Fort Collins Vehicular
Manslaughter Attorney

Bruno Lilly LeClere

At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys are standing by, ready to protect your rights and interests in cases involving serious vehicular felony charges. If you or your loved one was arrested for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Our defense attorneys have successfully represented clients facing felony charges in the criminal justice system and are committed to building a strong defense. Contact us at our Fort Collins law firm today for a confidential consultation and let us work diligently to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

What is Considered a Vehicular Assault in Fort Collins?

In Colorado, causing injury to another person while committing a serious traffic offense can lead to a charge of vehicular assault, a serious felony charge. According to Colorado law (CRS § 18-3-205)vehicular assault occurs when “a person operates or drives a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, and this conduct is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another.” A felony conviction for vehicular assault may carry severe penalties, including jail time, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the criminal charges involved. Understanding the legal process and working with criminal defense attorneys who can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the best defense can make all the difference in the outcome of your criminal case.

Types of Vehicular Assault

There are two main types of vehicular assault in Colorado:

• Reckless Driving: This occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle in a reckless manner, resulting in serious bodily injury to another person. Reckless driving vehicular assault is considered a Class 5 felony, one of the more serious felony charges under Colorado law, due to the harm inflicted. Criminal conviction in these cases can lead to significant consequences, including criminal defense representation costs and lengthy penalties.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving while intoxicated and causing serious injury to another person is treated as a more severe offense than reckless driving. Vehicular assault due to DUI is classified as a Class 4 felony. For someone facing vehicular assault charges related to DUI, the case often becomes complex, involving criminal lawyers skilled in DUI defense and criminal defense.

Penalties for Vehicular Assault

The penalties for vehicular assault are significant and can include large fines, prison time, and loss of driving privileges. Colorado’s legal system takes these offenses seriously, as they often involve severe bodily injury or even death:

• Reckless Driving Vehicular Assault: Conviction for this charge carries a potential penalty of one to three years in prison, along with fines and court costs. Defending against a vehicular assault charge for reckless driving often involves proving that the person was not operating in a reckless manner or that the injury was not directly caused by the defendant’s actions.
• DUI Vehicular Assault: DUI-related vehicular assault is a Class 4 felony, with sentences ranging from two to six years in prison. This type of offense carries steeper penalties due to the increased risk associated with intoxicated driving. Legal representation in these cases is critical to navigating the complexities of both DUI law and vehicular assault statutes.

Defenses Against a Vehicular Assault Charge

Facing a vehicular assault charge is a serious matter, and multiple defense strategies may be available depending on the case’s circumstances:

• Challenging Recklessness or Intoxication: Defendants may be able to defend themselves by demonstrating that there was no reckless driving involved or that they were not intoxicated at the time of the incident. A successful defense can also include challenging evidence or witness statements that may be unclear or misleading.
• Legal Representation: Working with experienced criminal defense attorneys is essential in these cases, as they can analyze the evidence, gather witness statements, and develop a robust strategy. A former prosecutor with insight into the legal process can be invaluable in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, potentially resulting in reduced charges or even dismissal.
• No Obligation Consultation: Those accused of vehicular assault often find that initial consultation with a defense attorney helps them understand the potential outcomes. Through a no-obligation consultation, clients can discuss the details of their case and get an informed perspective on how best to defend against serious felony charges in court.

What to Do If You are Facing a Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Manslaughter Offense?

Are you facing a charge for a vehicular violence offense in Fort Collins or elsewhere in Larimer County? Your rights, your freedom, and your future are at stake. It is imperative that you take action. Here are three steps to take after an allegation of vehicular assault/manslaughter: 

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent. You should always exercise it after an arrest. Do not give a statement to police or prosecutors without first speaking to a top-tier Fort Collins defense lawyer. 
2. Preserve Relevant Evidence/Information: Evidence is at the foundation of any successful criminal defense strategy. You should be sure to gather and secure as much relevant evidence as possible related to the crash in question. 
3. Speak to a Fort Collins Defense Attorney: Do not take on the criminal process alone. You need reliable, justice-focused representation. Our Fort Collins vehicular assault/manslaughter defense lawyer will answer your questions, investigate the charges, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop the right strategy for your case. 

Why Trust Our Vehicular Manslaughter Defense Lawyers

Vehicular assault charges are challenging—especially if it is a vehicular manslaughter case. You need an experienced advocate on your side. Our partner is based at an office in Fort Collins and has extensive experience handling complex felony cases. We are proactive. Among other things, our Fort Collins vehicular assault/manslaughter defense attorney is prepared to: 

• Listen to your story, answer questions, and explain your options; 
• Investigate the vehicular assault/manslaughter charges—gathering evidence; and
• Develop a personalized strategy to protect your rights, freedom, and future.