In Fort Collins and Larimer County, we see many different types of cases that result from road rage incidents. Commonly charged road rage crimes include:
- Menacing
- Careless Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Vehicular assault
- Harassment
While this list does not include every crime we have seen related to a road rage situation, these are the most common criminal and traffic charges we see. Let’s take a closer look at each of these road rage crimes.
Larimer County Menacing Lawyer: Definition of Road Rage Menacing in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Menacing – C.R.S. 18-3-206 – is:
Most often, we see these cases result from an allegation that one driver shows another driver a gun during an altercation. Sometimes, it’s a reaction to an aggressive driver. The driver of another car is angry about a perceived slight (i.e. you cut them off) and they begin to drive belligerently, making you scared. You show them the weapon as a way to get them away from you, and they call the police, claiming to be the victim in the situation.
Careless Driving Ticket Attorney in Loveland: Definition of Careless Driving
In Fort Collins and Loveland, the Colorado law definition of Careless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1402 – is:
In relation to road rage, a Careless Driving ticket may be issued when a person is accused of weaving, crossing a double yellow line, or another action that may be considered driving in a careless manner.
Road Rage Reckless Driving Ticket in Estes Park
The Colorado law definition of Reckless Driving – C.R.S. 42-4-1401 – is:
Reckless Driving is basically a step up from Careless Driving. So, let’s say a person was angry about the speed the person was driving in front of them and decided to pass over a double yellow. If the passing was still safe, meaning there was plenty of time and a quick pass, then maybe Careless Driving would be the result. If, while passing, you drive next to the slow driver to yell at them and then make the oncoming traffic swerve or slow down because of your passing, then Reckless Driving would likely be ticketed.
Vehicular Assault Definition: What is Vehicular Assault Road Rage in Colorado?
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Vehicular Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-205 – is:
(b) If a person operates or drives a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or one or more drugs, or a combination of both alcohol and one or more drugs, and this conduct is the proximate cause of a serious bodily injury to another, such person commits vehicular assault. This is a strict liability crime.
Using the passing on a double yellow example above, if while passing you swerve and hit the slow car, or don’t get over in time and hit someone on the other side of the road, then Vehicular Assault could be charged.
Road Rage and Harassment Attorney in Fort Collins and Larimer County
Finally, Harassment is a common charge related to Road Rage crimes. Specifically, two subsections apply to these cases. The Colorado law definition of Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111 – related to road rage is:
(c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or
(h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.
Harassment road rage cases usually result from a person getting mad at someone for their driving and then following them on purpose (not just driving to the same place/location). It could also be charged after an angry encounter where the mad driver rolls down the window and starts yelling obscenities and making obscene gestures at the other driver.
If you or someone you love has been charged with road rage crimes, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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