Criminal Defense Overview

At Jurdem, LLC, we combine our extensive trial experience and depth of knowledge regarding criminal law with our knowledge of and experience within the Boulder community to give you the best and most complete representation possible. A licensed attorney in Boulder since 1976, Scott Jurdem, has broad experience, including serving as director of the Denver and Colorado Springs Public Defender Offices.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys

All three of our attorneys earned their law degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In addition to criminal defense representation for CU students, we also provide assistance with CU Office of Student Conduct matters.

Our skill, knowledge and experience allow us to offer exceptional representation and counsel to clients on a wide range of issues, including:

• Drug offenses – Boulder is not as tolerant as you might think. Without effective defense counsel, a brief lapse in judgment could leave a permanent mark on your record.
• Sex offenses – A conviction for a sex offense can destroy your reputation and could result in a lifetime prison sentence. Our record in these cases speaks for itself.
• Domestic violence offenses – The law is changing and the penalties are increasing. Allegations of domestic violence require a defense team that can protect you.
• CU Boulder students – We defend students in court and provide assistance with the CU Office of Student Conduct.
• Driving under the influence – Penalties for a first offense are harsh and penalties for subsequent offenses are even more so. We do everything possible to protect your license, your liberty and your record.
• Marijuana – Marijuana laws are strictly enforced in the Boulder area. Whether you believe you’re immune from prosecution or not, you need the best representation possible when you are facing a potential drug conviction.
• Traffic violations – High point violations can threaten your driver’s license. Whether in Court or at the DMV, we can help you.
• Driver’s license suspension/revocation – Let us help you defend your driving privileges.
• Appealing a conviction – We can fight wrongful convictions and safeguard your record.
• Talking to police – We are your advocates. Let us be your voice. Our experience provides valuable insight when dealing with law enforcement.
• Professional license defense – If your career depends on your professional license, we can build a defense that will help protect that most valuable of assets.
• Mental health issues – Too often, those with mental health issues find themselves in the criminal justice system. We can provide a defense that is considerate of the issues at hand.
• False information and false reporting – Passing fake IDs and providing false information to law enforcement may be common offenses in a college town, but those who get caught face serious consequences. You need to protect your record.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense In Boulder

Facing criminal charges raises urgent questions about your rights, the court process and potential consequences. Understanding your options and how the Boulder system works helps you make informed decisions about your case.

What plea bargain options exist for a first offense on a minor charge in Boulder County?

Individuals with no prior criminal history who are charged with certain misdemeanors like minor drug possession, shoplifting or underage alcohol violations may qualify for Adult Diversion programs through the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. Diversion offers an alternative to traditional court proceedings. Under the terms of a Diversion agreement, you must complete specific requirements, such as restorative justice conversations, community service, or substance abuse treatment and remain law abiding.

If you successfully complete all program terms, the district attorney dismisses your case entirely without requiring you to ever enter a plea. This dismissal allows you to avoid a permanent criminal conviction. Once the case is dismissed, the records associated with the case are automatically sealed. Diversion programs avoid the lasting consequences of a conviction.

If someone does not qualify for Diversion but has no criminal history, then the prosecution might consider a deferred sentence. Under a deferred sentence, a person enters a guilty plea and is placed on probation. If he or she successfully completes probation and remains law abiding, at the end of probation, the guilty plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed. If the case is dismissed, the records associated with the case are automatically sealed.

Even if you have no prior criminal history and you are facing criminal charges, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to fully understand the legal issues in your particular circumstances.

What is the difference between Boulder Municipal Court and State Court?

Boulder Municipal Court prosecutes violations of the City of Boulder’s municipal code. Municipal code violations are usually minor infractions and city code violations such as noise complaints, open container citations, or possession of a false identification. State Court prosecutes violations of state statutes. While some types of offenses could be charged in either municipal court or state court, in general, state charges carry more serious statutory penalties and create broader long-term consequences than municipal violations.

Understanding which court handles your case helps you grasp the potential penalties you face and the complexity of the proceedings ahead.

How do concurrent university disciplinary hearings differ from formal criminal proceedings?

Any violation of state law is also a violation of the University of Colorado at Boulder’s student conduct code. If a student is facing criminal charges, he or she may also face a parallel proceeding with the Office of Student Conduct of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, also known as the “Title IX” office. Criminal courts require prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest legal standard.

University proceedings operate independently under a different set of rules including a much lower preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning more likely than not. This lower threshold means a higher education institution such as the University of Colorado can impose disciplinary consequences like a suspension or expulsion, even when prosecutors dismiss criminal charges completely. The two processes run on separate tracks with different rules, different standards and different outcomes.

In some cases, an experienced attorney can use a Title IX hearing to advance the client’s position in a criminal case. Similarly, prosecutors will try to use evidence from Title IX hearings to against you in court. If you receive a notice of a Title IX investigation, it is extremely important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. 

Finally, Student Conduct or Title IX violations can move forward even without an active criminal case in the discretion of the University. If someone finds himself or herself facing disciplinary action that could potentially be criminally charged, it is best to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure the student does not unintentionally create more evidence that can be used against them to later pursue criminal charges. 

Contact Boulder Criminal Defense Attorneys At Jurdem, LLC, Today

For experienced legal counsel that can help you defend yourself against a wide range of criminal charges or defend your rights after you have been injured in an accident, turn to Jurdem, LLC, in Boulder, Colorado.

Our criminal defense lawyers represent clients throughout Colorado.

Call 720-759-2894 or simply contact us online for a free telephone consultation concerning your criminal defense or personal injury matter. We accept major credit cards for our clients’ convenience.