Category Archives: Criminal Defense

Explaining “Self-Defense” Legal Defenses

Explaining “Self-Defense” Legal Defenses

“Self-defense” is what is termed an “affirmative defense.” This means that you are admitting that you committed the alleged act, but it was justified because it was in self-defense. As an example, walking down the street with a friend, you are approached by a third person who asks you for money. You walk away, telling […]

Common Defenses for Drug Dealing Charges

Common Defenses for Drug Dealing Charges

Charges for drug dealing carry heavier penalties than possession for personal use. Dealing includes manufacturing, holding, distributing, and selling controlled substances or the ingredients to make those substances. It also includes inducing someone or conspiring with others to deal drugs. The severity ranges from felony charges with up to 32 years in prison and $1,000,000 in […]

“Trespassing” on Private Property: Is It Ever Justified?

“Trespassing” on Private Property: Is It Ever Justified?

Trespassing is an umbrella term that covers a range of actions – from walking on a riverbank through private land when fishing, to entering a home with the intent to commit a violent crime. Colorado has three degrees of criminal trespassing charges. Criminal Trespass in Colorado First Degree Trespassing is to enter or remain in someone […]

Assault and At-Risk Youth

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Educators, counselors, and caretakers of youth with disabilities provide an invaluable service to children, families, and society. Those who work in these fields do so with a passion to provide education, care, and guidance to those who suffer intellectually and emotionally. While rewarding, these occupations also carry risks that other professions do not. When a […]

Colorado Search and Seizure Law

Colorado Search and Seizure Law

Both the federal Constitution and the Colorado Constitution protect citizens against law enforcement unlawfully searching and seizing property. While substantially similar, the Colorado Constitution is slightly more specific than the federal Constitution. The Constitution of the State of Colorado specifically provides: The people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes and effects, from unreasonable searches and […]

The Difference Between Trespassing and Burglary

The Difference Between Trespassing and Burglary

Although trespassing and burglary are both property crimes that involve being on someone else’s property unlawfully, they are not the same offense. Burglary crimes tend to be more severe, with stiffer penalties, than trespassing crimes. If you are facing trespassing or burglary charges, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney as soon […]

Colorado Laws Regarding “Leaving the Scene of an Accident”

Colorado Laws Regarding “Leaving the Scene of an Accident”

What Is Required of a Driver After an Accident? Colorado requires drivers involved in auto collisions to perform certain tasks immediately after an accident. A driver who doesn’t comply with the statutory requirements can get charged with a range of offenses, some of which can be serious. After a collision a driver is required to […]

When Can You Point a Firearm at Someone?

When Can You Point a Firearm at Someone?

More citizens in the United States own firearms than in any other country in the world. Most gun owners in our country own firearms for either sport or self-defense. When faced with a perceived threat of harm, people will sometimes display a firearm or flash it at the person presenting the threat. However, flashing a […]

TSA Finds More Guns at Denver International Airport Checkpoints Than Ever Before

TSA Finds More Guns at Denver International Airport Checkpoints Than Ever Before

In 2021, TSA officers recovered 156 firearms at DIA checkpoints, a new record. Denver ranked seventh in the nation for recovered firearms according to the TSA.  When the new statistics were released, TSA spokesman David Pekoske stated that he believed, “What we see in our checkpoints really reflects what we’re seeing in society, and in […]

Colorado Recently Changed the Waiting Period for License Reinstatement After Receiving a DUI

Colorado Recently Changed the Waiting Period for License Reinstatement After Receiving a DUI

On January 1, 2023, the law regarding when you can reinstate your license after a DUI suspension changed in Colorado. Prior to January 1, 2023, a person whose license was revoked for a first-time DUI had to wait at least 30 days after the revocation was effective before they could reinstate their license. Colorado changed this law […]