Criminal Defense

A 30-year-old Boulder County man is behind bars after a confrontation in front of the Longmont home of his former girlfriend. Authorities said the defendant admitted he fired a weapon, although he claimed the shooting was in self-defense. The man told a detective he...

Although it may appear so to a defendant, the purpose of bail isn't to inflict punishment upon a person before a criminal case is decided. Bail is set to ensure that a Colorado defendant meets obligations in court. With few exceptions, according to the Boulder County...

Threatening harm to instill fear in a victim can be a crime. Menacing might be described as an assault by words or actions because in some cases, no injury actually occurs. For example, a stalker might be charged with menacing – the threat of violence is there...

Menacing, an action that knowingly instills fear of bodily harm in a victim, may or may not include physical contact. The method used to make someone else afraid can determine the severity of a menacing charge and may lead to charges for additional offenses. For...

Assaults are crimes of violence and therefore, are taken very seriously by Colorado prosecutors and judges. Depending upon the nature of the assault charges, a conviction can mean substantial prison time. The stakes can go even higher for defendants who are not U.S....

Laws recognize substance addiction can contribute to the commission of a crime. Addiction does not excuse criminal activity although under certain circumstances, Colorado defendants are accepted into drug court programs. The intensive treatment and monitoring program...

Plea agreements allow courts to avoid the time and expense involved in trying a defendant. A Boulder defendant, facing an uncertain verdict at a criminal trial, may agree to plead guilty, provided prosecutors reduce charges or penalties.Three Boulder County men were...

Being approached by a police officer for questioning can be unnerving for anyone. A person may feel accused simply in an officer's presence. Unfortunately, some criminal defendants add to their legal troubles by speaking or acting out against authorities.Police took a...

Deadly force is an extreme measure used when police situations are or appear to be life-threatening. A USA Today article recently reported there was no nationwide standard governing the use of deadly force or reporting confrontations. The Police Studies Council...

A Colorado defendant must have the ability to participate in his or her own defense against charges for committing a crime. A court may not try a person who lacks a "rational or factual understanding" of legal proceedings, according to Colorado Statute 16:8.5:...