Teenage Driver Arrested on Vehicular Homicide Charges in Greeley, CO
Woman Died in Greeley After 19-Year-Old Driver Allegedly Ran Red Light While Going Over 100 MPH Near 23rd Avenue and 10th Street
GREELEY, COLORADO (Dec 1st, 2025) – A 19-year-old driver has been charged with vehicular homicide after a fatal car accident in Greeley by the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 10th Street.
Weld County officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:45 AM on November 9. A Ford Mustang was allegedly traveling over 100 mph and went through a red light along 23rd Avenue.
That vehicle collided with a Subaru Impreza operated by a 27-year-old woman. Police were called to the scene of the accident to help the injured woman.
She was taken to the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley. Despite life-saving measures at the hospital, she was pronounced dead on November 14.
Authorities believe that alcohol may have played a role in the crash. A 19-year-old driver was initially arrested and charged with vehicular assault and possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor.
A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
Understanding DUI Charges in Colorado
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Colorado while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Pursuant to CO Rev Stat § 18-3-205, “(I) 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.” In other words, prosecutors do not need to prove intent or even negligence. Prosecutors will rely on impairment evidence to help build their case.
- Roadside Field Sobriety Tests: Suspects will often be asked to perform various activities to determine impairment. But these tests are subjective and open to officer interpretation.
- Breathalyzer Tests: Suspects may be asked to submit to breath tests. But these tests are not always accurate, particularly if breathalyzers are not calibrated correctly.
- Blood Tests: While blood tests are generally more reliable than breath tests, preservation and contamination can produce inaccurate results.
- Drug DUIs: Not every instance of marijuana in a person’s bloodstream will equal impairment. Under Colorado law, 5ng THC can create a “permissible inference” of impairment that is rebuttable.
Police officers and prosecutors are bound by rules of evidence and state law. They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person charged with a crime is actually guilty of that offense. There are many different factors to consider following any criminal charge for DUI or vehicular homicide. For example, the accused party may have a medical condition that could mimic impairment. This may include various neurological issues. Another possibility is that non-alcohol factors may impact crash causation, such as sudden hazards or mechanical failures with a vehicle. Evidence submitted by the state could be tossed out if a police officer obtained it through an illegal traffic stop.
Steps to Take After DUI Arrests in Colorado
After any serious DUI accident in the state of Colorado, the legal consequences for those charged can be dramatic. Under state law, the penalties can be enhanced for any accident that results in bodily injury or death. In particular, being convicted of DUI while causing serious bodily injury or death can lead to lengthy prison sentences, license revocation, and fines. It is important to take certain actions if you are charged with or even suspected of a crime.
- Remain Silent: You have a constitutional right to remain silent if you are being charged with or even suspected of a crime. Avoid making any statements to the police, and do not discuss your case publicly.
- Document the Incident: Write down everything that happened during your traffic stop. This should include the actions that any officers took and any other factors that may help support your defense.
- Request a DMV Hearing: Drivers in Colorado must request a DMV hearing within seven days of being charged with DUI. Failing to take action quickly could result in a potential automatic license suspension.
- Seek Legal Representation: A Colorado DUI attorney can take several steps to evaluate the evidence being used against you and ensure that your rights are being protected throughout the legal process.
Many people simply assume that there is not much that they can do to change their fate if they have been charged with DUI or other crimes. But the fact of the matter is that skilled legal representation can often make a world of difference in these types of cases. Among other things, an attorney may be able to get certain charges dropped or reduced. A successful plea deal may allow a person to avoid an overly punitive and lengthy prison sentence.
Getting Legal Help After Being Charged With a Crime in Colorado
We at DeChant Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman who died in this collision. This tragic incident shows how quickly one car accident can have life-changing consequences for multiple people and families. Cases like this illustrate the importance of understanding Colorado DUI laws and the legal rights that people retain after being suspected of committing any crime.
Have you or someone that you care about been charged with DUI or another crime in the state of Colorado? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. It is critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A skilled DUI attorney can review the unique facts of your case and take steps to help protect your license and your freedom. Whether you have any questions or need any other type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 303-409-7500.
Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship with the reader. Any laws referenced herein are based on general legal principles and may not be applicable to your particular situation. All information contained in this post was collected from secondary sources and may contain errors. If you have questions or concerns regarding this post, please contact us immediately. We will update or remove any post upon request.
