The ruling comes as federal authorities have continued to crack down on the number of Denver medical marijuana dispensaries and operations popping up around the state. Some believe that pressure from prosecutors is part of a political ploy to garner votes in the upcoming elections.

Denver medical marijuana lawyers have been representing clients both involved in the industry as workers and users who face unlawful discrimination. State law allows for this industry to be present and regardless of the politics or opinions about the drug, it is allowed. Sadly, however, local and state officials, including law enforcement, continually react to overstated facts and misrepresentations about this helpful drug.

While prescription drugs have been known to cause major injury and death due to abuse, marijuana has been known to provide the same pain relief for major ailments and life-threatening diseases with less of a risk. Marijuana use, however, is more highly scrutinized.

The state’s court of appeals recently took another swing at the industry, ruling that a judicial district judge’s decision to let a man with a felony conviction use medical marijuana was improper. The man had been placed on probation on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child.

The court ruled that the state’s medical marijuana laws don’t allow for judges to exempt probationers from complying with federal laws that outlaw possession and use of marijuana. The man’s terms of probation must now be revised.

The problem with this ruling is that it is being made by a state court interpreting federal law. And the ruling itself is disturbing because it puts federal drug laws ahead of laws created and passed in Colorado. That is a dangerous precedent to make on an issue already pitting state and federal laws against each other.

If individuals or medical marijuana businesses are harassed by authorities and feel their rights are being violated, they should seek sound legal advice. Denver medical marijuana lawyers can help.

Denver DUI defense attorneys understand the damage that a DUI arrest can do to a person. First off, it will result in a driver’s license suspension, which can make a person’s life much more stressful and difficult. Then, there is the backlash from a person’s employer. Some companies are much more likely to be forgiving for a first offense or arrest. A conviction may change that, however. Other bosses will be quick to fire a person for an arrest, even before a conviction.

These matters are sensitive and must be handled with care. An arrest can lead to problems within the home, problems with public perception if the person’s job is high-profile and also emotional problems. Sometimes, a quick plea resolution is best if the prosecutor is willing to bump the charge down to a less-serious infraction.

In other cases, going to trial in order to fight the charges aggressively may be the option that makes the most sense. In either situation, an experienced Denver DUI defense lawyer utilizes years of experience to help.

In this case, the lawmaker was pulled over after trying to make an illegal turn, The Post reports. At first, Denver Police said the lawmaker tried to invoke legislative privilege to get out of a possible DUI arrest. Now, police are apologizing, stating that not only did the woman not invoke that privilege, but she asked to be treated as anyone else.

The House is investigating the case to see what happened. The arresting officer, too, is being investigated. State law allows for politicians to avoid arrest if they are in the midst of performing official duties.

While everyday citizens don’t have to worry about using special privileges to get out of arrest, this case shows that police officers can make mistakes in DUI cases. They can misunderstand what a person is saying or make a bad judgment call about whether they have been drinking and driving. Showing these mistakes could benefit the driver.

This is further proof that a DUI is a charge anyone can end up facing. Whether a teacher, construction worker, police officer or athlete, nobody is immune. A few drinks while hanging out with friends may be just enough to put a person over the state’s blood-alcohol limit. If an officer notices strange driving patterns, the night could quickly turn from celebratory to nightmarish.

Denver DUI defense attorneys recognize that this charge carries a negative stigma that can be difficult to shed. But aggressively attacking the state’s case can be one approach that works out.

Often, law enforcement officers use breath testing machines that either are improperly manufactured when they are shipped or simply aren’t taken care of by officers. These machines require a strict schedule of calibration and work that sometimes gets ignored. This can create faulty results, which can end up leading to a person’s arrest.

In some cases, the officer may not have the proper training to conduct field sobriety testing, or the driver’s physical ailments, such as a balance or equilibrium problem, could influence the results. There are many areas that an experienced Denver DUI defense lawyer will explore in these cases.

In Moreno’s case, he was pulled over while driving 70 mph on Interstate 25. The roadway usually has a 65 mph limit, but was 45 mph that night because the portion of the highway he was on was part of a construction zone.

The newspaper reports the athlete was given a breath test and asked to do field sobriety tests. The officers also took him to a detox facility. He now faces charges of DUI, failing to have insurance and careless driving. an arraignment is scheduled for March.

Officers don’t need much of an excuse to pull someone over for DUI — simply speeding, swerving or breaking a simple traffic law. Once they think you may have been drinking, they can launch into  an investigation for DUI. If you are arrested, contact an experienced Denver DUI defense lawyer immediately.

ABC News reports that police conducted a sweep throughout the Denver metro area, making 16 arrests in more than two dozen raids. Police are claiming that none of the people arrested were involved in the Denver medical marijuana industry.

But Denver medical marijuana lawyers are skeptical whenever large-scale marijuana arrests are made by police. It’s obvious that authorities are also skeptical of the marijuana industry, which makes for an uneasy relationship.

In Colorado, as in 15 other states throughout the country, it is legal for a person to smoke or grow marijuana for personal use if authorized by the state if they have certain provable medical conditions. Others are allowed to grow and sell medical-grade marijuana as long as they have proper permits.

What overzealous police officers don’t recognize is that those who are in the medical marijuana legally want outsiders enforced. It’s simply bad for business if those who are breaking the law are allowed to undercut prices. Users who buy from unlicensed growers could end up getting medicine that isn’t quite helpful for their condition.

Many want regulation, but they want it while not getting harassed themselves. Police and prosecutors, on the other hand, are more likely to spend their time bothering every legitimate business in order to try to drive them away. Threats of criminal prosecution have caused medical marijuana dispensaries to close down or made local leaders so nervous they stop putting out permits to allow these businesses in.

According to the ABC News report, police are expecting another dozen arrests following the raids. They also say that six children were removed from homes visited by detectives. The people who were targeted, police say, were those who are growing marijuana in Colorado and shipping it out of state. Local police, along with three federal law enforcement agencies, combined to work on the case.

In one case, a SWAT team was used to bust into a house using flash-bang grenades. In another instance, a road was blocked off as 20 emergency vehicles rolled up to make the drug bust.

Often police officers called to a house where domestic violence is reported or if there is a 911 hang-up are tasked with making a decision with little evidence. Denver criminal defense lawyers have seen many people arrested for domestic violence even when both claim to be the victim.

The bottom line is that no officer wants to report to a house where there is fighting, leave and get called back later only to find out that a person has been severely beaten or, worse, killed. So, they often have pressure to make an arrest, regardless of how much evidence is present at the scene.

And domestic violence incidents are often he said/she said battles that are coupled with scratches and bruises that are indications of a verbal argument that turned into a physical fight. When both sides claim to be the victim and there are no other witnesses who saw what happened, what does an officer do? In most cases, they arrest the man.

In Colorado Springs recently, a standoff ended with a man being wanted on charges of domestic violence and child abuse, the Gazette reports. According to the newspaper, the 42-year-old was in a fight with his wife when he allegedly assaulted her as their 6-year-old begged him to stop.

The girl called 911 and he chased her. Once police arrived, the man had gone back into the house. When they were able to get in, they discovered that he had left the house. He is now wanted as officers took out a warrant for his arrest.

In many cases, victims attempt to get a Denver restraining order against the person they accuse of assaulting them. It is simple to get an order, as the person must only go to court and convince a judge to sign one. Once a temporary order is in place, the person must show that the defendant was served with the paperwork and told of an upcoming hearing. At the hearing, it is critical that parties are represented by experienced lawyers in order that the true facts come out. A permanent order can result in a person being kicked out of their house or told they can’t see their children without risking an arrest.

Let’s go with the latter for now, evidenced by the fact that federal prosecutors are now coming after Denver medical marijuana dispensaries, as they did in other states like California, threatening criminal prosecution because federal and state laws regarding marijuana differ.

Our Denver medical marijuana lawyers are ready to defend medical marijuana patients, cultivators or distributors who face criminal charges even though the drug they are using or distributing is within the bounds of state law.

In their latest attempt to cause problems for a legal industry in Colorado, federal prosecutors have recently begun warning those operating medical marijuana dispensaries within 1,000 feet of schools they will face civil or criminal penalties if they don’t shut down in 45 days, Reuters reports.

It’s likely this new wave of harassment will cause major problems for dispensaries because those with legal leases for retail space could now end up being sued by landlords or have to pay major penalties. They then will have to find a new place to rent, which could also be a challenge.

Landlords, worried about problems, could refuse to rent and local lawmakers, scared of federal involvement, could begin campaigns to ban these businesses, even though voters have spoken clearly about their desire for these businesses to remain in order to treat people who have severe illnesses.

Colorado is just the latest place where federal prosecutors have used their valuable time going after legitimate businesses. Instead of trying to crack down on mortgage fraud or major drug traffickers, they are wasting their time with medical marijuana dispensaries, who are simply available to those who have a legal prescription to use marijuana for medical purposes.

In California, where this type of action first started last year, many local governments have been scared into cracking down on these businesses or setting up bans for these businesses altogether because they’re worried about federal involvement. This is depriving people of what they need and what they voted for. Our Denver medical marijuana lawyers  think it’s awful that politics is interfering with what voters want, but we are ready to defend against these actions.

Being charged with DUI in Denver is a serious offense and one that can lead to jail, community service, fines and court costs as well as alcohol education and treatment and a driver’s license suspension, among other sanctions.

But our Denver DUI defense lawyers would also point out that criminal traffic violations are also serious matters that should be properly defended. In Colorado, convictions for hit-and-run, reckless driving or other traffic-related crimes can lead to jail or prison time and other sanctions as well as do damage to an otherwise clean driving record. Aside from criminal penalties, there may be situations where points are added to a driver’s license, which can lead to a suspension as well as hikes in the cost of insurance coverage.

In Colorado Springs recently, a man was charged after allegedly being involved in several hit-and-run accidents and then fleeing on foot, the television news station reports.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. one recent weekend morning when a man attempting to back out of a parking space in a large SUV allegedly crashed into a white car. In an alleged attempt to leave the scene, the man also drove into a tow truck, a sign and a street light before departing the area. The tow truck driver gave chase.

The news station reports that the driver of the SUV then drove off the road and hit a building before getting out of the vehicle and running away on foot after the vehicle was no longer drivable.

A few minutes later, a red truck also struck the white car in the parking lot. That driver, 30, also attempted to leave the scene, police said, but officers stopped him a few blocks away. He now faces charges of hit-and-run and DUI.

Police reported there were no injuries and the building that was struck wasn’t in danger of collapsing. It was certainly an interesting series of events, but the news article provides no reason for why the man was charged with DUI. It will be interesting to see what facts emerge as the case moves forward.

Our Denver DUI defense lawyers recognize that these cases are among the most emotional cases that make their way through the criminal justice system. Any time a person is killed, whether accidental or not, emotions run high. When the person is young, sometimes more than other examples.

But what police, judges and juries must consider is whether an accident is sometimes simply an accident. Anytime two vehicles crash, it could easily be as much the fault of the victim as the defendant. Sometimes, it’s no one’s “fault,” and simply was accidental.

Police rarely think this way, though and often feel pressure to make an arrest if a person dies. Never is that truer than when they believe alcohol was involved.

In this case, police say a 25-year-old man was driving his car when he ran a red light and crashed into the victim’s car around 3:30 a.m. The victim was returning home from work, the newspaper reports.

The only other details the article provides is that the suspect was driving with a revoked driver’s license at the time and that he has three previous DUI arrests. The story doesn’t mention how many prior DUI convictions the man has, however.

He is being investigated for possible charges of vehicular homicide, drunken driving, driving with a license restraint, failure to remain at the scene of an accident, failure to give aid and disobeying a red light.

Police say that the driver and passenger in the vehicle got out and ran away, while the victim was ejected from her car. It’s unclear if she was wearing a seat belt. K-9 officers were used to track the men who allegedly fled the scene.

Police investigators must not make assumptions based on prior criminal history, but that sometimes is the case. If a person has a history of DUI charges in Denver, authorities sometimes charge them without as much evidence as they would require against someone who has no prior record. Each case should be looked at individually, based on the facts, not the past.

Additional Resources:

Woman killed in drunken-driving hit-and-run accident in Westminster, by Kirk Mitchell, The Denver Post

Denver theft charges can range from a simple shoplifting to burglary and robbery and the penalties can increase as the charges become more serious. Our Denver criminal defense attorneys recognize that people sometimes make mistakes and sometimes police make mistakes.

It is the job of an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney to bring out all the facts before or at trial in order to benefit the defendant. If evidence seems to implicate the defendant, then an attorney will work on securing a favorable plea deal, if that’s what the client wants. If the evidence is shaky, fighting the charges with motions and a possible trial may be the best option for the defendant. Each case is analyzed on its own facts and merits.

In this case, a woman in Sheridan was arrested after she allegedly pepper-sprayed a Target security officer. Police sent images to local news stations and said they got plenty of tips from local viewers who believe they were able to identify the woman.

ABC News reports that Denver police found the woman and kept her in custody. They say she’s 28 and is being charged with robbery, theft and third-degree assault, criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy.

The incident happened recently when a security officer at the department store approached the woman, who was pushing a cart full of things out of the store. A man walked up and sprayed the guard before the two got off.

Surveillance showed a plain-clothes officer trying to grab the woman, while the man walked up and sprayed him. Customers said they were affected by the spray and the store had to be evacuated.

Whenever security officers aren’t properly marked, it can be scary for customers who may think they’re just regular citizens who are trying to commit a crime of their own. The story doesn’t state how police were able to determine the goods were stolen. Either way, this woman will require a strong defense to all these charges.

That’s because hackers test the security systems of stores, government web sites and other databases in order to mine as much data as they can. Often, this leads to crimes and serious felony charges and also sometimes mistaken identity. Our Denver criminal defense lawyers recognize that these are terrifying crimes because a stolen identity can disrupt a person’s life.

But we also see that police departments simply aren’t properly trained to identify the culprits in these cases. While these are, in essence, Denver theft charges, they are much more complicated than that.

Police detectives must be able to navigate complex computer networks, identify user names and connect them through Internet protocol addresses and be able to show that a person was responsible for committing a crime before rushing to making an arrest.

In this case, sloppy police work ruined a man’s life. In 2007, the 28-year-old went to Denver police to report he was the victim of identity theft after IRS officials told him he owed back taxes from revenue on a job he never had. They even found the person who was allegedly using his identity.

They arrested the man and booked him under the 28-year-old’s name. When the real suspect didn’t show up for court, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Police later arrested the 28-year-old and kept him in jail, without needed medication, before releasing him. It took more than a year for police and prosecutors to expunge his arrest record.

This shows the kind of mess that identity theft can cause. But it also shows that police are often inadequate in their handling of these complex matters. a person being arrested –the victim in this case was black, his identity thief Hispanic — for stealing their own identity is ridiculous. These are tough cases that require strong criminal defense work. Identity theft can be difficult for the victims, but also for the defendants who are wrongly accused.

“A typical DUI arrest involves both a criminal charge and a revocation of driving privileges.  Few people realize that they can lose their driving privileges regardless of what happens in court,” said Charles (Steve) Hooper, PDD Committee member and Colorado Department of Revenue Operations Director.  “This website describes both processes and the severe penalties for impaired driving.  A careful look should convince anyone that a DUI is something to avoid.”

While one of the main goals of the website is to prevent DUIs, 98 law enforcement agencies, the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicle worked together to provide a comprehensive overview of both community and state wide resources. The website explains step-by-step how to navigate the Department of Motor Vehicles process and explains what happens during the criminal court process after a DUI.

The website was developed by the PPD Committee, which was formed as part of the Persistent Drunk Driver Act of 1998. The goal of the committee is to develop programs to reduce the number of persistent DUIs while providing public education.

One thing our Denver DUI defense lawyers have seen over the years is that anyone can be charged with DUI in Denver. Police officers — who know the law and are sworn to uphold it — firefighters, teachers, lawmakers, business leaders and others commonly face this charge.

This is the most commonly filed charge in our country. People don’t set out to commit this crime, but it happens largely by accident.  Yet, politicians have used toughening DUI laws  in Denver as a way to garner favor with voters.

They do this by constantly increasing the penalties as a way to show they are “tough on crime.” In Colorado, a person can face several different types of drunken driving charges, but the penalties are severe regardless of which type of charge a person faces.

A person can be charged with driving while ability impaired if officers can prove the driver’s abilities were affected by alcohol or drugs. If the state can show the person’s blood alcohol level was 0.08 or higher, they will likely be charged with DUI in Denver.

Even for a first-time offender, the penalties are strict for either charge:

DWAI: $100 to $500 in fines; up to 6 months in jail, community service, alcohol treatment and court costs

DUI: $1,000 in fines, up to 1 year in jail, community service, alcohol treatment, court costs, a 9-month license suspension and ignition interlock device.

In the Denver cop’s case, he was charged with DUI and speeding by Colorado State Police and now has appealed his dismissal, arguing that it was unfair. After a test, troopers found his blood-alcohol level to be 0.089, just over the legal limit. He pleaded guilty to a charge of DWI and to reckless driving and was sentenced to five days in jail, a $300 fine and 100 hours of community service.

The case goes to show that anyone can face this serious charge and can be forced to  deal with the consequences.

Additional Resources:

Denver cop fired for driving drunk at 143 mph wants job back, by Tom McGhee, The Denver Post

The suspect got a shotgun out of car truck and shot a man, killing him before taking off in a car. A sheriff’s department patrol shift supervisor was in the vicinity and heard a shotgun blast. He saw a vehicle speeding away from the parking lot and chased after it in his squad car until it crashed. The suspect took off on foot. Sheriff’s deputies with dogs hunted him down and found him hiding near a home. The suspect was treated at a local hospital for a dog bite before being taken into custody and charged with murder.

Investigators are confident that they have the right suspect, going on information they obtained from witnesses of the shooting. The suspect has a long rap sheet, according to Colorado Bureau of Investigation records. His prior convictions include assault, menacing and menacing with a deadly weapon.

The criminal defense attorney representing this suspect has their work cut out for them. A lengthy criminal record won’t help his client avoid jail time. The best the defense attorney can hope for in this case is that his or her client receives the shortest amount of jail time possible. What the attorney can ensure is that his client is well prepared for any and all possible outcomes, whether good or bad.

