Many people don’t understand that you can easily be charged with Escape – C.R.S. 18-8-208, in Larimer, Grand or Boulder County. We have worked with people in the past who were shocked to learn they were facing Escape charges. They thought you had to plan a dramatic, Hollywood flight from a dark prison in order to face this criminal charge. This is not the case.
What is Escape?
Escape is charged whenever a person voluntarily leaves custody or confinement. Custody is a simple term to define – after you’ve been arrested, whether you’re in at the justice center in Fort Collins or a police car in Loveland, you are required to remain in police custody. The term “confinement” however, is more difficult to define. A judge may impose an in-home detention in EstesPark. If you leave your home during this time, you will be charged with Escape. Often, people are released from jail for a furlough under special circumstances, such as attending a funeral. If you don’t return in the right amount of time, you could be facing charges of Escape. It is important to understand you don’t have to be convicted of a crime in order to be charged with Escape. If you are being held for questioning regarding a crime and you walk away or leave the facility, you may face charges.
Why You Need a Good Lawyer
Escape is not a criminal charge you should ignore or take lightly. The severity of the charge depends on why you were originally in custody or confinement. The sentence ranges from a class 1 petty offense to a class 1 felony. If you are convicted of Escape, you could face serious jail or prison time and have a criminal offense on your record. Don’t stand alone in front of a judge. There are good defenses to charges of Escape, but the first step is to consult with an experienced attorney who can create a strong defense on your behalf. We will walk you through the court process and get the best outcome possible in your case.