When someone dies in Weld County, those who cared for that person want answers and often they want to hold someone responsible, even when the person died of their own actions. That seems to be the case in the recent suicide of a 17-year-old boy, whose death may land his boss with criminal charges. According to the news report, the coroner who performed the autopsy on the boy’s body requested an investigation into the manager of the Dairy Queen where the boy worked. Witnesses testified that the boy was severely bullied at both school and work, which led to his suicide in December. The DA reviewing the case is considered charging the manager with Involuntary Manslaughter, which is equivalent to Criminally Negligent Homicide in Greeley, Erie, and Evans. While I don’t know what exactly was said, it seems that if one person who bullied this boy is going to be held responsible, shouldn’t everyone else?
Weld County Criminally Negligent Homicide Attorney: What is the Definition of Criminally Negligent Homicide?
The Colorado law definition of Criminally Negligent Homicide – C.R.S. 18-3-105 – is:
So, what exactly is criminal negligence? According to the same statute, criminal negligence means:
Now, this definition seems rather vague. What is the standard of reasonable care in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County? Does it apply differently depending on the relationship with the person. For example, I would imagine that not addressing or caring for your child’s mental health needs could be considered a deviation from a standard of reasonable care. But, would the same apply to a boss or co-worker? Is this manager potentially being charged for not noting the boy’s suicidal tendencies and continuing to push him with the bullying? I don’t have all the facts, but I imagine that should the DA choose to pursue charges, this could open up a serious can of worms, holding bullies responsible for the actions of their victims.
Criminally Negligent Homicide in Greeley: What is the Sentence for this Crime?
As a class 5 felony, Criminally Negligent Homicide is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines. If you are facing Criminally Negligent Homicide charges, don’t face these potential consequences alone. Have someone on your side who will fight vigorously to protect you.