Eluding police in Jefferson County, Colorado is a criminal act that involves purposefully trying to evade law enforcement in your vehicle. When someone does so and drives recklessly, serious criminal charges can result. A few poor choices behind the wheel when police are following you can lead to jail time and significant fines if you’re not careful. Contact an experienced eluding attorney if you or someone you know has been accused of evading police.
Things to Know About Colorado’s Eluding Laws
C.R.S. 42-4-1413 (Misdemeanor Eluding) and C.R.S. 18-9-116.5 (Felony Eluding) defines the specific elements of eluding law enforcement in Colorado. Someone commits misdemeanor eluding in Littleton, Lakewood, or Arvada if they:
- willfully attempt to elude a police officer by speeding, turning off your lights, or other actions,
- after an officer in a marked vehicle signals you to pull over
Felony eluding occurs in Jefferson County when a person:
- knows they’re being pursued by an officer,
- eludes or attempts to elude law enforcement,
- AND drives in a reckless manner
The main difference between these two crimes is the presence of a clearly marked vehicle in misdemeanor eluding and driving recklessly in felony eluding.
What is the Punishment for Eluding in Jefferson County?
Misdemeanor eluding is a class 2 misdemeanor in Lakewood and Golden. Conviction can result in:
- up to 90 days in county jail,
- and / or fines of $150 – $300
However, in the event the eluding involves reckless driving, a felony can result. If no one is injured, eluding is a class 5 felony potentially leading to:
- 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of up to $100,000
If the eluding results in bodily injury to anyone else, a class 4 felony applies. Sentencing can include 2 – 6 years in prison, as well as $4,000 – $500,000 in fines.
Jefferson County Eluding Attorney
As you can see, a charge of eluding in Lakewood, Golden, or Arvada can amplify quickly. Police will search for probable cause of eluding if you don’t pull over as soon as possible. Perhaps you weren’t evading the cop, didn’t know you were being pursued, or weren’t driving recklessly. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation with Lakewood’s best criminal defense attorneys.
We will carefully analyze your eluding case and suggest next steps in forming a strong defense on your behalf. Our defense lawyers offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing criminal charges throughout Colorado.
If you or someone you know is facing eluding charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Eric Mclean