Things went terribly wrong.

On Dec. 2, the friend, the suspect and his wife were in a pickup truck, according to an arrest affidavit. The suspect arranged a marijuana sale with the victim and were to meet up at a local convenience store. Around 7:30 PM, the victim showed up. He approached their truck and was given a bag of marijuana. He smelled the bag and gave it back. When the suspect placed the bag onto a scale, the victim allegedly snatched it and took off. The suspect jumped out of the truck and chased the victim, leaving the truck door open.

The victim made his way back to the truck and took a larger bag containing smaller bags of weed. The suspect continued chasing him. The friend told police that the suspect opened fire when he got roughly 20 feet behind the victim. He said he heard three gun shots. The victim dropped the marijuana bags. The suspect collected the bags, jumped into the truck and drove off. The victim later died at a local hospital and the suspect was arrested. At press time, he was still in jail and being held without bond.

This was the 29th homicide in the city of Colorado Springs, a record-breaker.

The group forged checks and created fake IDs using stolen financial and personal information used them at several banks and businesses. They were found and apprehended thanks to a collaboration between the Lafayette Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Aurora Police Department, the Arapahoe County District Attorneys Office Economic Crimes Unit, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Arvada Police Department and the US Postal Inspection Service of Denver and the Parker Police Department. According to officials, the indictment put a “criminal enterprise” out of commission. The indictment came after months of investigation and thousands of man hours dedicated to shutting down the identity theft ring.

One of the victims was totally unaware she was a victim until she received a call from her bank and was asked about charges on her account, which she did not authorize. Sadly, this is how most people discover their personal and identifying information was stolen, and by the time they do, they’ve incurred significant financial loss. The criminal defense attorney in this case will be fighting an uphill battle. The defendants are facing serious charges and will likely do jail time.

According to police, multiple squad cars chased the suspect after she fled the Walgreen’s store. She sped down two major highways with several squad cars hot in pursuit. The suspect intentionally sideswiped several police cars as she sped down the highway. Her daughter was heard on a police car video crying and telling sheriff’s deputies after the chase ended that she pleaded with her mother to stop the car and she was afraid they both would end up getting killed. A squad car finally forced the suspect’s vehicle off the road. Her vehicle rolled onto the side before finally coming to a stop. She and her daughter were not seriously injured.

The suspect was awaiting arraignment for an outstanding fraud warrant. At press time, she was being held in a county jail after she failed to post bond. She was charged with retail fraud, fourth-degree child abuse and third-degree eluding and fleeing. All of the charges combined carry up to a six-year jail term. The suspect also had a previous fraud conviction on her record.

Attempting to evade the authorities and having previous outstanding warrants on her record will not make this suspect’s defense attorney’s job easy. She will like face jail time. The length of jail term depends on how well her attorney does his job.

According to court records, the victim was walking home around 9 PM on Oct. 17 when she was grabbed and forced into a vacant house. The house had no first floor. The victim fell a few feet down, her eyeglasses falling off as she fell. The suspect allegedly jumped down and threatened to kill her if she didn’t stop screaming. He allegedly punched the victim in the ribs and face at one point. A forensic exam showed that the victim had a loose tooth and bruised knees and legs, as well injuries related to the rape. After the assault, the suspect allegedly climbed a wooden board to get out of the house and fled. The victim had to stack items on top of each other to get out of the house and escape.

The suspect had no prior record of sexual assaults, but was on probation for a 2009 drug conviction. Baltimore requires convicted felons to submit DNA samples to be collected and entered into a database. According to police, the DNA samples led to the suspect’s arrest on Thanksgiving. He was charged with assault, rape, kidnapping a child under 16, sexual solicitation of a minor and false imprisonment. Police did state that they would compare the DNA evidence to other open cases.

Police captured the other escapee on Oct. 24. According to police, on Oct. 25 the victim reported being attacked while she was walking to a school bus stop. She was allegedly grabbed, dragged into an alley, beaten and raped. Investigators set up a sting later that night to apprehend Palmer for the jail escape. They set out to nab him at a gas station located less than a couple of blocks away from the crime scene, following a tip that Palmer would be there. Officers came up with a poly to coax him out of hiding and into a nearby parking lot where they arrested him.

According to a police spokeswoman, Palmer wasn’t initially a suspect in the rape until a patrol officer noticed that he fit the description the rape victim had given the police. A DNA sample later confirmed he was her attacker.

Many rape victims are afraid to come forward out of fear, therefore, far too many rapes go unreported every year. The police spokeswoman in this case admired the young victim’s courage in reporting the crime and cooperating with the authorities. She said she was amazed at how the victim was holding up every time she saw her.

According to a county state attorney, the suspect knew three of the minors. A police affidavit accompanying a criminal complaint filed in the rape case stated that on the early morning of Oct. 30, the suspect drove the three girls to his bar—which was closed. He mixed and gave drinks to the girls. The girls later told police that they started feeling as if they couldn’t move and passed out. One girl said the suspect inappropriately touched her. The second girl recalled waking up with pain that led her to suspect she was raped, and the third one remembered the suspect engaging in sex with her.

One of the victims reported the incident on Nov. 11. All three were examined and found to have been sexually assaulted. Tests to determine if they were drugged could not be performed because of the amount of time that lapsed since the incident.

The suspect faces first-degree rape in connection with the alleged attack one of the girls, who was 12 at the time of the crime, and third-degree rape in connection with the alleged attacks on the two other girls who were 14 at the time. He faces a lifetime prison sentence if he is convicted of the former charge.

According to dispatch records, a woman called 911 around 11:30 PM on Nov 22 and told the dispatcher that her husband had a gun. She was crying, and a man was heard in the background yelling that he was reloading a gun and was going to shoot her brother and father in the head when “they pulled into the driveway.” When officers arrived at the scene and approached the house, they saw a woman and a man. The man was holding a long-barreled gun.

A  Township police chief stated that officers saw the man go into the garage. They continued watching him through a window. The officers ordered the suspect to drop the gun. One of the officers shot the suspect through the garage door when he raised his gun and pointed it at another officer. The chief defended the officer’s actions, stating it appeared he acted appropriately and within the department’s guidelines for use of force.

If the investigation turns up no evidence of misconduct on the officer’s part, he should be able to resume his duties. Being cleared of misconduct won’t prevent the suspect’s family from filing a wrongful death suit if they feel the officer’s actions were excessive or unjustifiable.

Jefferson surrendered shortly after the incident and was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property and theft of items with a value under $100. At press time, she was being held in jail on $350,000 bail, and information about the victim was unavailable. A county spokesperson said that the suspect and victim knew each other and had been involved in a continuing dispute. Jefferson has a child with the victim’s boyfriend.

The fire department and medic units arrived on the scene shortly after the incident and had to request a

hazardous materials team because people began complaining of having watery eyes and other injuries. One person was taken to a local eye institute for a potentially serious injury. About 18 other people were taken a hospital. A Walmart spokesperson told the Sun that the store was evacuated and closed and then reopened it a few hours later after the area was cleaned and ventilated. Three of the employees suffered minor respiratory problems.

County officials stressed that Jefferson’s actions could have had potentially life-threatening consequences. When combined, ammonia and bleach forms a toxic gas that could cause choking or other serious breathing problems.

The tragic incident occurred in the early morning hours of Nov 6. The victim was at a party at Liggin’s home in Frostburg. A fight broke out in the kitchen. According to witnesses and court documents, Liggins pulled a knife on a man that “wouldn’t get out of her way.” Some told her to take the fight outside, which is where she and McCoy allegedly crossed paths and began fighting. One witnesses told authorities that the women were striking at one another. Another witness said she saw McCoy lying on the ground and Liggins was stabbing her.

Police was called to scene and found McCoy lying in the street, bleeding to death. She was later declared dead at a local hospital. Initially police were told that another person stabbed McCoy, but Liggins was later identified from statements given by persons interviewed at the hospital and from a Facebook picture witnesses showed police.

McCoy was a physics major at Frostburg University. She wanted to be a doctor and was especially admired by family and friends for her beautiful singing voice. She was a member of a student gospel choir and was scheduled to sing during Sunday worship the day she was killed. Instead, more than 500 students and faculty assembled at Lane University Center shortly after receiving word of her death to mourn. The center was filled to capacity, and television crews from Baltimore and Washington were among the crowd.

Her friends created a Facebook page in McCoy’s honor. Witnesses posted on social media sites and suggested that McCoy was slain because she was trying to break up a fight. She was described as a peacemaker who promoted the importance of friendship with “God and with others.”

One of the suspects, a 24-year-old woman from Yuma, was arrested after an inspection of her vehicle turned up eight packages of heroin estimated be worth almost a quarter of a million dollars. She was arrested and turned over to Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration.

Two other suspects, two female Mexican nationals, were arrested after attempting to enter the US with the 20-year-old woman pushing the 63-year-old in a wheelchair. They told customs officers they were going to San Luis to go grocery shopping. A search of the older woman’s wheelchair uncovered more than six pounds of methamphetamine worth more than $100,000. The women were turned over to ICE HSI.

The fourth suspect, a 24-year-old man from San Luis, was apprehended two days later after a secondary inspection of his vehicle uncovered two AK-47s, three assault rifles, one SKS, one 40-round magazine and two 30-round magazines. The weapons were seized and he was taken into custody.

All of the suspects were charged with a criminal complaint, which does not infer guilt. They are presumed innocent until found guilty, beyond reasonable doubt, in a court of law.

The suspect pleaded not-guilty to 35 felony charges of weapons possession and posted $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court in December. The suspect came under investigation after police received a tip that he allegedly had weapons that were stolen from an army base. According to his attorney, the suspect allowed federal agents to search his home and business because he felt his weapons were not stolen. According to an affidavit, the agents told the suspect they weren’t looking to press any charges against him; they were just conducting a search for the stolen weapons.

The police, however, were seeking to file state charges and got a search warrant. An affidavit from a Fresno police detective stated that the suspect cooperated with investigators and showed them his weapons, even helping him search his home. Investigators found an MP5 submachine gun and two AK-74 rifles, which the suspect insisted were not stolen, but he admitted knowing it was illegal to possess them.

His attorney feels the California law is unconstitutional because the weapons operate the same as legal firearms. According to the article, the attorney may be fighting a losing battle because the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia recently ruled that banning possession of assault weapons and requiring citizens to meet standards for gun registration is constitutional.

According to police, the suspects began beating the woman with a gun. When she screamed for her husband to call 911, one of the other suspects began pistol-whipping him. It was a vicious attack, police said, adding that it traumatized the couple, whom sustained serious injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital. The husband suffered lacerations, multiple contusions and a concussion. His wife spent several days in intensive care for serious head trauma.

Several guns were taken from the victims’ home. Officers suspect the guns was the motivation behind the robbery, since the suspects were aware the victims owned them. One of the guns was recovered, but at press time police were still searching for the remaining guns.

The case really touched the hearts of police officers in the Robbery Unit, who dropped everything and began searching for the suspects. One officer told FOX 21 that the department cares about all of their victims, especially those who are defenseless and offer no resistance. It wasn’t long before the three suspects were apprehended and charged with felony theft, conspiracy, first-degree  burglary, aggravated robbery and first degree assault on an at-risk adult.

Police feel that the elderly are relatively safe in Colorado Springs, but they are vulnerable and should be watchful and careful–and keep all their doors locked. The victims have since moved, but a police detective told them about the arrests, which made the couple very happy.

The lawsuit accuses the officers of using unreasonable, extreme and outrageous tactics and seeks damages for pain and suffering and medical expenses. The plaintiff, Rose Ann Santistevan, suffers from emphysema and was in her bed receiving oxygen when a SWAT team ambushed her home. They tossed in a flash-bang grenade before rushing in her house with guns their drawn, according to authorities. Santistevan suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. Her family stated that no drugs were found in the raid. Her family criticized the agents for being unaware that Santistevan was home alone, since the home was supposed to be under surveillance.

This is the second lawsuit filed in connection with the drug operation. Another Colorado Springs family filed a lawsuit against the FBI earlier this year. Their suit claimed the agency created a “ticking time bomb” by supplying drugs, alcohol, money and guns to an informant they paid to infiltrate a street gang the agency was watching. The informant turned rogue and set out to kill the man he was supposed to spy on. He sprayed the family’s home with bullets in February 2009. His target was not inside the house at the time, but a bystander was struck in the leg and other women and children inside the house were narrowly missed. The informant is currently serving a 20-year jail term.

A sheriff’s spokesperson defended the agencies’ actions in 2009, stating that they acted on information gathered during the investigation.

Joyce Vincent, the plaintiff, sued the city after her initial claim she filed with the city was denied. According to the attorney, Vincent alleged in her suit that she tripped over a separated sidewalk in front of her house on October 31, 2010 and injured her ankle and knee. She seeks damages for lost use of property, lost wages and earning capacity and general damage, according to the complaint.

The city attorney stated during the council session that the sidewalk in front of Vincent’s home was fixed, but the plaintiff alleged it separated again. Shortly after the council’s vote, Jennifer Duke Adams, another Canyon County resident,  filed a complaint with the city after tripping on her motorized scooter over an uneven sidewalk near the entrance of the mobile home park where she lives. She suffered a scraped elbow. Adams told the Signal that she had no plans to pursue legal action; she just wanted the city to fix the sidewalk.

Canyon County Public Works officials met with Adams to discuss the sidewalk issue, and public works staff came out to the mobile home park to conduct an inspection of the area. The public works director said that the site will be part of their upcoming sidewalk project and fixed within three months.

The shoplifting incident occurred in July. Surveillance video from the store showed two female shoplifters involved in a confrontation with security guards who had caught them with the stolen items and tried to prevent them from leaving. The thieves got away but left behind a purse containing over $20 in stolen merchandise, as well as Social Security cards, prescription cards and insurance cards belonging to other people–including Myrick’s drivers’ license. She had no idea how the thieves got her license and suspects that there may be other identity theft victims

Police showed up at her home and arrested her on charges of shoplifting, right in front of her husband and kids. She spent a night in jail. When she was released, she immediately retained a criminal defense attorney to clear her name. Myrick’s angrily criticized Walmart staff for fingering her as the perpetrator before reviewing the surveillance video to make sure they had the right person.

The surveillance video proved that neither of the women in the video was Myrick. One store security guard who initially identified Myrick as one of the suspects changed her mind after seeing the video. According to Myrick, the woman presumed to be her on the video looked to weigh “about 140 pounds more”.  After three months, the shoplifting charges were dropped.

When asked about the incident, the manager of the Walmart said it was first he had heard about the case and asked for a copy of the Myrick’s news release to forward to the corporate office. Neither the news station or Myrick’s attorney received a response from the corporate office, something the Myrick’s attorney suspects is because the criminal charges were dropped. He said his client will be filing a lawsuit against Walmart.

At press time, the shoplifters had not been apprehended.

Rivera was accused in 1970 of dousing a pot of hot grease and other “ liquids and substances” on her husband and killing him. She was arrested, indicted and posted bond. Then the mother of three fled Texas with her children and settled in Georgia, where the long arm of the law finally caught up with her earlier this month.

Rivera worked as a waitress and raised her children in the small Georgia town where longtime friends remain stunned by the revelation that they befriended a fugitive. Lorraine Robertson, a neighboring tenant and friend who lived in the same apartment building where Rivera lived, couldn’t believe that her dear friend was the same woman the authorities were referring to.

Donna Harris, spokeswoman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Texas, stated that the cold case was worked on for months. They first tracked down Rivera’s sons and eventually tracked her down at her Georgia address. One son who lives in South Carolina refused to comment on the case.

Investigators first spoke to Rivera six weeks ago at her apartment, asking questions to confirm her identity and to pry information about her husband. She told the investigators that she and her husband got along, except for a time when he slapped her, “but that was it.” The investigators returned a month later and asked similar questions. This time Rivera told them she moved to Georgia after her husband died. Investigators came back a third time to arrest her. She was charged with murder by omission for  death of her husband.

Robertson and another neighbor walked a tearful Rivera out of her apartment, crying along with her. Robertson said she could feel Rivera’s body trembling. She and the other neighbor helped Rivera into the police car. Robertson questioned why an arrest was being made after so many years and mentioned Rivera’s fragile health. Rivera has breathing, back and heart problems that required her to be driven back to Texas instead of flown. Court records did not list a defense attorney for Rivera.

Rivera’s declining health is not the issue, according to Harris. She said that despite evading the law for decades, Rivera must face judgment in a court of law for her husband’s murder.

An attorney representing the Foothill Growers Association, a medical marijuana dispensary located in Visalia, told KFSN-TV that cases of this nature greatly concern his clients. However, he doesn’t expect his clients to stop growing marijuana plants anytime soon because they need the drug to treat their  ailments.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department is urging residents to notify authorities if they see or hear anything suspicious instead of taking matters into their own hands. Some marijuana growers are reluctant to report anything out of fear of being found in violation of local ordinances. According to investigators, three medical marijuana cards were issued for the plants at the Strathmore home, but the plants were growing outside of the home, which violates the county’s medical marijuana ordinance.

Differences between state and federal marijuana laws make policing medical marijuana a challenge for states that allow medical marijuana. Marijuana use for any reason is a federal offense regardless of whether or not you live in a medical marijuana state. Colorado allows medical marijuana cardholders to own up to two ounces of dried marijuana and six plants. Non-medical marijuana use and possession in Colorado is illegal and punishable with a fines and jail time, depending on the amount and purpose of the drug.

She told 9NEWS that she and Barney initially had a great relationship, which began in May. Then things went dangerously downhill. The first reported abuse incident occurred in July. Barney came to her home to return her car, which she’d let him borrow before they split up. He tried to talk to her, but she wanted him to leave. He turned violent and repeatedly struck her in her arms and face before attempting to strangle her. At one point the alleged victim tried to get away, but Barney threw her down on the ground, making her hit her head on a TV stand.

She ended up in the hospital with facial lacerations and a broken nose. She showed up at the police station days later with a bruise underneath her eye. Barney had come to her house, threatening her her and her family. She requested a safe place to stay since she no longer felt safe at her home.

