A Colorado woman who tried to swim away from a fatal car accident was charged with first-degree murder, according to a July 1 Daily Mail report. The woman lost control of her vehicle and crashed into another vehicle, killing a man and seriously injured his sister and two-year-old daughter. The woman fled the accident scene on foot and jumped into a nearby reservoir in an attempt to escape.
Boaters pulled the woman out of the water and handed her over to authorities. She had two previous DUI convictions and was driving with a revoked driver’s licensed due to a previous DUI offense when she was arrested. In addition to first-degree murder, she was also charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and displaying extreme indifference.
The Colorado criminal defense attorney in this case would have had a better chance of getting the woman a reduced sentence had she not been a repeat DUI offender, if she had not displayed a lack of concern for her victims and if she didn’t attempt to evade the authorities. Despite the low likelihood for a favorable outcome, her defense attorney can make sure that she is treated with respect regardless of her actions and that she receives a fair trial.
This is a sad example of why it is never good to try to outrun the arm of the law. Offenders who take responsibility for their actions and cooperate with the police have a better chance at a reduced sentence or dismissal of charges than offenders who run from the law. Eventually they get caught and end up with more charges. More charges equals a greater chance for a stiff sentence. Owning up to the crime can result in less time, and your Castle Rock criminal defense attorney will do all he can to make that happen.
