The crash happened in a second: a missed stop sign, a flash of headlights, and the sound of shattering glass. You never meant to hurt anyone. But now the police are calling it vehicular assault. Suddenly, what began as an accident is being treated as a violent felony.
In Colorado, vehicular assault is one of the most serious charges a driver can face. It doesn’t take intent, just a moment of poor judgment behind the wheel. If police are investigating you or have already charged you, time is critical. An experienced Loveland vehicular assault lawyer can step in now to protect your rights, control the narrative, and fight back against consequences that could follow you for the rest of your life.
At The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC, Attorney Sean Harrell provides aggressive defense and level-headed guidance for people facing vehicular assault charges across Northern Colorado. With a 5-star reputation and extensive courtroom experience, he helps clients regain control, build a defense grounded in facts, and avoid the worst-case scenarios. Call now to start your defense and start rebuilding your future.
What Is Vehicular Assault in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, vehicular assault occurs when someone operates a vehicle in a reckless or intoxicated manner and causes serious bodily injury, which is any injury that causes long-term impairment, disfigurement, or risk of death, to another person.
There are two main types:
- Vehicular assault by DUI or DWAI (a Class 4 felony). When the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Vehicular assault by reckless driving (a Class 5 felony). When the driver’s behavior behind the wheel shows a disregard for safety, even without intoxication.
Here’s the part that surprises many defendants: you don’t have to intend to hurt anyone. In fact, you may not even feel you did anything criminal. However, once injuries are involved, prosecutors move fast and do not go easy. That’s why contacting a vehicular assault lawyer as soon as possible is vital. The earlier your defense starts, the more options you have.
What Are the Penalties for Vehicular Assault?
Colorado considers vehicular assault a violent crime, even if you’ve never been arrested before. If convicted, the penalties are harsh, life-altering, and can include mandatory prison time.
If alcohol or drugs were involved:
- Class 4 felony;
- 2 to 6 years in prison, with mandatory sentencing;
- Up to $500,000 in fines; and
- Driver’s license revocation.
If charged for reckless driving without intoxication:
- Class 5 felony;
- 1 to 3 years in prison;
- Fines up to $100,000; and
- Probation or community corrections in some cases.
Judges often have less discretion with DUI-related vehicular assault. That’s why having a lawyer who understands the legal landscape and nuances of your case matters more than ever.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Arrest?
The hours and days after your arrest are critical. Every move you make from here on can help or hurt your case. Here’s what you should do now:
- Do not speak to police without a lawyer present. Law enforcement can twist well-meaning explanations against you.
- Avoid social media posts. Police and prosecutors will scrutinize anything you say online.
- Preserve all evidence. This includes dashcam footage, accident photos, and any documentation related to the vehicle or your condition at the time.
- Contact a defense attorney immediately. You ideally want a lawyer with specific experience handling vehicular assault who can act fast.
- Comply with bond and court orders. Violating conditions, even minor ones, can complicate your case.
- Write down your memory of the crash. While the accident is fresh in your mind, note any times, lighting, traffic conditions, and anything unusual.
The sooner your attorney is involved, the better your chances of limiting the damage and building a compelling defense.
How Can a Loveland Vehicular Assault Lawyer Help?
Vehicular assault is not the kind of charge where you can afford to take chances. Prosecutors may seem sympathetic, but make no mistake; they are building a case against you. A knowledgeable vehicular assault attorney can immediately:
- Investigate the accident—reconstructing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and identifying alternate causes (road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, or third-party fault);
- Challenge toxicology results—questioning the accuracy, timing, and reliability of breath or blood tests, especially in cases of prescription medications or procedural errors;
- Negotiate for reduced charges—such as careless driving causing injury or reckless endangerment, when supported by the facts;
- Mitigate sentencing factors—presenting evidence of your character, clean record, military or community service, and efforts to make amends; and
- Defend your story in court—your lawyer must be ready to stand between you and a felony conviction.
No two cases are alike. However, with the right legal strategy, the outcome can significantly differ from what prosecutors are pushing for.
Why Choose a Vehicular Assault Attorney from The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC?
We understand how terrifying and isolating a felony charge can feel, especially when it stems from an accident you never intended. That’s why we offer:
- Decades of courtroom experience—over 30 years of combined legal experience in Colorado criminal defense;
- Award-winning advocacy—including recognition from the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Criminal Defense Firm;
- Transparent, upfront pricing—with flexible flat-fee, hourly, or mixed-fee structures;
- Personalized legal care—we build every case around your story, your needs, and your long-term goals; and
- Proven results—including dismissals, reductions, and successful courtroom defense of vehicular assault charges.
Sean doesn’t just know the law; he knows the stakes. He’ll take your case seriously, treat you respectfully, and fight for the best possible outcome with clarity and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Be Charged with Vehicular Assault If the Accident Wasn’t My Fault?
Yes, but that doesn’t mean the charge will stick. If someone was seriously injured, prosecutors may still file charges while “investigating further.” That’s why it’s essential to have a lawyer with experience handling vehicular assault cases to examine the facts, reconstruct the scene, and gather evidence to challenge fault.
Will I Automatically Go to Prison If Convicted?
Not necessarily. While DUI-related vehicular assault carries mandatory prison time, not all convictions lead to incarceration. A skilled attorney may negotiate a reduced charge, argue for alternative sentencing, or convince the court that mitigating circumstances warrant leniency.
Can I Still Be Charged If the Injured Person Doesn’t Want to Press Charges?
Yes. In vehicular assault cases, the State of Colorado, not the victim, decides whether to prosecute. Even if the injured party doesn’t want to move forward, the district attorney may proceed based on police reports, medical records, or witness statements. That’s why securing legal representation as early as possible is critical before the case builds momentum.
Speak to Us Today
Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC, for immediate support if you’ve been accused of causing serious injury in a crash. We offer free consultations, compassionate guidance, and fearless courtroom defense for people like you—regular people facing the most difficult moments of their lives.
Working with a skilled attorney isn’t just about facing charges. It’s about taking charge of consequences. It’s about keeping your record clean, your family intact, and your future open. Contact us today to speak with a trusted Loveland vehicular assault lawyer and get the strategic, human-centered defense you deserve.