Drunk driving is a serious offense in Colorado. Although a person might only face minor penalties for a first offense drunk driving conviction, they can be charged with more severe crimes if they are accused of crashing their car, causing injury or death to another person, or are accused of hit-and-run.
According to a recent report, using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit-and-run accidents have increased from the period 2009 to 2011. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has said that many hit-and-run accidents involve drunk driving. When someone is accused of a hit-and-run, they might be wise to speak with an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney.
Sometimes people are accused of serious crimes that could result in them spending many years in prison if they are convicted. Not only a conviction result in a significant prison sentence, but if can make it difficult for a person, once released, to find employment and reintegrate into their community.
Although it is important to be sensitive when any alleged crimes involve victims, it is equally important that an innocent person has a right to a fair trial, and isn’t wrongfully convicted.
An attorney can help a person in Denver form a rigorous defense, and work to protect their reputation. If they are convicted, an attorney can review their case and help the person appeal to a higher court. If an appeal is successful a person might have their conviction overturned or their sentence might be reduced. Their conviction might also be downgraded, making it easier to find employment after their sentence has been served.
Source: USA Today, “Fatal hit-and-run crash on rise in U.S.,” Larry Copeland, Nov. 10, 2013