She was back in the hospital in late September with bruises and broken bones. She told police that Barney came to her house on July 29 while she slept and watched every move she made for the past two months. She couldn’t browse the Internet. He monitored her communications with family and friends and made her hang up the phone if she was on a call. He also threatened her with knife on many occasions.

Eventually the alleged victim told her brother what she was going through, and it was then that she went to the hospital. She is now going through the healing process and starting her life over. She told 9NEWS that said she never thought she would ever be a domestic violence victim.

Denise Washington, director of  the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says that outsiders don’t realize how difficult it can be for someone in an abusive relationship. When an individual is in a relationship with someone who chooses to hurt them and uses controlling methods such as financial or emotional abuse, then it starts to make sense.

The assault occurred on the night of September 17 on Highway 30 near Gothenburg. Police and the volunteer fire department responded to a report of a vehicle injury accident and arrived to see an 8-year-old boy trying to flag them down. The boy led them to where his mother was lying on the road. She had severe head and facial injuries.

According to the police chief, the victim was in Gothenburg with her son and boyfriend to attend a wedding reception earlier that day. The boyfriend stopped the vehicle, pulled the victim out and began pummeling her head and face with his fists. During the attack, the victim was able to tell her son to run away. The boy hid in a ditch until police arrived. The victim was taken to a Gothenburg hospital.

The boyfriend intentionally sped off the roadway at an excessively high speed, causing it to roll over several times into a ditch. Injured, the boyfriend got out of the vehicle and walked to a nearby street and killed himself.

This is a sad tale of how domestic violence tears families apart. A family is left to grieve and face life without their loved one, and a son is left orphaned. If you know or suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence, get help for the victim if the victim won’t help themselves.

The pit bull had just given birth to puppies and was nursing them when the aunt and her niece walked in. The dog went into defense mode when it saw the little girl and attacked her. Her injuries required 175 stitches. Deputies who went to the owner’s home found 27 pit bulls on his property. The girl’s father criticizes the owner for not keeping the dog confined for the sake of safety. The owner was charged with multiple counts of violating the county’s vaccinations ordinance, resulting in $10,000 in fines. The owner may also face child endangerment charges.

The dog in this case displayed a territorial or protective form of aggression, most likely stemming from maternal instinct to shield its puppies from what it perceived was a threat–the unsuspecting little girl.

Had this dog attack happened in Colorado, the owner would have some serious legal issues.  A Coloradan dog owner may be liable if their dog bites and/or seriously injures another person, depending on the circumstances under which the attack occurred–and whether or not they knew the dog would bite. A dog owner could be ordered to keep the dog confined or to euthanize the dog. The victim could sue the dog owner for damages for his pain and suffering, as well as his medical expenses or loss of wages if his injuries kept him from being able to work.

For more information on Colorado’s dog laws, consult with a Colorado personal injury attorney.

A trucking company can be held liable if one of their drivers is involved in an accident and the truck is found to have been carrying a load heavier than allowed under federal regulations. Over-weighted trucks pose the following dangers:

• Over-weighted trucks increases the risk of rolling over.
• Brakes can give out due to be overstressed from the excess weight
• A driver can have difficulty steering if there’s a shift in the weight.
• Tires may bursting under the weight.
• When going downhill, an over-weighted truck travels dangerously fast and may become uncontrollable.
• Over-weighted trucks can cause an overpass or bridge collapse.

All commercial trucks may be equipped, maintained inspected and operated in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules regulate the maximum load weight a commercial truck can safely carry, the maximum allowed combined weight of the load and truck, and the maximum allowed weight on each tire axle and tire. The distribution of the weight to be loaded onto the truck must also be taken into consideration.

If you’re are involved in a truck accident, you want to retain a personal injury attorney with a vast knowledge of federal and state trucking laws and truck company regulations and safety requirements, as well as experience handing these types of cases.

What many people don’t realize about third degree assault is that there isn’t even a need for physical injuries to be present in order for the prosecution to secure a conviction.  If you have caused another person pain during an altercation that can be viewed under the law as bodily injury and you could still face the steepest punishment allowed by law for a third degree assault conviction.

If you hope to escape being punished to the fullest extent of the law when facing assault charges you will need to enlist the help of an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney.  An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney will carefully examine the evidence pertaining to your situation in order to determine what course of action would be most suitable for your defense.

Where you merely defending yourself against an attack?  Did a physical altercation even occur?  Your Colorado criminal defense attorney will unearth the answers to these pertinent questions in order to establish the most solid and viable defense against you assault charges and will work diligently in an effort to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed.

The program allows nonviolent first-time offenders a chance to clear their records by successfully completing a two-year probation period. The suspect’s trial has been delayed until a court decides whether to approve his ARD application. He faces charges of reckless endangerment and  violating Pennsylvania dog laws.

In October 2009, the victim and her mother were at a public farm stand owned by the suspect, where they were buying some pumpkins. The little girl was playing with the grass. The suspect’s dog was sitting next to the child. When the girl attempted to hug the dog, the dog attacked her, grabbing her  throat. She was rushed by helicopter to a hospital, where she underwent five hours of surgery to repair her larynx and vocal chords.

The dog was unleashed at the time of the attack and had been allowed to roam on the property despite the suspect being previously ordered by the county health department to confine the dog because of previous attacks, according to the authorities. The dog was declared a public health nuisance in 2006, and the suspect was ordered to muzzled or restrain the dog in a secured enclosure. In addition, the dog was to remain leashed under the control of a person 18 or older when out in the public. The dog had bitten three other people between 2000 and 2006.

The dog was unlicensed at the time of the October 2009 attack. The dog was quarantined and ultimately euthanized.

The sedan did not stop and fled the accident scene. No description of the driver was available at press time. Authorities are asking the public to contact them with any information that about the accident or the driver.

The driver in this case faces serious criminal charges. Reckless driving in Colorado is a misdemeanor. Oftentimes alcohol or drugs are involved in these types of accidents, or the driver a prior record, and he or she doesn’t want to add yet another blemish to his or her record. A criminal conviction will be the least of this suspect’s worries if the victim’s husband sit down with a Colorado personal injury attorney and discusses filing a wrongful death suit against the suspect. Colorado law allows surviving family members of fatal accident victims to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, days lost from work due to emotional pain and suffering and other related expenses.

A personal injury attorney will be glad to advise you of your legal options and explain the process of filing a wrongful death suit if you lost a loved one in a fatal motor vehicle accident. The attorney can also relieve you of the burden of dealing with insurance companies at a time when you’re too emotionally distraught to think straight.

Their 3-month-old son died while at the day care center in October 2010. The mother found the infant cold and unresponsive when she went to pick him up. He was rushed to the hospital where he was  pronounced deceased. The coroner’s report showed that the infant had died of asphyxiation and had been dead for two hours by the time his mother arrived. An investigation by Family Services found the facility in violation of requirements pertaining to the supervision of children, using portable cribs with unsecured mattresses and placing infants on their backs when putting them to sleep. The daycare center has since  brought the violations into compliance, according to the DFS. The daycare center has a long history of compliance issues and has been cited for multiple violations since it was licensed in 1996.

A hearing is scheduled in November to consider the parents’ petition. The day care operator pleaded guilty in April 2011 to child endangerment and was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation. As a condition of her plea deal, she is prohibited from operating a child care facility for life. Her attorney refused to discuss the case.

Wyoming changed the rules regarding wrongful death suits in 2010. Formerly, appointment of representatives of deceased individuals was handled through probate, but now a person must petition the court to be appointed a representative. Wyoming law allows for persons filing wrongful death suits to recover damages for loss of care, comfort and society, according to the parents’ attorney. Colorado law also allows for family members or appointed representatives of deceased individuals to sue for damages. A Colorado personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death suit, and he will work diligently to get you and your loved ones the fair compensation you are entitled to.

The toddler was mauled by a bulldog after his mother allowed him to pet the dog after the dog owner gave her permission to do so. The mother, the boy and his grandmother were at at a Watertown farmer’s market to buy vegetables. The boy was in a child carrier, but his mother later put him down to play in a grassy area. A young woman was nearby with a dog that some of the local kids were petting. The mother asked if her son could pet her dog. The owner said yes, saying her dog was a “big teddy bear”. Playing it safe, the mother pet the dog herself to make sure it was friendly, then allowed her son to pet the dog.

The dog suddenly turned around and grabbed her son’s face, shook him to the ground and pinned the child underneath it. A passerby pulled the 121-lb dog off the boy. The attack left the boy’s face severely disfigured. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent four hours of reconstructive surgery. His right cheek had to be reattached. His nose had multiple fractures, and he had multiple puncture wounds on the right side of his face. Doctors told his mother that the boy would no longer be able to move his cheek and mouth because of severe nerve damage.

His emotional and psychological scars run deeper. His mother says he is now fearful of all dogs and goes into a panic when he sees one. They had to give their family dog to his grandparents. The boy has also had trouble sleeping since the attack.

His mother filed a dangerous dog complaint against the dog owner, who was previously cited for owning an unlicensed dog and owning a dog that caused injury. An administrative hearing will be held in late October to determine if the dog should be put down. The victim’s mother criticized the dog owner for not deciding to euthanize the dog herself, since she has a daughter the same age as the victim.

The dog owner was advised by her attorney to refrain from commenting on the case. In Colorado, this dog owner would be liable for the little boy’s injuries. His mother may be able to recover damages for his medical expenses, which will likely be exorbitant due to the severity of his injuries. A Colorado personal injury attorney would see to it that she and her son gets the fair compensation they deserve and the dog owner held accountable.

The TARGET 13 news story reported that the girl was playing in her backyard when the dog, which was being watched by a neighbor, went over to the girl and bit her in her thigh. The girl’s mother ran outside when she heard the girl’s screams. At first she thought the child was just shaken up until she turned her over and saw the deep gash in her thigh. She rushed her daughter to the hospital, where she received over a dozen stitches. At press time, the little girl was still having trouble walking after the dog attack.

The girl’s mother showed TARGET 13 a note the dog owner gave her after the attack. The note stated that she was sorry and was going to euthanize the dog. The dog was still alive at press time, which disturbed the girl’s mother. The Humane Society was also still investigating the attack, and no charges were yet filed against the dog owner. The dog owner did speak with TARGET 13, stating that the dog was not yet euthanized because authorities had to make sure the dog was healthy and didn’t have any diseases. The owner insisted that she was cooperating with authorities and had reported the attack after it happened, adding that she gave the victim’s mother her phone number in the event they needed anything or wanted information.

If the dog owner lived in Colorado, she would be liable for her dog’s actions, and the victim’s mother could sue her for her damages to cover daughter’s medical expenses and pain and suffering. The girl’s physical scars may heal, but the attack left deep emotional and psychological scars that will take longer to heal and may necessitate professional help. Her mother could retain a Colorado personal injury attorney to advise her of her legal options, the legal responsibilities of the dog owner, and her legal options.

Dog parks are not entirely free of the risk of dog bites because of poor judgment and negligence on the part of dog owners. Bringing a dog who is unruly and uncontrollable, under-socialized or overly aggressive to a dog park is asking for trouble–and a lawsuit. These types of dogs have no business in a dog park, yet people bring them, totally ignorant of the potential dangers. Dogs often get into fights with other dogs, and owners can get bitten trying to separate them.

Establishing negligence in a dog bite case involving a dog attack in a dog park may be difficult if the incident occurred in leash-optional park. However, if you can prove that the dog owner failed to exercise proper steps to restrain an aggressive or unruly dog, you may have something your personal injury attorney can work with.

Colorado law holds dog owners liable when their dog attacks someone and causes serious injury, even if the dog had no history of biting someone or is not a dangerous dog, and whether or not the owner knew of his dog’s tendency to bite. Your attorney will have to review all statements from police and witnesses to determine if your injuries were the result of negligence on the part of the dog owner.

If the dog owner is a friend or relative, you may be reluctant to consider legal action, but you have to think about your pain and suffering. A dog attack is a terrifying experience that leaves deep physical, emotional and psychological scars that will take a long time to heal. Then there’s the medical expenses  you will incur as you recuperate from your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, and you owe it to yourself to meet with a personal injury attorney for advice on what to do.

• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Racketeering
• Larceny
• Bribery
• Computer Fraud
• Perjury
• Price Fixing
• Obstruction of Justice
• Environmental Law Violations
• Safety Violations
• Securities and Commodity Violations

Not every criminal defense attorney is experienced in defending those charged with crimes of this nature. Often the crime is the result of improper bookkeeping rather than an offense committed intentionally. Finding the right attorney to represent you if you face fraud, embezzlement or forgery is imperative to the success of your case.

Experienced attorneys understand the importance of developing a thorough defense strategy. With situations involving a misappropriation of funds, knowledge of accounting and financial regulations is of utmost importance. A successful criminal defense attorney will help ensure the burden of proof stays with the prosecution.

If you are under audit and fear criminal charges may be brought against you, contact an attorney that is well versed in white-collar criminal defense immediately. The nature of these types of cases requires a significant amount of time be invested into researching the financial statements of the individual or business.

While the vast majority of white-collar crimes take place in a business environment, modern technology has caused this arena of law to grow to include cyber related crimes that often take place in the home. From pirating software to credit card fraud, criminal charges of the white-collar variety are brought against individuals for illegal activities that take place in the home.

Despite the non-violent nature of white-collar crimes, the penalties if found guilty can be just as harsh as for those resulting from violent crimes. An experienced  attorney is your best line of defense when facing charges for a white-collar crime.

Some facts from the NCADV that may surprise you:

• One in every four women experience domestic violence during their lifetime
• An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assult in the home
• 73% of domestic violence victims are female
• Domestic violence costs exceed $5.8 billion each year, mainly in direct medical and mental health services
• Boys that witness domestic violence are two times as likely to abuse their own partners as adults

The statistics are staggering in Colorado as well as on a national level. According to the NCADV, in Colorado:

• 14,123 domestic violence cases were filed in 2006
• Nearly half of all murders in Colorado are the result of domestic violence
• 41 people died from domestic violence in 2006. Two of these people were children

Domestic violence and domestic abuse charges are no laughing matter. In addition to time served in prison, the nature of the crime may also place you on the sex offender registry, which causes life long challenges. If you have been accused of domestic violence or abuse you need the immediate help of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has successfully represented clients facing domestic violence charges, often reducing sentencing or assisting in proving that wrongful accusations are false.

It is your constitutional right to remain silent, and all attorneys will suggest you do just that if facing criminal charges. If your charges go before a court, the police officers and investigators involved may not disclose to the judge or jury that you refused to speak. Oftentimes, people are detained for questioning due to a lack of evidence to sufficiently charge for a crime. In this case, trying to talk your way out of a situation may in fact provide the details the police officer needs to put you behind bars.

The first call you should make is to a qualified attorney. Attorneys are bound by confidentiality, and even if you choose not to retain the services of the attorney you speak with, the information you share with an attorney cannot be used against you in a court of law.

If the evidence is there to prove beyond a reasonable doubt your guilt, talking will do nothing to prove your innocence. If the evidence is not convincing, keeping quiet will provide no extra ammunition against you. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal will work to reduce or eliminate charges against you. Our years of experience provide us the expertise to assess your situation and devise a strategy that will provide the best possible defense.

Common causes of accidents involving delivery trucks include:

• Failure to yield when merging onto a highway;
• Attempting a sudden left turn to save time;
• Passing an address and backing up instead of driving around the block, and crashing into another vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist;
• A truck rolls into traffic or pedestrians after the driver fails to engage the parking brake when he delivers a package into a building;

Factors such as brake or tire failure, equipment failure, driver intoxication, driver fatigue or multitasking (i.e., texting while driving) can also cause an accident.

Delivery truck drivers are bound by the same federal regulations that govern drivers of other commercial trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules ensure that all trucks meet strict safety guidelines. Other mandatory requirements under the FMCSA include truck maintenance and driver training requirements, drug and alcohol prevention programs for drivers and mandatory driver recording of hours of service.

If you are injured in an accident involving a delivery truck, it’s in your best interest to meet with a Colorado personal injury attorney to explore your legal options. You want a personal injury attorney who knows trucking company regulations inside out and who has experience handling these types of cases. Your attorney will carefully review all of the events leading up to the accident. He will also do an  investigation to see if the delivery driver or his trucking company committed any trucking violations or any acts of negligence that may have contributed to your accident. Time is of the essence in these types of cases, so the sooner you get legal advice and representation, the better your chances for an outcome that works in your favor.

Whenever there is a new legislation passed, there are a number of ethical issues, as well as legal issues, that may arise. Often, this is due to the legal system as well as the community being a little bit slower to understand and therefor implement the changes. There are usually some issues that lawmakers did not quite prepare for, and these tend to be worked out as time goes on.

This is definitely true in terms of Colorado’s medical marijuana laws, particularly in respect to employment.

One argument is that employers cannot, nor should they be legally allowed to, discriminate against those on medical marijuana as it has been legalized. The argument goes that it would be seen in a similar light to any other prescription drug. This has been the basis for the argument that doing so would be discrimination and therefore should be illegal, as many disabled workers are protected under the legalization laws. Discrimination against the disabled for prescription drug use is already common, they say and this would just be another facet of that.

Another side is concerned with safety in the workplace, and it is seen in a similar light to alcohol use. This side of the argument feels that allowing for marijuana use would impact workers’ safety as well as on the job performance. In such jobs where dangerous equipment is used, or other potentially dangerous situations, they say that marijuana use may put workers at risk for injury and even death.

Thus far, the impact of marijuana use on workers has not been studied enough to make a call. Though employers worry about their workers’ ability to be alert, awake and able to react in a timely fashion, nothing as of yet indicates empirically that would be a concern.

Around the country, as more places work with medical marijuana, more legal issues arise. If you feel that you are being discriminated against for your medical marijuana status, it’s important to seek the guidance and advice of an experienced attorney.

In 2006, Colorado ranked 6^th in the nation for the number of cyber crimes. There were 4,395 complaints of identity theft and 7.657 complaints of internet based fraud. As a result, organizations such as the Colorado Association of Computer Crime Investigators have begun working along side local and state police digital forensics experts to help protect Colorado residents online.

