Police say a man’s drunk driving in Colorado recently caused a deadly hit-and-run collision on a recent Saturday afternoon. This type of accident typically results in charges of vehicular assault or homicide, which can have far-reaching implications if the person facing these charges is convicted. The man in the recent Colorado accident has been charged with vehicular homicide, among other charges.
Police reported that at a little before 4 p.m., the man failed to stop at a red light. He rear-ended another car, causing the death of a 67-year-old woman in that car. Reportedly, the man then fled the accident scene.
Authorities say they found the man’s pickup truck nearly a mile from the accident scene. The is said to have disclosed to the police that he consumed some alcohol before driving the truck. In addition to vehicular homicide charges, he was also charged with driving carelessly and causing injury as well as felony DUI. The man already has four previous DUI convictions. A law recently went into effect in Colorado where a person who is convicted of a fourth DUI will get up to a total of six years in prison as well as a fine of $500,000.
As this type of case moves forward, a person accused of vehicular assault or homicide, alongside legal counsel, might have the chance to negotiate a plea deal in exchange for a lighter sentence. The decision whether to accept a plea deal, if offered, rests with the accused, who still has the right to go to trial. The possible consequences of being convicted on these charges are serious; each person facing such charges must concentrate on preparing a criminal defense designed to achieve a favorable result in his or her own best interests.
Source: gazette.com, “Colorado Springs man arrested after fatal hit-and-run crash had four prior DUI convictions“, Chhun Sun, Sept. 15, 2015