Summer holidays are often an opportunity for friends and family to gather and enjoy time together. Fishing, swimming, boating and other outdoor activities are often on the agenda. Picnic lunches with conversation and alcohol are also often a part of the agenda. Unfortunately, this combination can become a problem if an accident later occurs on a Colorado roadway and someone is injured or killed. When this happens, in addition to DUI charges, the driver can also face vehicular assault or homicide charges.
Recently, after a holiday fishing trip, the driver of a Ford Explorer apparently veered across the center lane and into boulders along the other side of the road. The Explorer came to rest in a group of trees close to the river bank. The four passengers were injured in the accident and transported to local hospitals.
Two of the passengers were children; one of these was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to the hospital. Colorado law enforcement officers determined that the driver had been drinking and charged him with DUI in addition to a variety of other charges, including careless driving and child abuse. The District Attorney states that they are also considering vehicular assault charges. Information regarding why officers believe the driver guilty of DUI as well as the other charges has not released.
Vehicular assault or homicide charges should not be taken lightly. A conviction can result in a variety of penalties including jail time. In a situation such as this one, the driver will want to work with an experienced legal team to determine the best way to answer these charges.
Source: the-journal.com, “Utah man charged with DUI after crash along West Dolores River“, Jim Mimiaga, July 7, 2017