I don’t know what I would do if I walked out of a store in Greeley, Johnstown, or Evans, and saw someone stealing things from my car. Maybe it’s one of those situations where you don’t know how you would react until it happens to you. It recently happened to a pregnant woman and her reaction was unique. As the woman was leaving Walmart, she saw a man stealing her purse out of her car. She tried to chase him down, but unable to catch up, went back and got in her car. She caught up to the man and hit him with her car as he tried to get away – and just like that the victim ends up with criminal charges. One would think this would be a classic case of Vehicular Assault if it had occurred in Weld County, but do the actions meet the criteria for this crime or was the woman justified?
Weld County Vehicular Assault Lawyer: What is the Definition of Vehicular Assault Against a Purse Thief?
The Colorado law definition of Vehicular Assault in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County – C.R.S. 18-3-205(1)(a) – is:
Does the situation above meet all the criteria to charge this woman with Vehicular Assault under part (a)? Well, first off, the man did not end up with any serious bodily injuries – only minor injuries – which is extremely lucky. So, at best the pregnant woman would be facing an Attempted Vehicular Assault charge because it could be argued she took a substantial step toward committing the Vehicular Assault crime. Perhaps a lesser, misdemeanor Assault charge would be warranted.
Sentence / Punishment for Vehicular Assault in Greeley
Under part (a) above, Vehicular Assault is a class 5 felony. If it was charged as an Attempt to Commit Vehicular Assault, then it would be a class 6 felony, punishable by 12 to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections. As for my vote, charge the man with the felony and let the woman off with a warning.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Vehicular Assault, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Greeley criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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