Vehicular Eluding in Colorado - C.R.S. § 18-9-116.5

What Is Vehicular Eluding?

If you notice that a police officer is pursuing you while you're driving your car, it is your responsibility to pull over as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in you being charged with the crime of vehicular eluding.

According to C.R.S. § 18-9-116.5, any person who, while driving, knowingly eludes or attempts to elude a peace officer also operating a motor vehicle, and who knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being pursued by said peace officer, and who operates his or her vehicle in a reckless manner, commits vehicular eluding.

Vehicular eluding is a class 5 felony; except that vehicular eluding that results in bodily injury to another person is a class 4 felony and vehicular eluding that results in death to another person is a class 3 felony.

There are some instances in which vehicular eluding is considered a misdemeanor rather than a felony. For example, if you didn't pose a danger to anyone else or drive more than 30 mph over the speed limit, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. This typically leads to a license suspension and potentially even local jail time.

What are the Penalties for Vehicular Eluding in Colorado?

Depending on the severity of your actions, a charge of vehicular eluding may be a class 3, class 4, or class 5 felony. The class of your vehicular eluding charge will depend solely on whether this action caused any harm.

For instance, a class 5 vehicular eluding charge, in which no one was injured, will result in a minimum fine of $2,000. By comparison, class 4 charges – where a personal injury was caused by the eluding – carry minimum fines of $4,000, and class 3 charges that result in another person's death have a minimum fine of $6,000.

Depending on the defense lawyer you choose, however, these fines could be lessened. That is why, should you be charged with vehicular eluding or any other driving infraction, you should know where to turn. At the Orr Law Firm, we offer experienced and aggressive defense representation for all manner of driving-related charges.

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The Orr Law Firm has more than 40 years of collective experience representing clients throughout Denver and the surrounding areas. We are passionate about securing justice and favorable outcomes for our clients. We are well-versed in traffic violations, and we have the resources, experience, and qualifications to help you. Call now!