Colorado Attorneys Legal Blog
How Do Prosecutors Decide Whether Something Is a “Deadly Weapon”?
In Colorado, a deadly weapon is defined as a knife, gun, or any object that could result in death or serious bodily injury to a person. That means it is possible for everyday objects, such as a brick or a pipe, to be considered a deadly weapon in a criminal case. It is important to keep this in mind since many crimes could carry more severe penalties if conducted with the use of a deadly weapon.
Understanding How the Classes of Felony Theft Crimes Work
In Colorado, felony theft, also known as grand larceny, occurs when someone intentionally steals property valued at $2,000 or more. These crimes involve harsh penalties and steep fines of up to $1,000,000 if convicted. If you are facing felony theft charges, it is essential to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect yourself against these allegations.
Common Drug Crime Defense Arguments
Although Colorado has legalized possession of marijuana for personal use and changed certain felony drug offenses to misdemeanors, the conviction of a drug crime can still have serious consequences. The most serious drug felonies carry penalties of up to 32 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines. If you are facing drug crime charges, it is important to get an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner as soon as possible. The following are some common legal defense arguments against Breckenridge drug crime charges.
What Actually Is Trespassing in Colorado?
While trespassing is a serious offense, many people have misconceptions about what this crime actually entails and what the potential consequences are. The word “trespassing” is typically used as a blanket term to cover a wide range of actions, from hunting or fishing on someone else’s land to breaking and entering for the purpose of committing a crime. In Colorado, criminal trespass is charged in three different degrees, each with different consequences.
How Colorado’s Sex Offender Registry Affects Those Listed
Sex offender registration may be court ordered upon conviction of most sex crimes in Colorado. The same requirement applies to any person who was convicted of a sex crime in another state and later moved to Colorado. Failure to register within specified time limits can lead to additional criminal penalties. Under state law, a person required to register as a sex offender can petition the court for deregistration after a certain period of time has passed following completion of the sentence or probation.
What If My Case Goes to Trial?
If you have been charged with a crime, chances are your case will go to trial. Unless your Breckenridge criminal defense attorney is able to get your charges dismissed, or you accept a plea bargain, you will have your day in court and an opportunity to present a defense against the charges. It is important to understand how the process works so you know what to expect before your case goes to trial.
What If I Got a DUI With My Kids In the Car?
Consuming alcohol or drugs can significantly impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. It puts the impaired driver and others on the road at risk. Driving under the influence with a child as a passenger is an even more serious offense because it endangers the life and safety of the child. DUI offenses carry serious penalties under any circumstances. With children in the car, criminal penalties are increased.
Understanding Motive During Criminal Proceedings
Motive is the reason a person decides to commit a crime. Individuals may engage in criminal conduct out of jealousy, revenge, or greed, or for other reasons. Although evidence of motive may be admissible at trial, it is not necessary to prove that a crime was committed. Nevertheless, motive is often considered important in criminal trials because it helps the prosecution prove its case.
Effective Legal Defenses for Domestic Abuse
Charges of domestic violence in Breckenridge can have a devastating impact on your life. Even if the police have serious doubts about the accuser’s story, they will almost always arrest a person who has been accused of domestic violence. After the arrest, you will be subjected to a protection order that may prevent you from returning to your home.
Police and prosecutors aggressively pursue cases of domestic violence. But these charges are often illegitimate. Sometimes people misuse the legal system because they want to get revenge against a former spouse or partner.
Can You Get a DUI for an Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?
If you are involved in a traffic accident in Colorado and you are over the BAC legal limit, you may be charged with a DUI – even if it’s later determined that your actions were not directly responsible for the accident.
In addition to criminal DUI charges, you may also be facing civil charges when you test positive for alcohol after an automobile accident. If someone who was harmed in an accident chooses to file a personal injury lawsuit against you, your level of alcohol consumption will be an important factor in determining liability – even if you did not violate any traffic laws.