Vehicular assault charges in Aurora, Colorado can result from reckless or drunk driving that causes another’s serious bodily injury. This goes beyond cuts, scratches, and bruises. Serious bodily injury involves a risk of permanent disfigurement, loss or impairment of body parts or organs, and breaks and fractures. Vehicular assault is a felony offense throughout Arapahoe County and can lead to time in prison and substantial fines. Consulting an experienced traffic attorney is essential in cases of vehicular assault and is your first step in building a strong defense.
Arapahoe County Vehicular Assault Law
Arapahoe County’s vehicular assault law prohibits certain driving that leads to serious injury. CRS 18-3-205 addresses this offense throughout Colorado’s many counties. You commit vehicular assault in Aurora, Englewood, or Centennial if you:
- drive recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- AND cause serious bodily injury to another person
Driving in a reckless manner goes further than not noticing a risk. Reckless driving means disregarding a risk consciously.
In terms of DUI related accidents, a vehicular assault charge applies if you’re under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medications. Even commonly used items like allergy medications, cold medicine, or over the counter pain meds can apply if they make a driver operate a motor vehicle unsafely.
Is Vehicular Assault Always a Felony in Colorado?
Vehicular assault is at minimum a class 5 felony in Arapahoe County. Sober drivers who are accused of causing accidents resulting in serious bodily injury face the following if convicted:
- 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of $1,000 – $100,000,
- 2 years of parole
However, seriously injuring someone while driving under the influence is a class 4 felony. This can as much as double the prison sentence, add a year to the parole period, and elevate the fine amount.
Experienced Aurora Vehicular Assault Attorney
A strategic attorney by your side is essential in cases of vehicular assault in Colorado. This serious felony offense comes with devastating consequences that can negatively impact your life for a long period of time. Our criminal lawyers have decades of combined experience fighting these charges with clients throughout Colorado. Perhaps you weren’t driving recklessly or under the influence, there were errors in the DUI test, or the injuries aren’t serious. That said, contact our office for a free consultation today. We will carefully analyze your unique case and recommend next steps, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome.