Vehicular Homicide Defense in Colorado
Traffic accidents remain an unfortunate reality, even for those who practice safe driving behaviors at all times. Impaired or reckless driving can put you at greater risk of colliding with another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist. Although many car accident injuries tend to heal over time, some collisions can be fatal. In Colorado, those who drive a motor vehicle in a reckless manner or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cause a fatal accident may be charged with vehicular homicide. If law enforcement has arrested you for vehicular homicide in Colorado Springs, Denver, or the surrounding areas, you have the right to enlist legal representation right away. Reach out to the Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC, to discuss your case and identify the most strategic path forward to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
Understanding Vehicular Homicide Crimes in Colorado
First, it’s important to understand how Colorado law defines vehicular homicide. Essentially, prosecutors must show that you drove recklessly or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and that your impaired driving resulted in the death of another person. Reckless driving means that you demonstrate a conscious disregard for the risk associated with your behavior. For example, traveling at an egregiously high speed (i.e., 20 or 30 miles above the posted speed limit) could be considered reckless driving, as knowingly ignoring the speed limit exhibits a disregard for such risky behavior. In cases alleging that the driver was under the influence of drugs or controlled substances at the time of the collision, prosecutors will use witness statements, the presence of drugs or alcohol in your vehicle, or results from a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test as evidence of your intoxication. Whether prosecutors are claiming that you were driving recklessly or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, our skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney will defend your legal rights and advocate tirelessly on your behalf to keep your future as bright as possible.
Potential Penalties for a Vehicular Homicide Conviction
Depending on the specific details of your case, a vehicular homicide charge could be considered a Class 4 felony or a Class 3 felony offense. If you’re convicted of reckless driving that resulted in someone’s death, you will likely face penalties associated with a Class 4 felony offense. These consequences include a two- to six-year prison sentence, between $2,000 and $500,000 in fines, and other possible penalties. Vehicular homicide while driving under the influence is considered a more serious criminal offense, punishable by between four to twelve years in prison, mandatory parole for five years, a fine of between $3,000 and $750,000, and other lasting consequences. Additionally, the judge may order mandatory and continuous alcohol monitoring for a specific amount of time. Even after you have completed the terms of your sentence, your criminal record can limit your employment and housing options and create other unanticipated obstacles. Working with a dedicated and skilled Colorado criminal defense attorney is the best way to safeguard your future bright.
Defending You Against Vehicular Homicide Charges
Over the years, the legal team at the Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC, has aggressively defended the rights of individuals just like you—good people who have found themselves in bad situations. We understand how frightening and intimidating it can be to face criminal charges, especially if this is your first brush with the Colorado criminal justice system. Before your mind assumes the worst-case scenario, reach out to our office to discuss your concerns. We believe in working closely with every client to ensure that they understand their options. We aim to empower you to navigate the road ahead, as challenging as it may seem at times. We will help you explore every potential defensive strategy to push back against these charges. For example, we can dispute the accuracy or validity of the BAC results or argue that the arresting officer failed to advise you of your legal rights. No matter what the details of your case may be, you can trust that we will work hard to identify and pursue the most strategic path forward to protect your future and your freedom.
