Colorado District Attorneys love crimes whose terms are not too specific. That way, they can make them apply to a wide variety of circumstances. Colorado’s Manslaughter charge, listed at C.R.S. 18-3-104, is one of these crimes.
The Definition of Manslaughter in Colorado
A person commits the crime of Manslaughter if:
a) such person recklessly causes the death of another person; or
b) such person intentionally causes or aids another person to commit suicide.
Manslaughter is a class 4 felony in Lakewood and Golden,j with a possible prison sentence to the Department of Corrections. The definition of Recklessly in Colorado is: “A person acts recklessly when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a result will occur or that a circumstance exists.” This is a very hard to predict definition and one which catches people off guard after-the-fact when police investigate a death. Read a real life example of Manslaughter involving a gun discharging.
Examples of Manslaughter Charges in Colorado
As you can see, apart from helping someone commit suicide, this crime can be charged in an unpredictable manner. If you are shooting a bow and arrow in your backyard, and it hits a rock and bounces off to kill someone, you can be charged with this crime. Another example would be you failing to properly install the wheel on a motorcycle after a flat tire, and it fails while a friend is driving it on the highway. Finally, if you have a friend helping your paint your house and your old ladder breaks when he is up high, resulting in his death, you can be charged with Manslaughter in Arapahoe and Douglas County.
Government Workers Seek to Protect Their Jobs First – Not You
Don’t assume the best about police in Adams or Jefferson County. They sit down with their coworkers and try to find a crime to charge you with when there is a death. They will ask you questions to try and meet the elements of this Manslaughter offense. It is a contest in their mind to hold you accountable for the death of another person when someone dies. Otherwise, the deceased’s family members will complain and the police will look bad. It is a matter of pride to try and save face for government workers, including law enforcement officers, district attorneys and judges. Never make the mistake of thinking these people will do the right thing, or that they are searching for the truth when they speak with you. They are not your friend.
For over 25 years, our Denver law firm has been defending men and women arrested or accused of Manslaughter in places like Aurora, Arvada and Lone Tree. Be smart and never talk with police officers or a sheriffs deputy. Then, call the best Manslaughter attorneys at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.