Common cyber crimes include:

• Identity theft
• Hacking of financial institutions, government websites or merchant websites that process credit cards online
• Fraud via online auctions or other sales communities
• Unauthorized use of credit card or social security numbers
• Internet sex crimes
• Internet extortion

One of the most challenging aspects of fighting cyber crime charges is that significant research is required to gather enough evidence to make an arrest. The investigators that are researching and gathering the incriminating information are experts, and the evidence is often extremely difficult to dispute. Charges do not always equal conviction, which is why it is imperative to enlist the help of a Colorado criminal defense attorney that is both knowledgeable in Internet usage and has also successfully defended others in similar situations.

If you suspect you are being investigated or have been arrested for any type of cyber crime, the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal is just a phone call away. We will work tirelessly to intervene with investigators, negotiate dropped or reduced charges, and dramatically improve your chances of beating the claims against you.

Myth #1

Weaving inside your lane is enough probable cause for you to be pulled over for a DUI.

It is not illegal to weave, as long as your vehicle remains inside the lines of your lane. If you weave and cross the line to either side of your car, you may be charged with reckless driving, and the officer has reason to pull you over for a sobriety test.

Myth #2

Failing your field sobriety testing means you are too drunk to drive.

Not everyone can walk along a straight line without losing their balance or repeat their alphabet backwards. Officers are required to comply with NHTSA standards when conducting field sobriety tests. Failure to comply may result in charges being dismissed.

Myth #3

You are required to submit to a portable breath test, and if you fail you are guilty of a DUI.

Portable breath tests are not required, and the officer must tell you that the test is optional. The results of these tests cannot be used as evidence in DUI trial.

Myth #4

Once you are stopped by a police officer, you are required to permit the officer to search your person and vehicle.

This is very common misconception. Police officers are not permitted to search a car for a routine traffic violation. The officer must receive permission to search the vehicle or person, unless there is probable cause. For example, if the officer smells marijuana smoke, he may claim probable cause and search the vehicle. If the officer thinks the person looks like they smoke marijuana, this is not probable cause and the driver should not grant permission for a search.

If you are accused of driving under the influence, it is important to know your rights. See our list of 21 Ways to Fight a DUI for more helpful tips. If you are facing DUI charges or have been arrested for a DUI, the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal will work tirelessly to help eliminate or reduce the penalties you may face.

Being a safe rider does not always guarantee you won’t be in an accident. Some common causes of accidents involving bicycles include:

• Drivers turning into the path of an oncoming bicycle, assuming the path is clear because they see no cars.
• Being sideswiped by a driver, which makes the bicyclist fall as he tries to avoid hitting the car, or makes him run into a parked vehicle.
• Drivers who open car doors in the path of an oncoming bicycle.
• Bicyclists getting hit by side mirrors.
• Drivers not allowing enough leeway for children riding their bikes.
• Drivers following bicyclists too closely.

The traffic rules that govern cars, trucks and other motor vehicles in Colorado are the same ones that bicyclists must abide by, and bicyclists have the same rights to the road as vehicle drivers. A bicyclist may not have more riders on his bike than it designed to carry (i.e., riding two people on a bike designed for one). A bicyclist may not attach his bike to another vehicle on the road. He must stay in the right-hand lane and stay as close to the right as possible if another vehicle overtakes him. Bicyclists must ride single file unless riding two abreast will not interfere with traffic, or when riding on designated bike paths. Riders riding two abreast must ride in a single lane. A bicyclist must always keep one hand on his handlebars and signal when making turns. A bicyclist must give pedestrians the right of way when riding on a sidewalk, pathway or crosswalk.

If you are hurt in a bicycle accident involving another vehicle, talk to a Colorado personal injury attorney, even if a lawsuit is the farthest thing from your mind. You need to be aware of your rights and legal options, as well as damages you may be entitled to.

A “bite” results when a dog attempts to close, or closes or seizes, its jaws on a person, animal or object and its teeth grips or inflicts a wound regardless of whether the skin breaks. The events leading up to the bite are key factors in distinguishing whether a dog bite is innocent or an act of aggression. A dog that playfully bites a child during horseplay is not usually considered dangerous, but if the dog is a naturally aggressive breed like a pit bull, that bite may be viewed differently. A gentle family dog that suddenly attacks a family member may be considered dangerous even if it never displayed aggressive behavior, never had bitten before and is not a naturally aggressive breed.

A dog can also inflict injury by clawing with its paws or swiping its teeth. A personal injury attorney in a dog bite case must establish if injuries sustained in a dog attack were the result of a bite or from swiping of the dog’s teeth or clawing of its paws. If it was the latter, then he must examine the circumstances leading up to the attack to establish whether or not the dog acted in a vicious manner.

In Colorado, you can be held liable if your dog bites someone, even if your dog never harmed a fly. You can be held liable even if you had no knowledge of your dog being dangerous. If the dog bite victim sues you and a Colorado personal injury attorney can prove you are liable, you may be ordered to keep your dog confined or even euthanize it, depending on the circumstances.

This year, the police have been working to target on a much broader scale. This is including impaired drivers of all types. The problem with this is that though drunk driving has held a longstanding system of arrest and prosecution, drugged driving has not. We know that those who are charged with driving drunk do face serious legal consequences, but questions have risen on the topic of drug impaired driving. Both are against the law, and law enforcement will charge and prosecute these with just the same vigor.

A number of sources indicate that a new campaign has been working its way through Colorado. You have no doubt seen a many billboards, posters and other literature in respect to driving under the influence of various prescription drugs. This is a part of that initiative. Because medical marijuana falls under the realm of these prescription drugs, this has become a hot issue. Most of these campaigns pretty clearly target medical marijuana users. One of the more noticeably negative slogans seen has been: A Medical Marijuana Card Isn’t a License To Drive Under the Influence.

Because there are different types of DUIs, both drug related and alcohol related, it’s important to note the similarities and the differences. A drug related DUI is not all that different from a more traditional DUI, but they become more complex when tried in a court of law. There is no real way to set a limit or have a legal level, such as with the blood alcohol content levels seen in alcohol related cases. Though this campaign continues on, it’s important to note that some believe that this may be more bias than actual danger. Driving under the influence is never safe, but, everyone can make a mistake and misjudge their levels.

People who are charged with drug-related DUI need a powerful and effective defense that is experienced in dealing with drug related charges, particularly that of medical marijuana. Because there is no exact limit or level of impairment these cases can often be fought successfully but only with appropriate defense.

In Colorado, a property owner is liable when a pedestrian is injured on a walkway on his property depending on the pedestrian’s status. If the pedestrian was trespassing, he may recover for damages

willfully or deliberately caused by the property owner. If the pedestrian was licensee, he may recover  damages for the property owner’s failure to warn pedestrians of potential hazards, or his failure to take proper safety measures with respect to dangers on his property that he was aware of. If the pedestrian was a licensee, he may recover damages if the property owner was negligent in protecting pedestrians against dangers he knew of or should have known about.

Property owners must inform pedestrians of any dangers or hazards in their walkways or on any part of their property, giving pedestrians the option of not entering or entering at their own risk. Property owners must keep their property clear of any potential hazards. A property owner can be held liable for any cracks or mislaid concrete in his walkway. He can be held liable for failing to clear ice, snow or other debris off his walkway, or leaving objects in his walkway that pose a danger to pedestrians. He can also be liable for not marking an area on his walkway that is undergoing construction.

If you slip and fall in a walkway, you may be entitled to compensation for present and future medical treatment, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity and pain and suffering. A Colorado personal injury attorney will be happy to discuss your case and advise you on how best to proceed.

When you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, you should call 911 even if you weren’t injured or feel fine. In Colorado, motorists are required by law to report an accident. In addition, many injuries don’t display outward symptoms until hours after an accident, at which point it could be life-threatening. It’s better to error on the side of caution and get checked out at a hospital. Calling 911 also allows you an opportunity to have a police report filed, of which you should request a copy. The police report can help a personal injury attorney establish fault.

Your next step is to obtain the names, contact numbers, license plate numbers and insurance information of each motorist who was involved in the accident. Take pictures of any vehicular or property damage if you can. Don’t discuss anything regarding the accident until police arrive on the scene. Inform your insurance carrier, even if you didn’t cause the accident. If you don’t notify your insurance company, they could deny any claims you submit.

Take advantage of a free initial consultation with a Colorado personal injury attorney even if you don’t think you’ll need one. You could be compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as your medical costs. While insurance companies merely pay out a settlement, a personal injury attorney will see to it that the parties at fault are held liable for their actions and that you get much more than what insurance companies are willing to award you. The attorney can review all the events surrounding your case and fully explain what types of damages you may be entitled to. He will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Alternately, in some situations blood may be drawn to detect the BAC level. While this is more accurate than a breath test, it is not done at the scene, which can cause a lower level to be detected, depending upon the amount of time that passes. If your BAC level is shown to be below 0.08 at the time blood is drawn, you may not have had a BAC level above 0.08 at the scene. As often an hour or more may lapse between being pulled over by a police officer and having blood drawn at the police station, this method has it’s faults as well.

A first time offense of a Colorado DUI can have some strict penalties. These can include:

• Five days to one year in jail
• Drug and alcohol treatment program
• Fines for first time offenders ranging from $600 to $1,000
• 48 to 96 hours of community service
• 12 points added to your driver’s license

A lesser charge of driving while  ability impared, or DWAI, may be given if you are found to have a BAC level of 0.05 to 0.08. While not as severe as a DUI, the penalties are still serious. These include:

• 48 hours to 180 days in jail
• Fines for first time offenders of $200 to $500
• 8 points added to your driver’s license

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself when facing a DUI or DWAI in Colorado is to enlist the help of an experienced Colorado DUI attorney. Time is of the essence, and the sooner you seek help the easier your case will be to defend.

Florida law enforcement received reports of the truck driving in an odd manner down a busy Alamonte Springs street at approximately 8 p.m. When the responding units arrived, the truck was stopped, blocking traffic in a middle lane. Asleep at the drivers seat was the former pitcher, his five year old daughter unrestrained in the seat next to him. According to the police reports, his truck was witnessed to have been “swerving all over the road”. Traffic had been swerving to avoid him and had come to a standstill behind the vehicle.

You might recall that Leskanic pitched seven seasons for the Rockies as a relief pitcher in the early 1990s. His career lasted 11 seasons, with the Rockies, the Brewers, the Royals and also the Red Sox. If you are a baseball fan, you may remember him as the one triumphantly holding the 2004 World Series trophy in many photos of the parade footage. Leskanic was working as an assistant coach for the Lake Mary High School. His son also plays for that team.

In the police report, officers on the scene indicated that he had watery, bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. He had apparently picked up his daughter from a practice of some sort but could not remember where and when asked for his driver’s license, instead presented his Major League Baseball scout identification card. He was reported to have extreme difficulty following directions and could not touch his nose when asked to do so during the tests. Upon arrest, Leskanic had to be hospitalized, and was swearing at officers and also acting very hostile.

Leskanic then failed several field sobriety tests and was arrested, charged with drunk driving as well as child neglect without harm. When they arrived at the Seminole County jail, his blood alcohol content measured at around .331, and that is four times the legal limit for the state of Florida. He posted a $2,050 bond and was then released.

The dog bite laws in Colorado apply to anyone who is the victim of a vicious dog attack, whether it’s an  innocent bystander, a person who rescued a dog bite victim from an attack or a dog owner who was defending his dog. A Colorado personal injury attorney will be happy to discuss your case and give you all the information you need to help you decide the best course of action to take.

Colorado dog bite laws holds dog owners liable if their dog bites another person and causes serious injury. The owner can be liable even if he or she didn’t know the dog was dangerous or the dog never bit anyone before. The dog bite victim can sue the owner for damages provided the victim was not trespassing on private property or did not knowingly provoke the dog. You may be wondering if it would be considered provoking a dog to attack you if you intervened to help someone being attacked. The answer is no.

Many dog owners have homeowner’s insurance that includes coverage for dog bite liability. The problem with homeowner insurance policies is that policy limits allow you to collect up to a certain amount in damages. Before you accept a settlement from an insurance company, talk to a Colorado personal injury attorney. It may be the best decision you make. A personal injury attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and can see to it that you get fair compensation for your pain and suffering and not just a modest settlement. You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses and lost wages and any other financial hardships resulting from your injuries. If you want the owner of the dog who bit you to be held accountable, a personal injury attorney can help.

Most food service establishments and bars will stop serving alcohol to a person once they become visibly intoxicated. This is the standard that the law has set as to their responsibility. Those who do not abide by this face stiff fines face other potential penalties, up to and including suspension of their liquor license. Though ultimately, a driver is responsible for their drinking, if a restaurant serves too much they can also face consequences.

A popular Fort Collins bar found this out recently when they were ordered to completely shut down for a period of 20 days. Police reports indicate that the sports bar Sports eXchange, located in the city’s Old Town, did not properly address their responsibilities. A 22-year-old woman was found intoxicated and seated on a bench just outside of the establishment. It was closing time, and at her side was an unresponsive 21-year-old man. His blood alcohol content was later found to be measuring .36. Had either of them been driving, it is very likely they would have been charged with DUI.

She was taken to a local hospital to be treated for her over-intoxication. Later, witnesses indicated that she had been carried out of the bar by staff and even dropped as they did so. Officers on the scene believed that the woman had already been drunk when she entered the bar. She indicated that she did not even recall how she got there, or how many drinks she had. According to the officers, it was believed that she may have already been visibly intoxicated upon entry.

Colorado DUI laws are very clear on how that is to be handled by establishments that serve alcohol. Because Sports eXchange did not comply with the law, they were ordered by the Fort Collins Liquor Licensing Authority to close for 20 days. They were also given a 30-day suspension, in abeyance. What this means is, if the bar overserves again, it will not only face the normal penalties, but close again for 30 more days.

Hults’ suspension has ramifications for the over 125,000 people who hold medical marijuana cards in Colorado. Even though he is a card holder in Colorado, Hults employer has a no tolerance policy when it comes to drug use. Because the NASCAR driver tested positive for THC, even though his attorney states that he never used cannabis on the track or before a race, he will not be able to perform his duties as a driver. Hults was using marijuana under the supervision of his doctor to relieve chronic back pain after a car accident, and his attorney also cited the right of Colorado residents to use marijuana for medical reasons in the state Constitution. If you or a loved one is facing consequences for perfectly legal cannabis use, contact a local defense attorney as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the law is against both the NASCAR driver Ronnie Hults and any other medical marijuana card holder who is tested for drugs at work. Colorado medical cannabis laws in the state Consitution state that: “Nothing in this section shall require any employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any work place.” However, the laws surrounding marijuana for medical use are constantly evolving, and as cannabis gains acceptance in the medical community, laws may change. If you are a medical marijuana card holder who is concerned about your rights under Colorado law, you should contact a Colorado criminal defense attorney.

As soon as you are been been made aware of criminal charges against you, you should get in touch with an experienced defense lawyer. You do have the right under the U.S. Constitution to have an attorney present at all times when speaking with law enforcement regarding a criminal matter, and you should always have a lawyer with you during police questioning. An attorney can not only make sure that police officers uphold your rights and treat you with respect, but a defense lawyer can also advise you on the best way to answer questions. A criminal defense attorney can help individuals accused of a crime during the initial investigation before any formal charges have been made. When police or private investigators call to ask about an incident, you should always refer them to an attorney.

One of your rights as a citizen accused of a crime is to avoid self-incrimination, or giving evidence to law enforcement that can be used against you. Often, police will attempt to convince the accused to give out information or evidence to the police that will be used against them. However, a lawyer, if present during an interrogation or investigation, can help you avoid incriminating yourself without meaning to. If you or a loved one is facing any type of criminal charge in Colorado, you need the help of a trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney.

The Colorado laws regarding punishments for repeat DUI offenders can be confusing and overly harsh. The most common punishment is having your Colorado driver’s license revoked. While a license can be suspended for a first offense DUI, on the second or third offense, it is revoked for a number of years, depending on factors like how many previous DUIs the driver has on record or how high their BAC level was when they were arrested.

Also, a person can be considered a “repeat traffic offender” if they get more than one type of criminal traffic violation in a period of five years. These different offenses include DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, excessive speed and driving without a license. If you are facing any one of these criminal traffic offenses, you need a trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney with experience in criminal traffic cases. Unlike a speeding ticket, these types of traffic offenses require aggressive defense strategies to avoid legal consequences.

The legal consequences for multiple DUIs or criminal traffic offenses include jail time, required alcohol courses, living in a group home, an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, as well as high fines and license revocation. You can also be given these punishments for multiple DUIs even if the offenses were years apart. With an experienced DUI defense lawyer on your side, you can avoid some of these harsh penalties.

Often, in white collar crime cases, an investigation into a crime like fraud can take months if not years. Just like with any other crime, individuals accused of fraud have the right to an attorney present during all police interrogations. If you are being contacted by police or even someone claiming to be a private investigator about a matter of money or identity theft, you can refer all questions to your defense lawyer if you have one. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to field all investigator questions and stand by your side when you need to speak with the police.

White collar crime charges such as fraud or embezzlement often involve computers and digital evidence, which can be confusing to many people. When accusations of these type are made, police may ask for your computer or laptop, as well as financial documents they may think are related to the alleged crime. You should always contact an attorney before handing anything over to law enforcement. A Colorado criminal defense attorney with experience in white collar crime cases can also help you prepare evidence for your defense.

The laws for underage drivers regarding alcohol are more strict when it comes to both DUI arrests and sentencing. First, a driver who is under 21 can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol level is lower than over-21 drivers. While the normal limit for an adult is 0.08, an underage driver can be charged with DUI if their BAC is over 0.02 percent. These low BAC levels can result in DUI arrests even when the driver doesn’t seem impaired. In these cases, the help of a Colorado criminal defense attorney is invaluable.

When it comes to sentencing for an underage DUI in Colorado, offenders can face mandatory license suspension as well as fines and community service. Many young people think that a DUI is just like a speeding ticket, and they can just pay their fines and move on with their lives. However, a conviction for DUI can have serious consequences for a young person directly after their arrest and for years to come.

