A Colorado Springs woman accused of fatally striking a 5-year-old boy with her car last summer has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
The Gazette reports that on July 8, 2014, the 22-year-old suspect had been driving 50 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone when she lost control of the car and tried to over-correct while handling a curve. Consequently, the woman's vehicle ended up hitting the boy and his father, who had been walking on the sidewalk at Bijou Street and Murray Boulevard. Although the father survived the accident — albeit losing a part of his right leg in the process — his 5-year-old son did not.
Since the accident, the driver's sister has worked to raise funds to help cover living and medical expenses for the boy's parents. Despite their loss, the parents have reportedly expressed their forgiveness toward the driver.
On Friday, March 6, the 22-year-old woman admitted to speeding and pleaded guilty to her charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. She is expected to receive sentencing at a court hearing on May 26.
Stories like these are unfortunate reminders of how a simple mistake behind the wheel can have tragic consequences for not only pedestrians but the drivers themselves. Being charged with criminal traffic offenses like vehicular homicide and vehicular assault is extremely serious, and can have defendants facing potentially years served in prison, not to mention hefty fines and the loss of their driver's license.
If you find yourself facing charges like these, make sure you have only the best possible legal counsel defending your case from the prosecution. Contact The Orr Law Firm to find an expert attorney that can best represent your needs and interests.