull over when signaled by law enforcement to do so. However, if you’re aware police are pursuing you and your driving is reckless in evading them, costly criminal charges can follow. Any accusations of trying to escape police in your car require contacting an experienced vehicular eluding lawyer right away.
Colorado’s Vehicular Eluding Law
C.R.S. 18-9-116.5 describes the violations of Colorado’s vehicular eluding law. In reference to evading law enforcement, this law states:
“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.”
A key element in this offense that separates these actions from the misdemeanor crime of eluding, is the action of driving recklessly. This can make a massive difference when someone tries to get away from police in their car.
Consequences of Vehicular Eluding in Douglas County
Vehicular eluding is a felony offense in Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch. The penalties often depend on injury to others. In situations where injury doesn’t occur, a class 5 felony applies. This can result in up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as fines of $2,000 – $100,000. However, the prison sentence and fine amount can grow substantially if eluding results in bodily injury, and even more so if death results.
Douglas County Criminal Lawyer
Just because you’ve been charged with vehicular eluding in Colorado doesn’t mean you’re guilty. You have a right to fight these charges and the best way to do so is with a strategic vehicular eluding lawyer by your side. Maybe you didn’t know police were in pursuit, there wasn’t an attempt to elude, or you weren’t driving recklessly. Nevertheless, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing charges throughout the state of Colorado.
So, if you or someone you know is navigating vehicular eluding charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated criminal lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
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