Vehicular eluding is a crime that occurs in Aurora, CO when a driver chooses to evade (or attempts to evade) law enforcement. Reckless driving is sometimes charged alongside vehicular eluding and can have significant ramifications if convicted. Police officers deem this offense a serious threat to safety, hence the amplification from the crime of Eluding a Police Officer. Fleeing local police, county police, and state troopers can all lead to an impactful charge. Consulting an experienced eluding lawyer is essential if you’ve been accused or charged anywhere in Colorado.
What is Vehicular Eluding in Arapahoe County?
C.R.S. 18-9-116.5 describes the conduct of Vehicular Eluding throughout Colorado. This offense occurs when someone:
- knows (or should reasonably know) they are being pursued by an officer,
- eludes or attempts to elude the officer,
- and drives in a reckless manner
Driving in a reckless way is the element that amplifies this felony charge from the misdemeanor crime of Eluding C.R.S. 42-4-1413. Additionally, if as a result of driving recklessly while eluding injury occurs, the consequences can be greater. With the range of a misdemeanor to a felony for eluding, hiring a reputable defense attorney is paramount.
Sentencing for Vehicular Eluding in Arapahoe County
The punishments involved in vehicular eluding in Centennial, CO depend on whether someone was injured as a result of driving recklessly while eluding. Conviction of the misdemeanor offense of Eluding a Police Officer can include time in county jail and substantial fines.
If it can be proven that a defendant operated their vehicle in a reckless manner while eluding, a class 5 felony applies. Punishments can include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $100,000. Additionally, if injury occurs as a result of eluding, charges amplify to a class 4 felony. Consequences may be 2 – 6 years in prison and fines of $4,000 – $500,000.
Arapahoe County Eluding Defense Lawyer
Eluding a Police Officer and Vehicular Eluding are charges that require expert representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney in Greenwood Village, CO. Perhaps you were in a situation where you didn’t know the officer wanted you to pull over or you had a legitimate emergency.
Some law enforcement overcharge men and women who weren’t evading them and were simply unaware they were being signaled to stop. Maybe you were in the middle of an emotional phone call over bluetooth or your children were being unruly in the backseat. Nonetheless, district attorneys must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant knowingly attempted to elude a police officer. A witness in your car can be a gamechanger in these situations.
Don’t talk to police about eluding allegations – talk to us. 303-731-0719
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