Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Colorado Escape – NOT Just for Breaking Out – C.R.S. 18-8-208

On Behalf of | Sep 21, 2012 | Escape |

Many people are learning the hard way in Denver, Adams and Douglas County, Colorado, that Escape, C.R.S. 18-8-208, does not just involve sneaking out of a jail or prison. It is much broader. A good example is the person on work release who fails to return at night to the jail. Although legally out at first, the failure to follow the rules on when to return to jail amounts to escape.

Associated with Escape, is the charge of Aiding Escape, C.R.S. 18-8-201, in places like Jefferson, Arapahoe and Larimer County. This crime occurs when friends of the escapee help out in the course of the Escape. For example, a friend may give a ride to an escapee to another city. Or, if an inmate did get out of a jail and the friend provided clothing, a place to stay, or transportation. It does not matter whether the facility holding the inmate has walls or no walls, is for adults or juveniles, or is minimum security vs. maximum security. In each case, Aiding Escape can be charged if material assistance of any type is provided.

Most jails and prisons in Weld and Grand County are pretty tight and Escape from them is unusual. Our cases usually involve the failure to return after work release or running away from an officer after being in his custody. Imagine the officer who tells a group of people that they are under arrest and they run away. Those later caught will face Escape charges under C.R.S. 18-8-208. There are a variety of situations which might give rise to charges for this crime. The bottom line is that additional charges are coming your way if the police or sheriff know who you are and you run away.

In many cases, running away from custody can be a felony. If you are in custody for a class three felony and then Escape, the new charge you will be facing is a class three felony. This crime can be a misdemeanor or a felony for other offenses. The bottom line is that serious charges can await you, so be careful with this serious crime.

We represent men and women charged with Escape and Aiding Escape. We feel that the penalty for this crime is too steep and that the government should not pursue such serious penalties when no one is hurt. We will fight for your freedom, your job and time with your family. Everything can fall apart if a hard working person is forced into jail or prison for this crime. If you have been contacted by police or other law enforcement concerning this crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent (be quiet), and call the experienced lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.