Many people believe that a DUI that they got when they were under 21 will disappear, but a DUI conviction will stay on an individual’s criminal record permanently. The laws regarding repeat offenders for DUI are strict, and a second or third conviction, even years later, can result in major legal consequences such as license revocation or months in jail. An experienced Colorado DUI attorney can not only help underage drivers avoid a conviction by getting charges dismissed, but they can also negotiate for alternative sentencing options like state-sponsored teen alcohol counseling, deferred adjudication or community service.

When it comes to serious felony crimes like assault with a deadly weapon, felony robbery, evading police or murder, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can often get clients plea bargains to lesser charges. A defense lawyer can also challenge evidence against the accused to get more serious criminal charges dismissed, leaving only lesser charges that come with less severe legal consequences.

In these sorts of cases, there are often multiple charges associated with one event. For example, in a case where an individual is accused of being involved in a shooting, the state might bring charges such as assault with a deadly weapon angainst the accused, but also include charges such as weapons posession or menacing. A seasoned defense attorney will be able to tackle each of these criminal charges separately in order to help his or her client get through their legal situation with as much of their financial and personal freedom intact as possible.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Colorado of any type, you should contact a Colorado criminal defense lawyer in your area, whether that is the metro Denver area or a smaller community like Saguache. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be well versed in all state and federal laws that apply in Colorado criminal cases.

Because the Colorado laws governing domestic and family violence are concerned with protecting victims, especially if those alleged victims are children, the rights of the accused can get violated. Police can often use aggressive tactics when interrogating individuals accused of these types of criminal charges because emotions run high during investigations of violence towards domestic partners or children. That’s why it’s especially important to have a seasoned Colorado criminal defense attorney on your side during an investigation and prosecution of domestic violence or child abuse charges
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Often, the individuals who brought the charges against a domestic partner aren’t aware of the serious nature of false accusations in matters of domestic and family violence. It can be very hard to drop domestic violence charges, for example. Family violence charges like child abuse are also pursued not only by Colorado law enforcement, but by government agencies charged with looking after the welfare of children in the state. Once a child abuse or domestic assault case has been entered, it can often be very difficult if not impossible to stop the legal process. Consequences like restraining orders can also be hard to remove, and they can be devastating for the lives of the accused. If you find yourself facing this sort of tangled legal situation, contact a trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney to help you sort things out.

If you’ve been arrested and charged with DUI or DWAI in Colorado, you are usually required to give up your Colorado driver’s license to a police officer after your arrest. After this, you have only 7 days to request a hearing with the CO DMV to determine whether or not your license will be revoked. At the time of your arrest, the clock starts ticking for you to get your license back. Facing this sort of deadline while also arranging bail and dealing with other aspects of a DUI arrest can be difficult on your own. This is why you need a Colorado attorney with experience in DUI cases on your side during this trying time.

An attorney can not only ensure that all legal deadlines regarding your DUI charges are met, but they can also help you keep your license. The Colorado DMV will hold a hearing about your driving privileges and debate whether to revoke, suspend or impose restrictions on your driver’s license. An attorney can represent you at this hearing just like they would in a court of law, and make sure that you emerge from your DUI ordeal with the least amount of restrictions. With a trusted Colorado DUI defense attorney on your side, you can rest assured that you will be able to get back on the road with a minimum disruption in your normal routine after a DUI arrest in Colorado.

Generally, there are are no mandatory jail sentences for a first offense drunk driving charge, but other things like community service and alcohol education courses are usually required, as well as points on your Colorado driver’s license. If you are arrested for DUI a second time, however, there is a mandatory jail sentence imposed by the judge. There is also no statute of limitations on how far back your first offense can be, so you could face jail time for a second DUI even if your first DUI was ten years ago! However, with an experienced Colorado DUI defense attorney on your side, you will have the benefit of a defense strategy that can get your second DUI charge dismissed or reduced so that you don’t have to face these harsh legal penalties.

A DUI lawyer can also help you negotiate deferred or alternative sentencing so that you don’t have to actually spend time inside a jail. Options for alternative jail time include home detention, also called house arrest, as well as serving your sentence on the weekends so that you can continue to work. Work release programs also let you go to work and return to a minimum security facility or group home. Some alternative sentencing programs combine all these different types of sentences to allow offenders to make money while also working on their sobriety and paying their debt to the state. If you have multiple DUIs and are facing months in jail, one of these programs might be the best alternative. A trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney with experience in multiple DUI arrests can advise you on the best options for your particular set of circumstances.

Safeguarding Your Rights

In drug cases, law enforcement can sometimes get too focused on “catching the bad guy” and neglect to fully uphold the Constitutional rights of the accused. This can take the form of illegal search and seizure of property during an investigation or arrest, but police can also neglect Miranda rights or probable cause when pulling Colorado drivers over for driving under the influence of marijuana or other controlled substances. A Denver criminal defense attorney can help safeguard your rights and hold negligent police officers accountable in court.

Providing Counsel During Investigations

Under federal law, all individuals who have been charged or arrested for a drug crime have the right to have an attorney present during any investigation or police interrogation. Don’t forget about this right! You should have a Colorado defense lawyer there with you whenever you speak with the police to help you present your case correctly and to make sure that you are safe.

Helping Gather Evidence

Colorado law enforcement begins to gather evidence against you as soon as they are made aware that there might be a crime involving illegal substances like drugs. You should have an attorney there gathering evidence for your defense against drug charges as well. An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney will be able to make a defense strategy that is targeted towards your unique situation, and they can best do this if they have evidence to present.

According to CNET, the new device would detect narcotic substances not simply using fingerprints, but instead it would test the sweat in fingerprints to determine if illegal substances are present. The device would use nanoparticles and antibodies that bind to substances in sweat and allow those substances to show up on the machine. In practice, a person presses their fingerprints to the device, leaving behind sweat and fingerprints. The device then releases particles which bind to certain substances in the sweat. If the fingerprint shows up as a color on the machine, it would show that the person was under the influence. The UK technology company that developed the device hopes to make it available to law enforcement worldwide in 2011.

While this device may sound like something from a science fiction story, it has implications for individuals accused of DUI for alcohol or drugs, as well as criminal charges like drug possession. The fingerprint device is supposedly less invasive than taking blood for analysis for drugs or alcohol, and the company claims it is more accurate than a breathalyzer machine. An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney often challenges the evidence gathering techniques in DUI or drug charges, and they would do the same if this machine is used.

Even if these fingerprint drug analysis machines are used in the US this year, law enforcement will likely follow up with a more traditional alcohol or drug test like a blood or urine test. Use of this machine may, however, lead to false arrests and faulty probable cause in DUI and drug cases. If you’ve been pulled over for driving under the influence in Colorado, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to examine the evidence in your case.

In this case, as reported by the Erie Daily Camera, the police officer and his friend were allegedly involved in a “physical altercation” in the clubhouse of the Colorado National Golf Club in Erie. However, under Colorado law assault charges can be filed even if there is no physical violence. All it takes is intent to do serious bodily injury to another person or threatening them with violence. In the case of the Denver officer, the men involved in the altercation did not go to the hospital for their injuries, yet the officer and his friend are still facing assault charges.

The case against the Denver police officer for assault is pending investigation. Many people may think that they won’t need a defense attorney until it’s time to go to court on charges like assault or disorderly conduct, but an attorney should be present every time a suspect speaks to the police and during any investigation into an alleged crime. An attorney can help gather evidence on the defendant’s behalf at the same time that Colorado law enforcement is gathering the evidence they will use to bring charges against the suspect.

Charges like assault, even if they are misdemeanor charges, can carry serious legal, financial and social consequences. The police officer involved in this case has been put on desk duty due to this incident until the investigation is complete, and even someone without a job in law enforcement could face difficulties following an arrest or criminal charge.

An attorney can begin helping their client as soon as charges are filed, so if you are made aware that you are being charged with assault in Colorado, call an attorney immediately. As law enforcement will tell you, you do have the right to have an attorney present during an investigation or questioning, and you should take advantage of that right. While it may seem like a good idea to “tell your side of the story” or attempt to clear up the misunderstanding that led to assault charges, an attorney should be there to represent your interests in this serious legal matter and protect your rights under the law.

In Colorado, assault charges aren’t always based on a subject allegedly physically harming someone else. The legal basis for these charges is intent to do harm, meaning that someone can press assault charges against someone else even if they simply threaten them. This is another reason why you need a criminal defense attorney to help you face your Colorado assault charges. An attorney will be able to show in court that intent was not present and help get your assault charges dismissed or reduced.

There are also different degrees of assault charges with varying levels of legal penalties, including misdemeanor or felony assault. A misdemeanor assault charge usually involves a threat or harm done to someone else without the use of a weapon, and felony charges generally involve a weapon and physical harm. There may also be weapons possession or other charges associated in these cases, and only an aggressive Colorado criminal defense attorney can help you address this type of complicated legal matter.

Understanding the types of domestic violence charges can help you if you get in a situation like a divorce or messy break-up that might result in the intervention of law enforcement. While most people immediately think of physical abuse, domestic violence can stem from several different kinds of abuse in a relationship, including emotional, sexual or financial abuse, as well as harassment. Being constantly insulted or yelled at can count as emotional abuse, and financial abuse is when one partner prevents the other from working or withholds money as a form of control.

Law enforcement officers in Colorado take domestic violence charges very seriously, and this results in harsh penalties for convictions and make these kinds of criminal charges very hard to withdraw or dismiss. This is why anyone accused of domestic assault or abuse in Colorado needs a criminal defense attorney that understands the laws and can put together a targeted defense strategy.

The biggest mistake out of state drivers make when faced with a DUI is going home and assuming the charge will go away. Waiting to take care of a drunk driving charge can result in serious legal consequences. The smartest decision a driver can make is to call a Colorado criminal defense attorney or DUI attorney as soon as they are arrested. A DUI attorney can get the court and DMV process expedited and allow a driver to return to their home state sooner.

Without an attorney, drivers charged with DUI or DWAI in Colorado must not only appear in state court to answer for the criminal drunk driving charges, but they must also appear at a Colorado DMV hearing to determine if their driver’s license will be revoked. If an out of state driver hires an attorney, however, they can return to their home state and let the attorney plead their case before the courts and the DMV hearing committee. An experienced Colorado DUI attorney can also work with the courts to dismiss charges or waive probation conditions like community service that would keep an out of state driver in Colorado.

The Fifth Amendment protects Americans accused of a crime from incriminating themselves or being compelled to be a witness against themselves. The criminal defense attorneys in the fraud case claim that entering the password would be providing the police with evidence against her and therefore incriminating herself in her own case. In many criminal cases, attorneys will not only safeguard their clients’ Constitutional rights, but also use these rights in their defense strategies.

Another example of using right’s violations to defend a client in criminal court include getting improperly gathered evidence thrown out because of violations of search and seizure rights. This happens often in DUI and drug possession cases. An attorney can also defend their client’s rights during police investigations of a criminal matter or during interrogation. If you have been arrested for a crime, you need to contact a Colorado criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your Constitutional rights.

As the law stands now, medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado have certain regulations regarding licensing, where they can be located, when they can operate and how much cannabis they are legally allowed to possess. First, all dispensaries must be registered with the state of Colorado and have a license to operate, as well as staying in close contact with the regulating agencies for medical marijuana in the state. It can be a good idea for any cannabis business to keep an experienced Colorado medical marijuana attorney on call for any legal issues that can arise.

The laws don’t stop with licensing for medical cannabis businesses. Dispensaries must be located at least 1,000 feet away from a school or child care facility, so individuals considering opening a cannabis business must take this into account when choosing a location. These businesses can only operate between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, but they are allowed to operate all week. Medical marijuana dispensaries can also only have two ounces and six plants per patient registered with the dispensary, but they must also grow at least 70% of the cannabis that they sell.

Violations of these medical marijuana dispensary laws range from misdemeanor to felony drug crimes, depending on the severity of the violation and the opinion of the judge. Anyone involved in medical marijuana in Colorado needs to have an aggressive defense attorney on their side just in case.

Arrest

Your defense attorney can begin helping you as soon as your arrest. Attorneys are well versed in all police procedures, and they will know if your arrest was performed correctly. A Denver criminal defense attorney will also have knowledge of bail procedures and bail bondsmen in the area, so they can help you get out of jail quickly.

Investigation

Many people will be tempted to speak with the police and tell their side of the story or attempt to explain their actions, but no one being investigated for a criminal offense should speak with the police without a trusted defense lawyer present. Law enforcement begins gathering evidence against a suspect very quickly, and a defense lawyer can help you also gather evidence for your defense.

Court

Your defense attorney will argue for your innocence during your court date, but an attorney will also be able to work with judges and prosecutors on your behalf. An experienced Denver criminal defense attorney will have professional relationships with court officials and prosecutors, so they will be able to speak with these officials to help you broker plea bargains or get evidence thrown out.

After Court

An aggressive criminal defense attorney doesn’t stop working for you after your court date. They can help you avoid harsh sentences and even help you stay on track when it comes to fulfilling the terms of your probation. A compassionate defense attorney will be with you throughout the entire legal process relating to your criminal charges and will stay in touch.

A DUI defense attorney can help you answer your charges for DUI, and they can also help you when it comes to a vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charge. Criminal defense attorneys will have experience with vehicular assault cases as well as defending clients for DUI. A common defense strategy for cases involving drunk driving and vehicle accidents is to defend against either one of the charges to get the entire case dismissed or certain legal penalties reduced.

Your experienced DUI defense lawyer can call the evidence against you like field sobriety or BAC test results into question and get the evidence thrown out. This can lead to a dismissal or reduction of the DUI charge. Then, an attorney can also defend you against the accusation that you were responsible for the accident because being involved in a motor vehicle accident is not a crime, but causing one is. Your defense lawyer will attempt to show that you did not cause the accident by using accident reconstruction techniques or evidence from the scene. With these kinds of defense techniques, you won’t have to face the serious legal consequences that come from vehicular assault or Colorado DUI convictions.

There are thousands of dispensaries in Colorado that provide a safe and legal way for patients with serious medical conditions to get cannabis products to manage their pain, increase appetite and reduce muscle spasms. Even though these dispensaries are legal, occasionally patients will get harassed by law enforcement when carrying cannabis products near dispensaries. Sometimes a card is not enough. If you’ve been arrested for possession even if you have a card, contact a Denver drug defense lawyer to help you answer your charges. As a legal medical marijuana patient, you shouldn’t have to face jail time or heavy fines.

DUI checkpoints near dispensaries can also lead to DUI arrests for medical marijuana users. The laws are changing, but currently Colorado drivers can be charged with Driving Under the Influence if they have any measureable amount of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, in their bloodstream. Just like an alcohol DUI, the blood test for THC must be performed at the police station. If you’ve been pulled over for a drug DUI, contact a Colorado DUI lawyer today to review your case.

Often, internet crime charges can seem to come out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t come with serious legal consequences. Internet fraud crimes like identity theft or bank fraud can be either serious misdemeanors or felony crimes, depending on the nature of the crime or the amount of money involved. Internet sex crimes are prosecuted vigorously by Colorado law enforcement, and many of these are felony charges. When facing these kinds of serious crime charges, you need an attorney on your side who understands Internet criminal law.

Individuals facing criminal charges need a defense attorney beginning with the investigation into their case. Our attorneys understand the procedures law enforcement needs to follow in Internet cases, and they can safeguard your rights during the investigation and in the court room. A criminal defense attorney will be able to look at the circumstances of your case and craft a defense to bring a positive resolution.

An ignition interlock device is an electronic monitor that is installed into the starter of a vehicle. A breathalyzer machine is connected to the ignition on the car, and the device does not allow the vehicle to start if it detects any alcohol on the breath. Ignition interlock devices are meant to keep habitual drunk drivers from operating their vehicles while under the influence.

There are two different ways that a DUI can result in an interlock ignition device. The criminal court that convicts individuals in DUI cases can order individuals to install an ignition interlock after a Colorado DUI conviction. The DMV can also order you to install one as part of getting your driver’s license back. Often, the Colorado DMV will order drivers convicted of multiple DUIs to install an interlock device, and they are only allowed to legally drive a vehicle if the device is installed.

Unfortunately, Colorado requires the individual to pay for the ignition interlock device, and they can be expensive. An experienced Colorado DUI defense attorney can help you if you’re facing this type of situation. They can get your charges dismissed or reduced so that you don’t have to worry about losing your driver’s license or having to install an ignition interlock device.

There are already very severe legal penalties in place for Colorado residents who are convicted of possession, distribution or production of methamphetamines. While possession can be a serious crime, the penalties for being in possession of the chemicals and supplies for making methamphetamines can carry even more severe consequences. If you have been accused of being involved in methamphetamine sales or production, you need a knowledgeable and aggressive Colorado criminal defense attorney on your side.

Your Colorado drug crime defense attorney will be able to look at the facts of your case and determine the best defense strategy. When it comes to high-profile drug crimes like meth, law enforcement officials can sometimes be overzealous in searches and cut corners in arrest procedures. Your attorney can use these slip ups in your defense, as well as safeguard your search and seizure rights.

The best way to ensure a favorable outcome in any kind of drug case is to hire an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney. Your Colorado defense lawyer will fight for you in the courtroom and help get a favorable verdict in your case.

The best course of action for underage drivers in Colorado is to not drink and drive at all. The blood alcohol content limits for Colorado drivers under the age of 21 are very low, so if a teenage driver has had any alcohol at all, they shouldn’t be driving. Underage Colorado drivers can get a DUI if they have a BAC level of between 0.02 and 0.05. With limits that low, drivers shouldn’t take the chance.

Many teenage drivers think that their DUI will automatically get taken off their record once they hit a certain age, but a conviction for DUI can stay on your record for years. An experienced and compassionate Colorado DUI defense attorney can not only represent you in court and possibly keep your case from ending in a conviction, but they can also help expunge a criminal record down the line. Contact a DUI attorney for more information about underage DUIs and record expungement.

Colorado law tries to protect families from violence, and, while this is a worthy goal, it can make domestic violence charges very hard to withdraw. The laws that protect children and spouses from abuse are complex, and anyone accused of domestic violence needs an experienced defense attorney on their side. A Colorado criminal defense lawyer with experience in domestic violence defense can explain the law and your rights.

