Understanding Driving Crimes
In Colorado, a person may be arrested and charged with a driving crime for violating any law regulating the operation of vehicles on highways and roadways across the state. Such driving offenses may include speeding, DUI, DUID, driving on a suspended license, vehicular manslaughter, or evading the police. Unfortunately, a defendant convicted of a driving crime may be subject to severe penalties, loss of driving privileges, and other life-long consequences.
At the Law Office of Lori Crystal, LLC, we're committed to offering reliable representation and trusted legal counsel to clients facing driving crime charges. Our practiced Colorado criminal defense attorney will investigate every detail of your case and outline a solid defense strategy to help fight your charges. We're proud to serve clients across Castle Rock, Kiowa, Franktown, Parker, Highland Ranch, Larkspur, Centennial, Elizabeth, Lone Tree, and Castle Pines, Colorado.
Common Driving Crimes
A driving crime is a moving violation that occurs when a person breaks a traffic law or rule while operating the vehicle. Some common driving crimes in Colorado include:
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Driving without a valid license
Evading a police officer
Hit-and-run accident
Vehicular manslaughter
Speeding
Reckless driving
Aggressive driving
Careless driving causing bodily injury
Driving on a suspended or revoked license
If you or someone you know has been arrested or indicted for a traffic crime, you need to reach out to a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can assess every detail of your unique situation, enlighten you about the nature of your charges, and help build your defense.
DUI, DUID, and DWAI
In Colorado, a person commits a DWAI, DUID, or DUI for driving or operating a motor vehicle while ability impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. DUI, DUID, and DWAI are serious crimes in Colorado, and a conviction could result in huge fines, jail time, and license suspension or revocation. According to statistics from the most recent Colorado DUI Data Report, there were 20,880 DUI arrests statewide in 2019.
Driving Without a Valid License
Under Colorado law, a person must have a learner's permit or valid driver's license in order to drive a motor vehicle in the state. Driving without a valid license may result in a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.
Evading a Police Officer
According to Colorado law, a person commits the offense of eluding a police officer when he or she drives recklessly and attempts to evade the police officer following a traffic stop. In order to be convicted of eluding a police officer, the following conditions must be met:
The police officer reasonably believes that a driver has violated a traffic law.
The police officer in a marked vehicle issued a visual or audible signal (red light or a siren) for the driver to pull over.
The driver (defendant) intentionally tries to evade the police by speeding up.
Eluding a police officer is often charged as a class 2 misdemeanor offense.
Hit and Run
Under Colorado law, a driver involved in an accident is required to stop at the accident scene, report the accident to the nearest police department, and arrange for medical help for accident victims. A hit-and-run auto accident occurs when a driver fails to fulfill the aforementioned obligations after the crash. Generally, the severity of the penalties for a hit-and-run conviction will depend on whether the traffic crash results in bodily injury, serious injury, property damages, or death.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Under Colorado law, a person may be facing vehicular homicide charges for causing a fatal accident or another person's death while driving or operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.
Possible Penalties and Consequences
Here are some of the possible penalties and consequences of a driving crime conviction in Colorado:
Huge fines and court fees
Jail time or imprisonment
Community service
Probation
License suspension or revocation
An ignition interlock device
Mandatory attendance at substance abuse or alcohol treatment program
A criminal record/history
Increased difficulty in securing housing, job opportunities, and public assistance.
Increased auto insurance rates
Loss of your rights to own, possess, or carry firearms
Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans
Damage to personal and professional relationships
Loss of university acceptance, scholarships, and educational opportunities
A strategic criminal defense lawyer can strategize an effective defense to fight your charges and help you avoid the far-reaching penalties and ramifications of a criminal conviction.
Speak With an Experienced Attorney
Being accused of a driving crime can be frightening and overwhelming. With your driving privileges, career, and future on the line, getting reliable representation is crucial to ensure that you do not suffer the maximum punishments. At the Law Office of Lori Crystal, LLC, our attorney is poised and ready to defend and represent clients in their driving crimes and traffic violation cases.
As your legal counsel, we will evaluate all of the facts of your case and refute the charges against you with factual evidence. Also, our attorney will help you navigate the Colorado criminal justice system and represent you aggressively at every phase of the legal process. We will fight intelligently for your best interests, help protect your driving privileges, and ensure those charges don't ruin your life.
Contact the Law Office of Lori Crystal, LLC, today to arrange a case assessment with a dependable criminal defense attorney. Our skilled lawyer has the aggressive representation and reliable advocacy you need in your case. We proudly represent clients across Castle Rock, Franktown, Centennial, Elizabeth, Lone Tree, and Castle Pines, Colorado.