Felony Defense Attorney in Northglenn

Denver Felony Charges Defense Attorney

Colorado divides crimes into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are considered minor offenses and typically carry lighter penalties. Felonies, however, are serious crimes that come with severe punishments, often including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. One of the most serious felony charges involves underage drinking and driving, which can lead to severe legal consequences and long-term impacts on a young person's future, affecting everything from employment opportunities to educational prospects.

Felony charges related to driving under the influence are not limited to alcohol; marijuana DUI cases are increasingly leading to felony convictions, especially in Colorado, where law enforcement is vigilant about impaired driving. These charges are treated with the same level of seriousness as alcohol-related DUIs and can result in substantial penalties, including jail time, fines, and license revocation. In some instances, felony charges can arise from incidents that cause personal injury to others, particularly in cases involving reckless or impaired driving, where the consequences of such actions have far-reaching effects on victims and their families.

If you are charged with a felony, whether it's related to underage drinking, marijuana, or causing injury through reckless driving, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation. Call the Law Offices of James Colgan for an experienced defense attorney who can manage your case, advocate for your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome. With the complexities of Colorado's legal system, having a knowledgeable attorney is essential to navigate the challenges of a felony charge.

Classification of Felonies

Felonies are classed from 6 to 1, with 1 being the most severe. Class 1 felonies include murder in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, and treason.

Class 1 penalties are the most severe punishments. If you are convicted of a Class 1 penalty in Colorado, you could be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. If you are a resident alien, deportation is also a possible penalty.

Classes 6 through 2 include crimes ranging from impersonating a peace officer (Class 6) through human trafficking of a minor (Class 2). Punishments include fines from $1,000 to $1,000,000, prison sentences from one to 24 years in prison, or a combination of fines and prison time.

Drug felonies have a separate classification system, from 4 to 1, with a similar range of punishments.

Colorado also has an “extraordinary risk” classification for both felonies and misdemeanors. There are ten extraordinary risk felonies, including child abuse, aggravated robbery, violent crimes, stalking, and human trafficking. Prison sentences for extraordinary risk felonies may be longer than those for standard felonies.

If you are found guilty or plead guilty to a lesser charge, your defense attorney will help you negotiate your plea and a reduction in the fine and sentence.

Statute of Limitations

Most felonies in Colorado have a statute of limitations of three years from the date the crime was committed. Some crimes are so severe that there is no statute of limitations, which means that Colorado can prosecute you at any time. Those crimes include murder, treason, kidnapping, and sex offenses against children.

Your defense attorney will examine all statute of limitations dates to determine whether your case falls outside of them. If it does not, your attorney will ensure you file your lawsuit before it does.

Defense

Regardless of your guilt or innocence, you are entitled to defend yourself in court. Defenses against felony charges include:

Innocence: you can prove you didn’t do it
An alternative theory of the crime: you can show that someone else committed
Ignorance of the crime: you didn’t know the crime had occurred, so intent can’t be proven

Your defense attorney will review the details of your case and work with you to provide the best possible defense for your case.

James Colgan is a former prosecutor. He spent many years learning how the Colorado prosecution and trial systems work. Attorney Colgan can build a solid defense based on over 25 years of criminal law experience and his knowledge of how the prosecutors will make their case against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am charged with a felony in Northglenn, Colorado?

If you are charged with a felony in Northglenn, Colorado, it's crucial to seek immediate legal assistance. Our experienced felony defense attorney can help you understand the charges, navigate the court system, and potentially negotiate plea deals. We can also develop a robust defense strategy, whether it's proving your innocence, presenting alternative theories, or showing a lack of intent. Hiring our attorney with local experience, like James Colgan Law, ensures knowledgeable representation tailored to Colorado’s legal system.

How can a felony defense lawyer assist in my case?

Our felony defense lawyer can provide crucial assistance in your case by evaluating the evidence against you, advising on legal rights and options, and formulating a strategic defense. We can negotiate plea bargains, argue for reduced charges, or challenge the prosecution's case during trial. Our experienced lawyer can also manage all procedural aspects, ensuring compliance with court requirements and deadlines, which is vital in seeking a favorable outcome.Our lawyers in Northglenn, Colorado, are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support.