When it comes to protecting families, law enforcement can often overlook the rights of the accused. A Colorado domestic violence attorney can make sure that doesn’t happen. During any kind of investigation, you have the right to have a lawyer present when you speak with law enforcement. If you’ve been accused of child abuse, domestic violence or any other crime during a bitter divorce dispute, you should contact a Denver defense attorney as soon as you are made aware of the charges against you. Your attorney can work with the police, your divorce lawyer, the court and the prosecutors to make sure that your domestic violence case is handled appropriately.

Most people accused of shoplifting are individuals, but these organized shoplifting rings are criminals that work in teams, moving through a retail store and taking high-dollar items as well as everyday goods like aspirin or razors. Goods that many people wouldn’t expect would bring in money on the black market, like baby formula, are actually a serious target for criminals like these shoplifting teams.

Generally, misdemeanor shoplifting charges are leveled against someone for stealing goods that are valued at $300 to $500 or less. Even though it may seem like a minor crime, shoplifting charges can be upgraded to theft or larceny if the value of the goods that were allegedly stolen is $500. Theft and larceny are both felony crimes with heavy legal consequences.

If you or someone you love has been accused of shoplifting, contact a Colorado criminal defense lawyer with experience in theft cases. Never try to explain or talk to the police without a lawyer present. Your best defense starts as soon as you are accused of a crime, and a criminal defense attorney can help.

One bill sponsored by Polis is the Small Business Banking Improvement Act, which makes sure that cannabis dispensaries certified by the state of Colorado would be able to take advantage of the same federal tax deductions and other small business initiatives as other businesses. This act would also help state-certified cannabis dispensaries get full access to banking services. Many medical marijuana businesses are denied access to banks, which makes them more susceptible to crime and causes many problems. If you or someone you know has had problems running or accessing a state-certified medical marijuana business, contact a Colorado medical marijuana defense attorney today to talk about your rights.

Polis also co-authored one of the bills, the States’ Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act. If passed, this bill would protect people and businesses that use and provide medical marijuana from federal prosecution as long as they are complying with the state laws regarding medical marijuana. This means that federal marijuana criminal charges could not be filed against people who are following state laws by having medical marijuana cards or licenses for dispensing cannabis for medical purposes. If you have been harassed by the police for medical marijuana use or dispensing, contact a Colorado criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Most people know that they can get a Colorado DUI defense lawyer to help them through the legal aspects of their DUI case, but many people don’t realize that a defense attorney can also help them with the DMV administrative process as well. An experienced Denver DUI attorney will be able to file all paperwork with the Department of Revenue and the DMV in a timely manner, represent you at your DMV license hearing, help you avoid administrative penalties like ignition interlock devices and get you back on the road faster.

The Colorado DMV does have the right to revoke the driver’s license of individuals who have been arrested for DUI or who refused to take a chemical BAC test to determine if they were drinking and driving. In order to revoke your license, the DMV must issue a revocation notification. The arresting officer can either do this at the time of the arrest, or the DMV can mail the notice to the DUI offender. When this notice is issued, the clock starts ticking, and you only have 7 days to request a hearing.

Your DUI defense attorney will know whether or not you need to request a hearing and can help you get that legal paperwork together on time. Your attorney will also represent you at the hearing. With a Colorado DUI defense attorney on your side, you can rest assured that you will be able to keep your driving privileges in Colorado after a DUI arrest.

The first stages of the criminal process for a Colorado DUI are the complaint and the court summons. A legal document called the complaint is created that lists your name and information about the traffic stop and offense like the date and circumstances. The summons is a formal legal document that requires you to appear before the Colorado state court to answer the complaint.

The first time you will see a judge in your Colorado DUI case is at the arraignment, where you will be informed of your charges and asked to enter a plea with the court. Your DUI attorney should be present at your arraignment and can advise you how to plea. If you enter a plea of not guilty, you will be asked to appear in a pre-trial conference.

At a pre-trial conference for a DUI, you and your attorney will work with the prosecution to come to a plea agreement, often called a plea bargain, where you may plead guilty to a lesser charge like DWAI. Before your trail, you may also have other hearings to address evidence. If your attorney wants to suppress evidence that he or she feels was improperly handled, they would do so during a motion hearing.

Your criminal trial for a Colorado DUI can be either a bench trial, where the judge makes the decisions in your case, or a jury trial, where you make arguments before a judge and a jury of your peers. Your Denver DUI attorney can advise you about which kind of trial is best for your particular situation. Your attorney will also represent you during your trial and help you fight your DUI.

House Bill 11-1239 might help change this. The bill was passed in early May 2011 by both the Colorado House of Representatives and Senate, as well as being signed by Governor Hickenlooper. The bill requires that legislators provide several key facts before they can add a crime or modify sentencing guidelines for a crime in the criminal code. This is good news for Denver criminal defense attorneys because they will be able to better advise their clients on the aspects of criminal law in Colorado. If you are facing any kind of crime, especially if it’s a newly created crime, call an experienced criminal defense lawyer to get the facts.

The new information that HB 1239 requires includes a thorough description of the new crime or changes to an existing crime as well as comprehensive legal analysis. This will ensure that unnecessary changes aren’t being made to the criminal code. In the future, to change or add to the code, legislators will have to look at existing crimes and see if the problem is already covered by existing laws, and then analyze how the new crime or punishments will address the problem. They will also be required to decide whether the new crime can even be charged under the current laws.

If you feel that you have been victim of an unreasonable seizure or that your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated, you need to contact a Colorado criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review your case and fight for your rights in court. If law enforcement did not follow proper procedure or violated your search and seizure rights when gathering evidence against you, your defense lawyer may be able to get that evidence thrown out of court.

The one phrase that causes the most problems with searches by law enforcement is “probable cause.” Colorado police officers must have a reason to suspect that a crime has been committed by your person, in your car, home or place of business. With “probable cause,” police officers can search you and your car for evidence of a crime. This comes into play most often during traffic stops. Even if you feel that police officers aren’t following procedure with a search of your car, it is in your best interest to cooperate. As you may have heard on television, you do have the right to remain silent until you speak with an attorney. In cases of searches, it may be best to exercise this right and contact a Denver criminal defense lawyer as soon as you are able.

Traffic Stops

Many criminal matters arise from a traffic stop. If you are stopped by a police officer, always remain polite and comply with the officer’s directions. You do have the right to remain silent about the situation, but it is always best to give your name and identification. When you are stopped, always tell the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent until your attorney is present.

Searches

Colorado law enforcement must have probable cause, or a quantifiable reason to suspect criminal activity, to search your car, your home or your place of business. During traffic stops, police may search your car if they have probable cause or your consent, but they will usually have a search warrant to search places like homes or businesses. Always call a criminal defense attorney if you are being searched, with or without a warrant.

Arrest

If you are placed under arrest by a Colorado officer, tell them that you would like to remain silent until you can speak with your attorney. The police are required by law to give you a chance to contact an attorney. It’s a good idea to keep the phone number or a business card of a defense lawyer in your wallet or purse just in case. After an arrest, you will be processed at the police station, which is called booking. This ends the arrest process, and you should be given a chance to contact an attorney at this time.

Criminal traffic offenses include reckless driving, excessive speed, Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired, driving with a suspended or revoked license and hit and run accidents. Even though many of these offenses may be classed as misdemeanor crimes, this does not meant that they do not carry serious legal penalties. Not only can you be convicted of a crime that will stay on your record, criminal traffic offenses can result in probation, heavy fines and community service. On top of these criminal penalties, many traffic offenses will also result in a suspended or even revoked Colorado driver’s license.

An experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney understands all the aspects of Colorado’s traffic laws and will be able to help you address your criminal traffic offenses in a timely manner. Not only will your attorney be able to represent you in court and get your criminal charges reduced or even dismissed, they can also represent you at the DMV if you need to have a license reinstatement hearing. With a criminal defense attorney on your side, you can get through your criminal traffic charges with a minimal impact on your life and your ability to drive.

In the KRDO News story, a Colorado Springs police officer, Sargent Steve Nobblit, was quoted as advising individuals who are having a domestic fight to call the police before the fight becomes violent. According to Colorado domestic violence laws, individuals can be charged with other crimes related to a domestic violence incident, even if no violence actually took place. Harassment is one charge often connected with these kinds of cases, and harassment can include threatening someone, using obscene language to provoke a violent response or invading privacy. If you have been charged with domestic violence or harassment in the Denver area, contact a Denver domestic violence defense attorney as soon as you can.

If this happens to you, remember to remain calm and be respectful towards law enforcement at all times. It is important in these kinds of cases to contact a Denver domestic violence defense lawyer as soon as possible to help you with your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the nature of the laws and fight to protect your rights in a domestic violence case.

Restorative mediation or justice has been a feature of juvenile criminal cases for years, but Colorado House Bill 11-1032 proposes to make the option mandatory in juvenile cases and expand it to include adults who are facing first-time criminal charges. Proponents of the legislation say that it can help offenders take responsibility and bring closure to families. Some legal professionals feel that making restorative mediation mandatory will limit options in juvenile cases.

If you are facing criminal charges in Colorado, whether they are juvenile or adult charges, you should speak with your defense lawyer about using mediation to resolve your case. Regardless of the path you and your attorney chose, an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney will be there for your during your trial and sentencing hearings to make sure that you get justice. You attorney will be well versed in all kinds of plea bargains and sentencing options that can help you get back to your life after a criminal trial, including mediation or restorative justice.

Other DUI smart phone apps have recently come under fire from senators from several states because the apps show users where law enforcement has set up DUI checkpoints so that they can avoid arrest for drunk driving. The Senators have urged the developers of these DUI apps to disable the feature that shows DUI checkpoints. While these smart phone applications may seem like a “get out of jail free” card, they are more dangerous than an app like R-U-Buzzed, which urges drivers to call a cab or a designated driver if they are impaired.

The Colorado DOT smart phone app does not have this checkpoint feature, but only helps users estimate whether or not their BAC will get them arrested for DUI or DWAI. As the app doesn’t actually test BAC, only estimates it based on a person’s body weight and the number of drinks they consumed, it should not be relied on when making the decision to drive after drinking. If you have been pulled over for DUI—no matter where you are in your legal process—a Colorado DUI defense lawyer can help you get your charges reduced or even dismissed.

The criminal trial addresses the actual DUI charge and levels penalties like alcohol education and probation upon a conviction. In this trial, the prosecution presents the evidence that the traffic officers gathered to prove that you were driving while intoxicated, such as BAC test results and evidence for the traffic violation that led to a DUI stop. A Colorado DUI defense attorney will represent you during the criminal trial and help you by challenging the evidence against you in order to get your charges dismissed. Your attorney can also reduce your penalties by negotiating a deferred sentence or having you plea to a lesser charge such as DWAI.

The administrative procedures in a Colorado DUI are handled by the DMV. The administrative procedures are concerned with the accused’s driving privileges in the state, and they include surrendering your Colorado driver’s license, getting a temporary permit and procedures to get your license reinstated. You can request a hearing from the Colorado DMV regarding your driver’s license within 7 days of your DUI arrest. A Colorado DUI attorney will be there for you during your DMV hearing as well to ensure that you can keep your driver’s license.

Colorado drivers may think that they can use the fact that they weren’t intending to hurt anybody with their car as a defense in a vehicular assault case. Just like with bodily assault, intent is not an issue. Just the fact that harm was done with a vehicle is enough for a vehicular assault charge. The same is true for vehicular manslaughter. If someone died as a result of an accident, the driver can be charged with vehicular homicide.

Many drivers also think that they can use drunk driving as an defense in a vehicular manslaughter case, but a Colorado criminal defense attorney will tell you that those circumstances don’t excuse drivers from these types of charges. In fact, these charges come with more severe penalties if DUI or DWAI charges are involved as well. If you hurt someone with your car while drunk driving, contact a Colorado DUI attorney or an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney to discuss your case.

There are certain laws regarding using cannabis for medical purposes that can still land patients in legal trouble. For example, patients are only allowed to consume cannabis in the privacy of a home, out of the view of the general public. Patients and caregivers are also limited in how much cannabis they can possess, and they can be charged with drug possession for having more than 2 ounces of useable marijuana or more than three mature cannabis plants. The patient must also be honest with their physician about their medical condition in order to get an ID card, and using or creating a fake medical marijuana card is also illegal.

Even though these laws have made marijuana legal for patients with an ID card, many people involved with medical marijuana, including growers and distributers, have been hassled by police. Not every law enforcement officer fully understands the medical marijuana laws, but a defense attorney that specializes in these kinds of drug charges will. If you are a patient and have problems with the law, you need a compassionate Colorado medical marijuana defense attorney on your side.

Anyone can go to the CBI’s Sex Offender Registry website and search for sex offenders in their area or by name. The sex offender registry was created in order to educate the public on sexual predators in their area, but the courts have to balance public protection with the rights of convicted persons. Because anyone can search the CBI’s registry, having your name on the sex offender registry can be humiliating as well as cause problems for future employment or renting a property.

If you are facing sex crimes charges, you need a compassionate and dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side. With an aggressive Colorado defense lawyer, you might be able to have your charges reduced and avoid registering as a sex offender. If you are convicted of a sex offense, there are also alternative sentence programs that can help you reduce your legal penalties such as putting your address on the sex offender registry. Your defense attorney can always advise you on how to make plea bargains and seek alternative sentencing for sex offenses.

Even if the judge does not order alcohol education as part of a DUI conviction, alcohol courses are required by Colorado law in order to get your driver’s license reinstated after a DUI. In order to get your Colorado driver’s license back, you will need to complete alcohol education or therapy in a state-approved behavioral health program and provide proof of attendance to the CO DMV.

There are different levels of alcohol education for Colorado drivers. Minors under 21 who have received a DWAI, DUI or other alcohol-related conviction are required to take a Level I alcohol education course that consists of 12 hours of education about the effects of alcohol. For adult drivers convicted of alcohol-related violations, Level II alcohol education and therapy is required. The Level II alcohol courses include education but also therapy in a state-approved program. The duration of the therapy gets longer depending on the severity of the violation and whether or not the driver has had multiple DUIs.

The debate about whether or not marijuana use impairs driving is still raging in Colorado and all over the nation. Some studies of marijuana’s effects on the brain and body indicate that THC may slow reflexes, but other studies show marijuana affects driving ability less than alcohol. Lawmakers have taken these various studies into account when setting the limits for THC in the bloodstream for Colorado drivers.

The proposed limit for blood THC levels for Colorado drivers is 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter. In other states with medical marijuana laws, the driving limit is 2 nanograms, while other states have limits as high as 7 nanograms. Colorado is considering the 5 nanogram limit because some studies have shown that this is a level of concentration that can affect a driver’s reflexes. Medical marijuana advocates are concerned that medical users will have higher than normal concentrations because of regular use, even though they may not be impaired.

If you’ve been pulled over for driving under the influence of marijuana, especially if you have a state medical marijuana card, you need to contact a Colorado DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

Who can see my DUI records?

Criminal records are primarily used by law enforcement when they arrest a suspect. Anyone who conducts a background check will be able to see your DUI conviction or anything else on your criminal record. Employers often do background checks on potential employees, and they may also check driving records if the job involves driving a company vehicle.

How do I get my DUI record expunged?

You should contact an attorney to expunge your record. While individuals can file in civil court to seal records, an attorney can advise you about the best way to go about it and help you file with the right court. A local Denver DUI attorney is best because they understand the local laws and have connections in local courts.

Can anyone see my records after they are expunged?

A general background check will not show expunged records, and individuals also don’t have to disclose anything from an expunged or sealed criminal record. However, even if you get your criminal records expunged, law enforcement may still be able to see your previous arrest record and criminal charges filed against you, including DUI.

The judge who started the program, Boulder District Court Chief Judge Roxanne Bailin, explained the reasoning behind the program to the Denver Post. “One of the critical parts of a successful drug court program is the immediacy of sanctions and the immediacy of rewards. Tangible rewards maximize success. It relates to the fact that people who are addicted to drugs are really people for whom immediate gratification is important. That’s what drug use is.”

This new incentive approach is meeting with some success. Drug offenders in the program, while they do also have probation and other legal consequences, are getting arrested on drug or alcohol related crimes less because of the positive reinforcement for staying sober and out of trouble. Many of the individuals on the program told the Denver Post that the program shows them that law enforcement wants them to get better. Many of their interactions with law enforcement are negative, and having a positive interaction can make a world of difference. Of drug offenders who graduate from the incentive program, only 15 percent are reoffenders, compared to 43% of individuals who drop out of the incentive program.

The Express Consent Law may sound like you have to take a breathalyzer test right there during a DUI stop or your driver’s license will be revoked, but this isn’t exactly true. The Express Consent law says that drivers must be tested within 2 hours of driving. This means that you can refuse an initial breathalyzer test at the scene of the DUI stop, but you must then allow yourself to be taken to the police station and tested there. Usually, a blood test instead of a breathalyzer test is given at the station.

When you are pulled over for a DUI in Colorado, it’s a good idea to let the officer test you at some point, but don’t let law enforcement scare you by saying that your driver’s license will be revoked if you don’t want to be tested right then and there. Make sure to say that you don’t want to be tested at the scene, but you are consenting to a test at the police station. The best thing you can do during a Colorado DUI stop is to cooperate with law enforcement, be polite and call a Colorado DUI defense attorney as soon as you are able.

How do ignition interlock devices work?
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer machine and computer connected to the ignition system that starts the car. When starting their vehicle, the driver must blow into the breathalyzer machine. If the breathalyzer detects alcohol in the driver’s system through their breath, then the ignition system turns off and the driver can’t start the car. Some ignition interlock devices also require drivers to periodically blow into the machine while they are driving.

Who pays for the ignition interlock device?
The driver is required to pay for the device to be installed on their vehicle. According to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website, most ignition interlock devices cost around $1,000 per year. However, Colorado does provide some financial assistance to drivers who need it.

Who is generally required to install these devices?
Any driver who has a DUI conviction in Colorado may be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle, even a first offense. The device is part of having their driver’s license reinstated. If you’re facing a DUI conviction, you need a Colorado defense attorney with experience in DUI cases who can help you avoid harsh DUI penalties like ignition interlock devices.

