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Colorado Hit-and-Run Charges Often Dismissed, Study Finds

February 8, 2015

Colorado hit-and-run charges can be very serious and can result in some harsh, long-lasting penalties upon conviction. However, a recent study conducted by the Denver Post has found that these charges are frequently dismissed by Colorado criminal courts and that, when the charges are not dismissed, jail or prison time is rarely imposed when convictions are handed down in these cases.

A Closer Look at the Findings of the Colorado Hit-and-Run Study

A study conducted by the Denver Post has found that certain Colorado hit-and-run charges are dismissed more than 60 percent of the time. Contact us for the best defense if you’re facing Colorado hit-and-run charges.

In particular, the Post’s study focused on judicial records related to Colorado hit-and-run charges from 2008 through about August 2013. What this study ended up finding was that, over this period of time:

Charges for leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury were dropped more than 60 percent of the time.
While prosecutors filed 80 counts of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, more than 30 of these charges were ultimately dismissed – This reflects a dismissal rate for these cases that is greater than 38 percent.
Less than 50 percent of the convictions for leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury resulted in a prison sentence – Given the fact that these Colorado hit-and-run charges are typically Class 4 felonies, which permit between two to six years of prison time upon conviction, this is a remarkable finding.

To further put these findings into perspective, Colorado authorities have reported that, over this same period of time, the incidence of hit-and-run cases involving pedestrian fatalities just about quadrupled.

Why Are Colorado Hit-and-Run Charges So Often Dismissed?

While the Post’s findings regarding Colorado hit-and-run charges may be shocking to some, taking a look at some of the issues often related to these cases can clarify just why dismissals and/or reduced sentences in these cases occur so frequently.

Specifically, some of the various reasons that Colorado hit-and-run charges may be thrown out or reduced in severity can include that:

Prosecutors simply enough lack of evidence to secure convictions (and possibly to have filed certain charges in the first place).
The lack of a criminal history for the accused people, as well as their remorse and whether they may have turned themselves in, can result in reduced charges.
The wishes of victims’ families may also contribute to whether plea deals (such as those involving reduced charges and sentences) are worked out ahead of time.

While all of this info regarding Colorado hit-and-run charges is likely good news for anyone facing such allegations, it’s still important to retain an experienced defense attorney in order to:

Protect your rights throughout the course of these cases
Facilitate favorable resolutions to them.

Denver and Boulder Metro Area Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Griffin Law Firm

Are you or someone you love facing Colorado hit-and-run charges? If so, the Denver and Boulder Metro Area hit-and-run defense lawyer at Griffin Law Firm wants you to know that he is ready to fight for your rights and help you build the best possible defense.

To find out more about how our trusted and experienced attorney can help you, contact us by calling (303) 280-1070 or by emailing us using the contact form at the top of this page.