Early this month, a man was arrested after he hit a woman walking across the street. According to eyewitnesses, the man continued driving and never stopped his car. Most people’s reactions when they hear this story is to be angry and despise the driver of the car for his inhumane, selfish actions. These kinds of things happen in our own towns, in Greeley, Evans, and Erie. We don’t want such “awful people” living in our communities. But, it is wise to know the whole situation before we judge. The driver of the car was 85 years old, and was undergoing kidney dialysis treatment. According to police reports, the man didn’t remember or denied being at the scene of the accident. His family had reported him missing the day before. Obviously, this man is suffering mentally – he probably didn’t even know he hit someone.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident: A Serious Offense
Leaving the Scene of an Accident – C.R.S. 42-4-1601, is a serious offense in Morgan, Logan and Weld County. If a person leaves the scene of an accident where a person is killed, it is a class 3 felony. If convicted, they could face up to 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. People leave the scene of an accident for many reasons. If they struck the person, they are afraid of the repercussions (they could be charged with Vehicular Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-205 or Vehicular Homicide – C.R.S. 18-3-106). What they don’t understand is their flight will end with a harsher result: They could be charged with both crimes.
Crisis Situations Often End in Felony Charges
12 years in prison for a bad decision is not fair. This 85-year-old man most likely didn’t even know he hit someone. Even if he did, after a serious accident, no one makes wise decisions. Often, flight or fight kicks in, and a person flees not to avoid the consequences, but because it is an innate reaction to run. When a person is involved in an accident, they don’t stop to think that driving away in and of itself is a crime. If someone was injured, they could face jail or prison time. These consequences are not in the mind of a person involved in a car accident.
Have You Been Charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
If you have been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident, it is vital that you work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for your future. A criminal record will have a negative impact on your future. You could lose your job, driver’s license, or be unable to get a job. You could have difficulty finding housing. Don’t stand alone in court – work with a skilled lawyer who can defend your future.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Morgan, Larimer, or Sedgwick County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – fignetto