Since the law went into effect in 2010, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has created over nine thousand DNA profiles in its database. Lawmakers like Colorado Springs Senator John Morse hope that this law can “increase tools available to Colorado law enforcement in order to better protect our families and solve cases.” Proponents of the law are encouraged by the forty matches the CBI database has found since the law went into effect.

While “Katie’s Law,” which was named for a victim who was brought justice through DNA evidence, is good news for law enforcement and prosecutors, the law may not be good news for defense attorneys. DNA evidence can be very compelling in a court of law, and many jurors will believe DNA evidence over any other kind of evidence.

When defending clients in criminal cases in Colorado, an experienced criminal defense attorney will usually challenge this DNA evidence. A defense attorney can get this kind of evidence thrown out so that they can successfully defend their clients against criminal charges. If you or someone you love has been arrested on a felony and asked to give a DNA sample, call a Colorado criminal defense attorney.

The driver, Gallegos, was pulled over when officers thought they saw her weaving in her lane. After being stopped for the erratic driving, the alcohol level in her blood was tested by a breathalyzer. When her Blood Alcohol Content was measured, she blew a 0.232, and the Colorado DUI limit is 0.08 BAC. Colorado law states that drivers who blow over 0.02 face a mandatory ten days in jail.

Despite her high BAC, Gallegos was not convicted of DUI because her attorney questioned the reason for her initial traffic stop that led to the breathalyzer test and DUI charges. Gallegos’ attorney brought up that she had not been weaving in her lane. The judge examined the video footage from the police car camera and sided with her attorney. Because the footage did not show Gallegos driving erratically, the officers who pulled her over did not have probable cause to stop her, ruled the judge. Since there was no probable cause for the stop, Gallegos’ DUI charges were dismissed.

Questioning the reasons of the officers who stop someone for DUI is only one way that a Colorado DUI attorney can help a client avoid a DUI conviction. If you’ve been charged with DUI in Colorado, contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.

DUI Arrest Record
Your DUI attorney will first examine the circumstances of your DUI stop and arrest. If the police officer that stopped you didn’t follow correct police protocols for traffic stops or search and seizure and your rights were compromised at any time during your stop, your attorney may be able to use this to defend you in court.

BAC Evidence
Your attorney will most likely also question the evidence brought against you in court, including Blood Alcohol Content or BAC tests. The machines that test blood alcohol levels aren’t foolproof, and an experienced DUI attorney can bring this up and possibly get your charges reduced from DUI to DWAI.

Plea Bargains
Your DUI defense attorney can also advise you on how to plea in your case. By pleading down to a lesser charge, you can avoid harsh DUI penalties while also answering for your actions in the eyes of the court. While in some cases a defense attorney can get an innocent verdict or get DUI charges dismissed, if this isn’t possible, a plea bargain may be your best defense against a DUI in Colorado.

Your Colorado criminal defense attorney will help you navigate the legal minefield of domestic violence charges by advising you of your rights under the law and helping you answer for your charges without admitting guilt. You can face your domestic violence charges with dignity if you have an attorney on your side, and you should contact an attorney as soon as possible once you are made aware of the charges.

A defense lawyer can help you from the initial police investigation all the way through your trial. In domestic violence cases, whether that’s physical or emotional abuse, investigations tend to favor the alleged victim, and the rights of the accused can be thrown out the window. A defense attorney can advise you on how to conduct yourself during a domestic violence investigation and be present whenever the police are questioning you about the incident.

Your attorney can also help you through your trial for domestic violence and make sure that you are properly defended. With a compassionate criminal defense attorney on your side, you can get your domestic violence charges taken care of with minimal disruptions to your life.

Field Sobriety Tests

While these aren’t Blood Alcohol Content tests per se, the field sobriety test is what gives a Colorado traffic officer probable cause to give you a BAC test. Most field sobriety tests involve asking the accused to perform certain tasks in order to gauge coordination and speech. If, after your field sobriety test, the officer thinks you have been drinking, you can be given a BAC test.

Breathalyzer Tests

The breathalyzer is a machine that the accused blows into at the scene or at the police station (often, one will be given at the scene and another at the station) to test the amount of alcohol on the breath. According to Colorado law, you can refuse a breathalyzer test at the scene of your DUI stop without legal penalty; however, you will be subject to a blood test at the police station if you refuse.

Blood BAC Tests

Blood Alcohol Content tests performed at the police station involve drawing blood from the accused. The blood is then tested at the station to determine the amount of alcohol in the accused’s system. If there is no alcohol in your blood at the time of this test, officers may also perform drug tests to see if there is another substance causing you to drive erratically.

A Colorado DUI attorney will know all the details about police procedure in BAC tests, and if you are also knowledgeable, you can help your attorney get your Colorado DUI charges reduced or dismissed.

The key component of any assault charge in Colorado or any other state is a legal phrase: “intent to harm.” This means that the accused must touch the alleged victim—whether this is a shove or push or just a restraining hold—with intent to harm the alleged victim. Simply touching someone isn’t necessarily grounds for assault, but the touch must be part of an argument and the accused must want to hurt the other person, whether or not the alleged victim is actually hurt.

There are varying degrees of assault charges that can be brought against someone who touches another person with the intention of doing them harm. Misdemeanor assault involves relatively minor harm done to the alleged victim without a weapon. These charges are common in bar fights and verbal arguments that turn physical. Felony assault charges involve more serious harm intended or performed on a victim, and felony assault can also involve weapons. There are several degrees of felony assault depending on the severity of the alleged harm.

A Colorado criminal defense attorney with experience in assault cases will know how to build a good defense on your behalf. Common defense strategies in assault cases include bringing up extenuating circumstances, calling witnesses on your behalf, and challenging evidence gathered by law enforcement. Having a defense lawyer who is aggressive in his or her defense of you is essential in assault cases.

An attorney can help you beginning with the investigation into the matter that led to your Colorado drug charges. When law enforcement begins an investigation, they will interview you and witnesses of the event to determine the extent of the charges, and you should always have a criminal defense attorney present if you are talking to the police.

If you are arrested on drug charges, your attorney can help you move through the jail system and represent you when you go before a judge. Your attorney can also help explain the exact nature of the drug charges against you and even help you make bail or help you get a signature bond to get you out of jail.

Before your trial, your criminal defense attorney will gather evidence for your trial. You should go through the details of the police investigation as well as any search or seizure procedures. Your attorney can find out if Colorado law enforcement followed the correct search and seizure procedures and upheld your rights under the Constitution. If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation, your attorney can use this in court to get your Colorado drug charges dismissed or reduced.

There are two reasons you can get a Driving Under the Influence arrest for any kind of driving impairment due to alcohol, prescription drugs or even tiredness: the original reason for the traffic stop and the field sobriety test. If an officer sees you break a traffic law or drive erratically, they can pull you over for that traffic offense. Then, during the field sobriety test, the officer gets probable cause for charging you with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired.

After these two initial determinations have been made by the officer, you can be tested to see what kind of substance you are driving under the influence of, whether that’s drugs or alcohol. Usually, a breathalyzer test will be offered at the scene. If results of this test are inconclusive, if this test is refused or even if nothing shows up, you can be given a blood test at the police station to test for substances in your blood that would cause you to have an impaired driving ability.

Police must follow strict procedures during any kind of DUI stop, and if these procedures aren’t followed exactly, their case against you can get thrown out. If you have been charged with DUI or DWAI in Colorado for any kind of driving impairment, you need to contact a Colorado defense attorney who specializes in these kinds of cases. Your attorney can go over the stop, the tests and the procedures with you and get evidence thrown out or charges reduced.

Under Colorado DUI law, the officials at a DMV Administrative Hearing related to a DUI will revoke the driver’s license of any person who: Is determined to have driven a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level greater than .08, in violation of the state’s drunk driving laws. Was under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of more than .02 or .05. Refused to take or complete blood-alcohol testing. Drove a commercial vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of .04 or greater.

Your Colorado DUI defense attorney will protect your right to drive a vehicle in Colorado by contesting the license suspension at the DMV hearing. Should the circumstances of your Colorado DUI case lead to a driver’s license suspension, your attorney will help you obtain driving rights so that you can get back on the road.

The first thing your attorney will do is look at all the circumstances of your citation. Colorado law enforcement officers should given you a good reason why you were pulled over, and a DUI lawyer can challenge this reason to win your case.

The second thing an attorney can do to win your DUI case is to throw out the Blood Alcohol Content tests. These are the hardest evidence that the law has against you in a DUI case, and without it, you can win your case. An experienced Colorado DUI attorney knows all the ins and outs of BAC test procedures as well as field sobriety test procedures, and they can not only protect your rights but get this evidence thrown out if the tests weren’t performed correctly.

You can also have your Colorado driver’s license retained if you hire a lawyer to represent you during your DMV hearing following your DUI arrest. Your attorney will argue for your right to drive at your DMV hearing to let you keep your license.

These are just some of the many ways a Colorado defense attorney can fight your DUI case to get you less harsh penalties and keep you on the road with minimal disruption to your life.

Usually, a field sobriety test can be a combination of any of the following tests. The Nystagmus Eye tests, in which an officer tracks eye movement using an object such as a pen. A Walk and Turn test is a test of balance where the driver must take a number of steps, turn, and walk back. Balance is also tested by standing on one leg and being asked to stand still with eyes closed. Another balance and hand coordination test is touching a finger to the nose.

The field sobriety test is what Colorado law enforcement use to test whether or not a driver has their driving ability impaired by alcohol or other substances. The field sobriety test gives the officer probable cause to suspect the driver of DUI or DWAI, and only after it is performed can a police officer ask a driver to take a breath test at the scene or a blood test at the station. According to Colorado law, a driver may refuse a breathalyzer test at the scene, but they are then subject to a blood test at the station.

If you have been subject to a field sobriety test that you feel like was conducted improperly, contact an experienced Colorado DUI attorney today.

Criminal defense attorneys do several things for their clients in addition to representing them in a court of law.

A qualified criminal defense attorney can:
Negotiate Deals
A good criminal defense attorney has been practicing law in the area for many years and has developed relationships with local judges and prosecutors. A defense lawyer will put these relationships to use and broker deals with prosecutors on your behalf.

Lighten Your Sentence
Your defense attorney can help lighten your sentence by challenging evidence in your case or helping you plead guilty to a lesser charge so that your legal penalties are lighter.

Explain Details of Law
If you are confused about any of the details of your criminal charges or potential penalties for a conviction, an attorney can walk you through the finer points of the law so that you fully understand the charges against you and how to respond to them.

Navigate the Legal System
Many court cases—especially criminal cases—have lots of legal deadlines and paperwork that needs to filed in a timely manner. Trying to manage all of this on your own while dealing with the emotional stress of a criminal case can simply be too much for most people. This is where a defense attorney can step in and help you.

When your criminal record is expunged, the court records that show that you have been arrested for, convicted of or even charged with a crime are erased. According to the law, these things never happened, and the criminal record does not appear on background checks.

Often, a Colorado attorney will file for expungement if the case was dismissed so that no record of the arrest or charges appears on the client’s criminal record. A Denver attorney may also file for expungement in Colorado as part of a plea agreement with the prosecutor.

In most cases of criminal record expungement in Colorado, the criminal records of juveniles are erased when they come of age. However, even the criminal records of adults can be expunged if certain legal criteria are met.

Usually, certain legal requirements must be met in order for criminal records to be expunged. While an experienced Denver attorney will know the legal steps to expunge your record, there are a few things you should know about expungement in Colorado. Anyone can petition the District Court to seal or expunge their criminal record, but they must file a civil action to do so.

If you would like to file a civil action for expungement in Colorado, it is a good idea to hire a Colorado attorney to make sure all legal paperwork is filed correctly.

Most car accidents are caused by neglect on the part of one driver. The driver is at fault for the accident, and they should be held accountable under the law for the damage they have caused to your property and your body. If a driver isn’t following the rules of the road, they are at fault, and they should pay for the damage they caused. It’s that simple. A personal injury attorney can make sure that they do.

Many people assume that their or the other driver’s car insurance company will take care of them after an auto accident, but this is not always the case. Insurance companies want to make money, and paying you just compensation for your medical bills and lost wages due to a car accident does not make them money. If you didn’t read the fine print when you bought your car insurance, you may also not know that your insurance policy may not even cover these things.

This is why you need a qualified Colorado personal injury attorney who can fight with the insurance companies and in the courts to make sure you are compensated for your injuries due to a car accident. With a personal injury attorney on your side, you can get back to healing.

For example, in Colorado, drivers are not required by law to submit to a field sobriety test if they do not wish to, and a driver who refuses to submit is not risking suspension of their Colorado driver’s license. If you did submit to a field sobriety tests without cause and you feel that the officer didn’t act justly, you should find a Colorado DUI attorney who can help you plead your case.

The reason why law enforcement uses field sobriety tests is to establish probable cause in driving under the influence cases. Once probable cause for DUI has been established by a field sobriety test, the officer can then get the suspect to the police station to have a blood alcohol content test and arrest the suspect for DUI. Blood alcohol content test are also not infallible, and a Colorado DUI attorney can also question these tests in court.

Field sobriety tests consists of three tests to establish that the driver has impaired eye movement, balance and attention span. These three tests are called a Horizontal Gaze test, a Walk-and-Turn test and a One-Leg Stand test. These tests combined are supposed to show an officer if a driver has impaired coordination, attention or hand-to-eye coordination.

If you feel that your DUI arrest and field sobriety tests were not performed correct, contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

After your Colorado DUI arrest, you may be held in jail for a certain amount of time while the courts process your DUI charges. A DUI attorney can help you get a signature bond in order to be released from jail, or they can help you contact a reputable bond company to get a cash bond.

The second thing that needs to happen after you get out of jail is the DMV hearing. Your attorney can represent you during this hearing and help you make sure your Colorado driver’s license is not suspended.

On your court date, your Colorado DUI attorney will not only stand at your side in the court room, but they will challenge the evidence against you. If Colorado police didn’t follow correct DUI procedures, field sobriety test procedures, or blood alcohol content procedures, your attorney can get your DUI charges dismissed or reduced. Getting your charges reduced also reduces your legal penalties.

After your court date, you Colorado DUI attorney can help by reducing your penalties such as fines or community service hours. If you do have legal obligations to fulfill after your DUI conviction, they can keep you on track with your probation and make sure you meet all legal deadlines for getting your driver’s license back after a DUI.

When you are convicted for a DUI in Colorado, not only do you have to pay fines and perform community service hours, but you have points added to your Colorado driver’s license. You will have to attend a Colorado DMV hearing in order to challenge these driver’s license points and keep your license from being suspended. A qualified Colorado DUI attorney can help.

In Colorado conviction for a DUI in Colorado automatically adds twelve points to your Colorado driver’s license. Colorado driving laws also state that if you get twelve points in twelve months, your driver’s license will be suspended. This means that you will definitely have your driver’s license suspended if you get a DUI, either because of points or because of Colorado DUI laws.

While a DUI adds twelve license points, the lesser charge of Driving While Ability Impaired, or DWAI, only adds eight points. A DWAI conviction also doesn’t automatically mean your driver’s license is suspended.

The way that an experienced Colorado DUI attorney can get your license points reduced is by helping you reduce your charges from a DUI to a DWAI. This way, you don’t automatically have your Colorado driver’s license suspended because of too many points on your license.

Generally in drug cases, the strategy starts with reviewing the actions of law enforcement during the arrest. If law enforcement doesn’t follow procedures for traffic stops or search and seizure, a criminal defense attorney can use this to the client’s advantage. Sometimes drug charges can even be dismissed if laws are not followed by law enforcement during an arrest.

Another strategy for fighting drug charges is making sure the rights of the accused were not violated. Defense attorneys fighting drug charges will also see if the client’s rights were violated in any way during and after the arrest. If law enforcement violates Fourth Amendment rights such as not having probable cause to search a client’s residence or person, drug charges can be dismissed. Even if the charges are not dismissed, evidence that was not properly acquired by law enforcement can be thrown out. Without this evidence, you can win your case or get your drug charges reduced.

A criminal defense attorney can also reduce drug charges by making a deal with the prosecutor. The accused would then plead guilty to a lesser drug charge and be subject to lesser penalties. A local Colorado criminal defense attorney should know the other lawyers involved and be able to broker a deal that benefits their client.

If you already received a ticket for Colorado DUI or DWAI, it may be possible to fight your case and win. The way to do this is to look at all the circumstances of your citation. First of all, law enforcement should have stated why you were pulled over. They must have had a valid reason to stop you, whether that be that you were recklessly driving or speeding.

For a Colorado DUI to stick, the blood alcohol content, or BAC, has to be thrown out. There are rules for Breathalyzer use. The person who administered it to you must have done every step correctly. The breathalyzer must also have been properly maintained. If any of these steps are not done properly, the driver can leave the Hospital.

The procedure for collecting a blood sample are very specific as well. If you gave a blood sample, it can be thrown out of court if the two tests that are done on the sample vary in the information that they give. A qualified Colorado DUI attorney can help you get this type of evidence thrown out.

You can also argue your case if the enforcement agent who pulls you over does so outside of his jurisdiction. Every law enforcement agent has a specific area that he is allowed to patrol. This is his jurisdiction. If he is out of his allowed area, then the citation or ticket can be thrown out. If the officer does not show up to your hearing, the case is automatically thrown out as well.

There are several other loopholes that exist in Colorado laws for DUI. They can be useful to know if you need to get out of a tough situation. A qualified Colorado DUI attorney knows the ins and outs of Colorado DUI law and can help you plead your case.

Colorado DUI fatalities continue to drop as law enforcement follow NHTSA recommended guidelines by staying as visible as possible. In fact, Colorado has a website that keeps track of how many tickets they have given out in a certain number of time. “The Heat Is On” Campaign slogan is, “ In Colorado, we’re serious about Drunk Driving”. According to this website, in the first two weeks of 2011, over 300 DUI related arrests have been made. If you were one of those 300 plus people, you need an experienced DUI attorney.

“Driving Safely is Living Safely” is NHSTA’s slogan. The goal is to change people’ s habits so that driving under the influence completely stops. “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” is another slogan of the NHTSA. The idea is to get drivers to not hit the road with any amount of alcohol in their systems. The legal limit in Colorado is 0.08 BAC or Blood Alcohol Content. However, law enforcement can use their own judgment if it seems like the driver is impaired, so you definitely need a good DUI lawyer if you get stopped.