Can I defend myself against felony charges in Colorado?

Yes, you have the legal right to defend yourself against felony charges in Colorado, known as proceeding "pro se." However, self-representation in felony cases is highly discouraged due to the complexity of criminal law and the severe consequences of a potential conviction. Our experienced defense attorney can provide valuable expertise, ensuring that your legal rights are protected and significantly improving your chances of a favorable outcome. Our skilled felony defense lawyer can evaluate your case and develop an effective defense strategy tailored to your situation.

When does a DUI become a felony in Colorado?

A DUI becomes a felony in Colorado when certain aggravating factors are present, or when it is the driver’s fourth (or more) DUI offense within defined periods. Also, if a DUI leads to serious bodily injury or death (vehicular assault or homicide), that can elevate the charge to felony. Prior DUI convictions count when determining whether the current DUI should be treated as a felony. The severity of the intoxication and whether there were multiple victims or property damage can also influence elevation. Once a DUI is a felony, penalties are far more severe—longer prison sentences, much higher fines, and loss of certain civil rights. Defense strategies often focus on whether the aggravating factors hold, whether prior convictions are valid and properly documented, and whether procedural or constitutional defenses apply.

What are collateral consequences of a felony DUI conviction beyond the criminal penalties?

Beyond fines and prison time, felony convictions typically have long-lasting effects. They can limit housing opportunities, employment (especially in fields that require background checks, security clearance, or licensure), voting rights (depending on state law), ability to serve on juries, and eligibility for certain professional licenses. Immigration status of non-citizens may be adversely affected. Also, insurance premiums skyrocket or coverage may be denied. Federal benefits or financial aid may be harder to obtain. Even after serving a sentence, having a felony on your record can create social stigma that impacts many aspects of daily life.

Can a felony DUI charge be reduced to a misdemeanor or lesser offense?

In some cases, yes. Whether a felony DUI can be reduced depends on the specific facts (degree of harm caused, level of impairment, prior record, plea bargaining possibilities). Prosecutors may be willing to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge if the evidence is weak, mitigating circumstances exist, or the defendant cooperates. Defense strategy might involve challenging evidence, procedural mistakes, or demonstrating that aggravating factors are not strong enough to justify a felony. Sometimes defendants with extensive prior records are less likely to have charges reduced. Working with an experienced attorney is essential to assess whether reduction is realistic in your case.

Why is it important to hire a felony defense attorney in Northglenn?

Hiring a felony defense attorney in Northglenn is important because they bring specialized knowledge of Colorado’s criminal laws and local court procedures. Our experienced attorney can navigate complex legal issues, negotiate with prosecutors effectively, and present a strong defense in court. We can also help mitigate the potentially severe consequences of a felony charge, such as significant fines and long-term imprisonment, by exploring all possible legal avenues for reducing or dismissing charges. For comprehensive legal assistance, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Additional Information in Northglenn, Colorado

Government Registry - Colorado Felonies: Provides information on the legislative body responsible for drafting and reviewing the legal language of Colorado's laws. This office offers legal counsel to Colorado's General Assembly and ensures that new laws are accurately drafted and that existing laws are correctly understood within legal contexts. For felony defense cases, this site can be a resource for understanding specific statutes, legislative intent, and changes in criminal law, which might be relevant in crafting a defense strategy.

Colorado General Assembly - Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes: Focuses on changes to criminal record sealing and expungement, making it easier for individuals to manage their criminal records, particularly in cases of mistaken identity or when laws change to decriminalize certain behaviors. The bill allows remote hearings for sealing matters and clarifies automatic sealing procedures, among other provisions. This legislation could significantly impact felony defense cases by providing more opportunities for individuals to clear their records, which could aid in personal and professional rehabilitation.

University of Denver - A Listing of Crimes and Traffic Infractions in Colorado: Detailed legal article discussing various aspects of criminal law in Colorado. It provides a comprehensive analysis of case law, statutes, and procedural considerations that are vital in the context of felony defense. This resource can be beneficial for attorneys to deepen their understanding of legal precedents and nuances in Colorado criminal law, potentially aiding in building stronger defense strategies for felony cases.

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