Because of the 4th of July and how easy it is to get fireworks this time of year, people tend to stock up for occasions beyond just this one day of the year. Fireworks are fun for all kinds of events and occasions, but are they good for pranks? One couple who recently got arrested for using fireworks to try and scare someone would probably now say they aren’t. The parents were driving around in their SUV and saw a homeless man sleeping on the side of the road. The two threw fireworks at the man in order to startle him, but ended up setting him on fire. The couple claims they did not know he was on fire when they drove away, but police allege they saw the man’s pants were smoking.
First Degree Assault in Weld County
Assault in the first degree – C.R.S. 18-3-202 – is defined by Colorado law as:
(a) With intent to cause serious bodily injury to another person, he causes serious bodily injury to any person by means of a deadly weapon; or
(b) With intent to disfigure another person seriously and permanently, or to destroy, amputate, or disable permanently a member or organ of his body, he causes such an injury to any person; or
(c) Under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, he knowingly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to another person, and thereby causes serious bodily injury to any person
Part (c) of the above definition is what applies to the circumstances in the above case. An important definition for this crime in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County is ‘serious bodily injury.’ Colorado law defines serious bodily injury as:
Have you been charged with Assault? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
Have you been charged with Assault? Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today!
The couple’s apathy to the potential harm their actions could cause paired with the fact that the man suffered serious burns is why these two were charged with 1st Degree Assault. In Greeley, Erie, and Evan, First Degree Assault is a class 3 felony and is punishable by:
- 8 to 24 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
- $3,000 to $750,000 in fines.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your 1st Degree Assault Charges
With the stakes so high, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. The lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office have over 40 years combined experience and are prepared to defend you. We will fight tirelessly to present a strong defense in front of your jury. Don’t lose hope! Our lawyers are ready to meet with you and discuss your case.
If you or someone you love has been charged with First Degree Assault, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – Unsplash