A driver took police on a high-speed car chase through southern Colorado that lasted about 100 miles and more than two hours. The incident began when a Colorado State Patrol trooper attempted to stop the driver for speeding just south of Walsenburg. The driver sped away and headed south towards La Junta and through two counties, Las Animas and Otero. Troopers caught up to the man who was allegedly combative, and he was taken down and into custody. Although it is unclear exactly what charges this man is facing, it is likely that he will be charged with Vehicular Eluding (C.R.S. 18-9-116.5) and Resisting Arrest (C.R.S. 18-8-103) along with a myriad of traffic offenses.
Eluding Can be Charged as a Felony or Misdemeanor
Eluding can either be a traffic misdemeanor or a felony charge in Colorado jurisdictions such as Jefferson, Broomfield, or Adams County, depending on the circumstances. Misdemeanor eluding carries up to a $300 fine and up to 3 months in jail, as well as 12 points against a person’s license to drive. Felony eluding is usually a class 5 felony, unless it results in bodily injury or death in which case it is a class 4 or class 3, respectively. The sole difference between misdemeanor and felony eluding is that the felony is done with reckless driving. In this case, because the man was driving at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, it is likely that will be considered reckless driving and will lead to felony charges.
Obstructing a Police Officer Can Accompany Eluding Charges
The other two likely charges in this case, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing a Police Officer (C.R.S. 18-8-104) are both class 2 misdemeanors and carry up to a $1000 fine and a year in jail. It is lucky that this gentleman did not cause an accident or injure another person during this chase or else he would likely be facing felony charges of Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide.
At the O’Malley Law Office, we are expert criminal defense attorneys who handle all types of traffic cases, no matter how serious. If you have been in an accident or charged with a traffic offense in Denver, Arapahoe, or Douglas County, we can help you feel comfortable while in the court system. If you are contacted by the police, it is never a good idea to drive away from them even though the urge to flee is natural. So, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.