We all know judgment is impaired when you drink and drive. But, did you know that a fun evening drinking with friends in Greeley / Weld County could lead to a serious crime, such as a Vehicular Assault charge – CRS 18-3-205? Last week, a Colorado woman was sentenced after she pled guilty to two DUI’s and a vehicular assault charge. Early this year, she clipped a food truck, hit a person, and then rammed into a church (ironically, she was on her way to the church for her Alcoholics Anonymous meeting).
Not only did her decision to drive under the influence result in damage to the food truck and the church, she also hospitalized a student. She was charged with two DUI misdemeanors and a Vehicular Assault charge in Greeley, which is a Class 4 Felony.
What is a Vehicular Assault Charge in Greeley?
Vehicular Assault occurs “when a person operates or drives a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, and this conduct is the…cause of serious bodily injury to another.” Because the woman was driving “while under the influence of alcohol,” this charge is a Class 4 Felony. The sentence for a class 4 felony for vehicular assault charge in Greeley / Weld County is:
- 2 to 8 years imprisonment in the Colorado Department of Corrections
- $2,000 to $500,000 fine
Forced Breathalyzer Test
If you are involved in a vehicular assault incident, you are legally required to submit to an analysis of blood, breath or urine to determine your blood alcohol level. This is similar to driving under the influence, but if you refuse to take the test, the police can actually force you to do so (where in a DUI they can’t legally force you) if they have probable cause regarding vehicular assault.
There are many considerations which factor into the defense of a vehicular assault charge in Greeley. It is important that you consult an experienced lawyer in Greeley / Weld County for your defense.
If you are arrested by police for vehicular assault or DUI, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced vehicular assault lawyers of the O’Malley Law Office, P.C., at 970-616-6009 today.
Image Credit: Pixabay – Allysia2015