Driving while under the influence of anything, alcohol or drugs, creates a dangerous situation for both yourself and those around you. Because of Colorado law enforcement crackdowns on DUI, you need a Colorado DUI attorney on your side.

There are various theories as to why the amount of DUI fatalities have gone down. Public awareness of the effects of Drunk Driving is at an all-time high because of groups like MADD, Mothers of Drunk Driving, and campaigns like “Tie One On For Safety”. The laws have also become more stringent, as law enforcement is now allowed to make judgment calls about a driver level of impairment.

Other factors contribute to the risks of a Colorado DUI fatality. Three Quarters of DUI driving deaths occurred at night. Males are far more likely to be killed in a DUI related accident than women, at a rate of 4:1. No matter what your situation, you can contribute to a DUI fatality of you get behind the wheel after you have been drinking.

Many teens have also contributed to Colorado DUI fatalities. In 2008, 92 deaths could be attributed to a teenager driving under the influence of alcohol. The NHTSA currently has a campaign that is attempting to teach young driver’s that any type of drinking, even saying that you are just buzzed, can lead to fatalities. This slogan is “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving”.

Denver Lawyers Helping People Injured by Drunk Drivers in DUI Accidents

Sometimes accidents just happen — but when someone who’s had too much to drink attempts to drive, they are gambling with others lives. It’s not an accident; it’s negligence.

The law holds drivers accountable for their actions when they’ve been drinking, both in terms of personal injury lawsuits and criminal action. But the law goes one step further in the relief it offers to victims of DUI accidents. It allows people who are injured and families who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident to bring a case against the bar, restaurant, or person who served alcohol to excess. This is called a “dram shop” case.

If you were injured, or your family lost a loved one in a DUI accident, you have rights. You may be able to seek justice and financial compensation in court. We can help.

At the Law Offices of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, in Denver, Colorado, our trial lawyers help people who have been injured by drunk drivers in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents or when pedestrians are struck and killed.

We represent clients throughout Colorado in drunk driving accident cases. Contact our law office or call (303) 825-223 (toll free 1-888-767-3439 ) to speak with an experienced lawyer.

Personal Injury Intake Form

Our personal injury lawyers meticulously investigate your case to determine the cause of the accident and whether criminal negligence played a part. We aggressively pursue compensation to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and damages, including the owners of bars and restaurants, and individuals who host private parties.

Let our team of experienced car accident injury lawyers help you receive the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, contact the Denver law offices of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal.

To learn more, see our information centers on:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Personal injury claims
• Wrongful death claims

Denver Lawyers Helping People Injured by Drunk Drivers in DUI Accidents

Sometimes accidents just happen — but when someone who’s had too much to drink attempts to drive, they are gambling with others lives. It’s not an accident; it’s negligence.

The law holds drivers accountable for their actions when they’ve been drinking, both in terms of personal injury lawsuits and criminal action. But the law goes one step further in the relief it offers to victims of DUI accidents. It allows people who are injured and families who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident to bring a case against the bar, restaurant, or person who served alcohol to excess. This is called a “dram shop” case.

If you were injured, or your family lost a loved one in a DUI accident, you have rights. You may be able to seek justice and financial compensation in court. We can help.

At the Law Offices of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, in Denver, Colorado, our trial lawyers help people who have been injured by drunk drivers in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents or when pedestrians are struck and killed.

We represent clients throughout Colorado in drunk driving accident cases. Contact our law office or call (303) 825-223 (toll free 1-888-767-3439) to speak with an experienced lawyer.

Personal Injury Intake Form

Our personal injury lawyers meticulously investigate your case to determine the cause of the accident and whether criminal negligence played a part. We aggressively pursue compensation to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and damages, including the owners of bars and restaurants, and individuals who host private parties.

Let our team of experienced car accident injury lawyers help you receive the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, contact the Denver law offices of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal.

To learn more, see our information centers on:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Personal injury claims
• Wrongful death claims

The Denver DUI accident lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal will meet with you
personally, for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. The
decisions you make in the days and week ahead will very likely impact the rest
of your life.

In most cases, vehicular homicide is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 4 to 12 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines. Additionally, a fatal drunk driving accident will leave you exposed to enormous civil liability, which can result in a civil wrongful death judgment and financial devastation. Because our comprehensive practice of law includes a thriving personal injury department, The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can work to advise you on both the criminal and civil sides of your case to help protect your legal rights and the future financial well-being of you and your family.

Fatal DUI accidents often result in vehicular homicide charges being filed against an accused drunk driver. To prove its case, the state must prove both that you were driving drunk (or in a reckless manner) and that your actions were the proximate cause of the death.

A proper defense will require mounting a complete defense against the DUI allegations and the contention that you were at-fault in the accident. If you are currently in jail, our attorneys will also fight for your release so that you can work to support your family and best assist in building your defense.

While incarcerated, it is imperative that you do not discuss your case. Do not talk about it on the phone and do not discuss it with fellow inmates. Sometimes some of the most damaging testimony in the state’s case involves statements a defendant made – or allegedly made – while incarcerated.

Defense of the Colorado DUI Charge

The Denver vehicular homicide attorneys at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal will assemble a team of staff members and outside experts to build your defense against the DUI charge. Challenging evidence, including the results of blood or breath tests, field sobriety tests and other evidence, can significantly weaken a drunk driving case. Our attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to review the training and conduct of officers at the scene — as well as the proper administration of tests and maintenance of equipment – that are required for the proper admittance of test results and other evidence into a court of law.

We will conduct a thorough investigation and prepare and file a Motion to Suppress Evidence on your behalf, which, if successful, could lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you.

If the state cannot prove that you were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident (or that you acted recklessly), you cannot be convicted of Vehicular Homicide under Colorado Law.

Colorado Vehicular Homicide – Accident Investigation

Of equal importance is determining who was at fault in causing the accident. In addition to proving that you were intoxicated or acted recklessly, the state must prove that your actions were the “proximate cause” of the fatal crash. An accident investigation or reconstruction by law enforcement will become evidence against you in court.

Unfortunately, law enforcement may be predisposed in some cases to determine a DUI suspect is at-fault in the accident. And, like police reports and other evidence collected by law enforcement, the accident investigation is often conducted to collect evidence pointing to a defendant’s guilt.

At The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we work with outside experts in accident reconstruction and consult with other legal, medical and investigative professionals to conduct a thorough reconstruction and review of the accident scene on your behalf. If the state cannot prove that you were responsible for the accident, you cannot be convicted of vehicular homicide.

If you are facing vehicular homicide charges in Denver or the surrounding area, including Boulder, Aurora, Englewood and Lakewood, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to protect your rights.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal – Call 303-825-2223

The Denver drunk driving defense attorneys at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal aggressively defend the rights of motorists charged with DUI as a result of a checkpoint stop anywhere in the Denver area, including Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood and Englewood. Such charges are often very defensible. As in other types of DUI stops, we recommend that motorists do not submit to field sobriety tests (they only serve to gather evidence of your guilt in the opinion of the officer and have no redeeming value).

You may submit to a breath or blood test for a first-offense. However, if you think you will test very high, or if you have been previously convicted of DUI, we recommend that you politely refuse the test.

The Colorado Department of Transportation has established specific guidelines for law enforcement agencies conducting road-side checkpoints. Likewise, state and federal courts have issued rulings and guidelines that govern sobriety checkpoints in Colorado. When proper guidelines are not followed, the result can be a violation of a driver’s constitutional rights and an experienced Denver DUI lawyer may be able to get the charges dismissed.

One of the rules governing sobriety checkpoints is that every vehicle must be treated in the same manner – law enforcement must establish a clear pattern, such as stopping every vehicle or every third vehicle. Simply selecting vehicles at random subjects you or other motorists to being unfairly targeted and violates your rights.

The impact of sobriety checkpoints is highly debatable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that increased patrols are nearly three-times more effective than DUI checkpoints. Moreover, only about 1 in 50 drivers subjected to testing were actually found to be legally intoxicated – to say nothing of the thousands stopped and permitted to leave without testing.

And a number of state studies show such checkpoints, even when frequently conducted, typically result in less than 1 percent of an area’s annual DUI arrests, despite costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in overtime pay and other costs associated with staffing and operating law enforcement roadblocks.

The Denver DUI defense attorneys at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal offer free and confidential consultations to anyone stopped and charged with drunk driving as a result of a sobriety checkpoint in the Denver area.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal – Call 303-825-2223

The Denver DUI defense lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal encourage anyone facing drunk driving charges to seek the advice of a qualified attorney. Too often, a DUI charge can lead to job loss or the inability to obtain certain jobs or enter certain professionals at a future point in time. For young drivers, a drunk driving conviction can even impact athletic or academic scholarships, or even college or military eligibility.

In most cases, the only real way to ensure a DUI charge does not go on your permanent record is to successfully defend against the charges by winning at trial, by getting the case dismissed, or by obtaining a reduction in charges to a non-alcohol-related driving offense.

A first-offense DUI charge is frequently the easiest to defend – unfortunately, drivers facing drunk driving charges are often unfamiliar with the criminal justice system and can fail to take the steps necessary to protect their legal rights. Of equal importance in fighting a DUI charge, is Colorado’s tiered system of penalties for repeat offenders. The likelihood of serious jail time and lengthy license suspensions increase with a repeat offense.

Our Denver DUI attorneys believe that it is often easier to be arrested for a second offense. While 30,000 Colorado motorists are arrested and charged with drunk driving each year (representing less than 1 percent of the state’s population), one-third of those are arrested for a repeat violation. We think that is ample evidence that driving around with a DUI conviction on your record is a real good way to get stopped and charged again.

While a drunk-driving conviction will only remain on a driving record for 7 years, it will remain on your criminal record for life.

The average cost of a DUI conviction is as much as $10,000, including fines and court costs, increased insurance premiums and other factors. Aggressively fighting a drunk driving charge is your best defense, even with the added expense of several thousand dollars in attorney’s fees.

The Denver drunk driving defense lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal offer free and confidential consultations to anyone facing DUI in Denver or the surrounding areas, including Englewood, Lakewood, Boulder and Aurora.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal – Call 303-825-2223  – Free Consultation

The Denver DUI defense lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal have the legal, medical and financial resources to fight for your rights in the wake of a drunk driving charge involving a serious or fatal accident. In addition to very serious felony charges, someone charged in a drunk driving accident may also be held financially responsible. A civil lawsuit for damages can result in financial devastation from which some families never recover.

The Colorado criminal defense department at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has access to our firm’s personal injury and wrongful death department, which can offer advice and other assistance that may help protect you and your family from civil liability in the wake of a drunk driving accident.

In order to prove vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, the state must prove that you were driving drunk (or recklessly) and that your actions were the proximate cause of the serious or fatal injury.

At The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, our comprehensive defense strategy will target the DUI charge by challenging evidence, including the results of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer examinations, while thoroughly reviewing the circumstances of your accident.

Some cases may require the use of highly trained outside experts to conduct an independent accident investigation. This comprehensive approach by our Colorado DUI accident lawyers is aimed at defending you against the allegation that you were driving under the influence while fighting to prove you were not at fault in the accident. If the state cannot prove either allegation, the vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charges may be reduced or dismissed.

If you have been charged with drunk driving in the wake of a serious or fatal traffic accident in the Denver area, contact The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal immediately for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal – Call 303-825-2223 – Free Consultation

At The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we understand the confusion, anger and embarrassment that frequently accompany a drunk driving charge. And we want you to know something right up front: Drunk driving charges are serious charges in Colorado. But just because you are arrested for drunk driving, doesn’t mean you have to be convicted of drunk driving.

We believe everyone facing Colorado drunk driving charges is entitled to an experienced and aggressive defense. Contact our Denver
DUI defense attorneys today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights throughout the Denver area, including Lakewood, Englewood, Boulder and Aurora.

Of urgent importance, is dealing with the Affidavit and Notice of Revocation, which should have been given to you by law enforcement if you took a breath test. The notice requires you to request an Administrative Hearing through the Colorado DMV within 7 days of your arrest. Failure to request a hearing will result in the automatic suspension of your driving rights.

Steps in a Colorado Criminal DUI Case Include:

• Summons: Issued at the time of your arrest. Outlines the charge and notifies you of the date, time and location of your court appearance.
• Arraignment: Court appearance, which typically includes a plea of not guilty. Hopefully you have obtained an attorney by the time of your arraignment.
• Pre-trial Conference: Typically this is a meeting between a defense attorney and the state’s attorney, where a discussion of the merits of the case and possible plea agreement or reduction in charges will be discussed.
• Suppression Hearing: An experienced DUI attorney will move to suppress evidence in your case, which will be heard by a judge prior to trial. The outcome of a suppression hearing can help determine whether you and your attorney should fight the charges at trial or can obtain a better deal from prosecutors, including a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
• Trial: By now, an experienced attorney will have represented you at the DMV Hearing, where he or she will have benefited from a good first-look at the case against you while fighting for your driving rights. Through pre-trial conference and the suppression hearing, you and your attorney have either determined that you have a good chance of beating the charge or that other circumstances specific to your case make going to trial the best option.

Visit our What Now section for a discussion of the steps you need to take to protect your rights. But in general, you should consult an experienced Denver drunk driving defense lawyer, request a DMV hearing, save all paperwork and other evidence associated with your case, and make a detailed report of everything that happened on the day of the arrest, including the arrest itself. Statements made by law enforcement are meant to convict you. Documenting evidence in your favor — including restaurant and bar receipts, statements made by law enforcement and other evidence – is the responsibility of you and your defense attorney.

The penalty for drunk driving in Colorado can be enhanced in cases where a defendant has a previous drunk driving conviction – another reason it is important to fight a DUI charge. A driver accused of causing a serious or fatal accident while driving under the influence, will also face additional charges. Additionally, employers are often taking a tough stance against employees convicted of drunk driving, especially if you have to drive as part of your employment. Successfully fighting a drunk driving charge, or obtaining a reduction in charges, can frequently save your job and protect the financial well-being of you and your family.

If this is your first DUI offense, you will typically be eligible to obtain a hardship license for work and other necessities– provided that you properly comply with the DMV hearing process. At The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we offer comprehensive defense of drunk driving charges. By representing clients at the DMV hearing and fighting for their right to drive, we can get a good first-look at the case against you while building your criminal case.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Denver or the surrounding area, contact the DUI defense lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal today for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal – Call 303-825-2223  – Free Consultation

Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Services in Colorado

Many drunk driving charges result from isolated incidents of alcohol or drug use. But some DUI charges are the result of a longer-term problem with addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Many of the clients who come to The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal facing a 2nd, 3rd, or even a 4th DUI offense, do not realize that they have an alcohol problem. That’s one of the most confusing things about addiction. Denial is a part of the disease.

In Colorado traffic and criminal courts, most judges will hand down a jail sentence if you’ve had any prior DUI conviction.

• If your blood alcohol level (BAC) is over .2, there is mandatory jail time for even a first offense!
• For a 3rd DUI, many judges are not satisfied with anything less than a lengthy jail sentence.

At The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we believe putting an alcoholic in jail is not just a waste of taxpayer money, it is immoral. If we feel you are committed to rehabilitation, we are committed to seeing that you have alternatives to jail.

Our DUI defense attorneys will do everything in our power to convince the prosecutor and judge that rehabilitation is the most appropriate solution. Here are a few organizations in Colorado that might be able to help you:

• Harmony Foundation
• Valley Hope Association
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Drug Rehabs

For a free consultation with The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, call 1-888-767-3439 or contact the firm online.

Convenient appointment scheduling · Credit cards accepted

The DUI/DWAI defense lawyers of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal defend the rights of people arrested for drinking and driving in Denver, Colorado. Our legal team represents clients in Boulder, Golden, Brighton, Littleton, Aurora, Lakewood, Englewood, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Westminster, and Superior. We practice in Denver, Jefferson, Douglass, Arapahoe, Adams, and Summit counties, and all across the Front Range and Denver Tech Center.

As drunk driving laws have become tougher in recent years, so too has the need for new and more effective defense skills. To meet this need, the National College for DUI Defense was formed several years ago. The College provides the only DUI certification program recognized by the American Bar Association. It offers training in the latest legal concepts, blood and breath alcohol testing techniques, and other valuable skills to a select group of DUI defense attorneys.

Attorney Jeremy Rosenthal is among a handful of Colorado DUI defense attorneys admitted to the National College for DUI Defense. The College’s rigorous training program includes courses in:

• Effective trial skills, including making opening statements and closing arguments
• All aspects of breath and blood alcohol testing
• Methods for attacking field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests
• Techniques for cross-examining police officers and prosecution experts
• Development and use of defense expert witnesses
• Anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and toxicology as they relate to alcohol consumption

Attorney Rosenthal completed the College’s intensive program at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is a now two-time Summer Session graduates.

The Benefits of NCDD Membership

The certification program offered by the National College of DUI Defense trains its members in the latest DUI defense techniques. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal uses these techniques to provide a strong defense for clients accused of DUI, DWAI, and DUID.

Success in DUI cases is possible. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal will work to protect your rights, preserve your freedom, and obtain the best result possible.

For a free consultation with The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal in Denver, Colorado, call 1-888-ROSE-HEY or 303-825-2223 or contact the firm online.

Convenient appointment scheduling · Credit cards accepted

The penalties for DUI, DWAI (driving while ability impaired), and DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) are quick and severe. You must act within 7 days if you are going to avoid license suspension.

If you have been arrested for DUI, do not plead guilty. Call the law office of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, immediately at 1-888-767-3439 , or contact the firm online. Our DUI defense attorneys represent people in both administrative hearings and criminal proceedings throughout the state of Colorado.

The DMV Administrative Hearing: Your first DUI hearing is an administrative hearing conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles (a division of the Department of Revenue). You (or your lawyer) MUST REQUEST a hearing within 7 days of your arrest or your license will be automatically suspended.

The purpose of the DMV hearing is to determine whether your license will be suspended or revoked. The DMV hearing is like a mini trial and it gives your attorney valuable information that can be useful during the criminal phase of your case.

Learn more about how the DUI defense lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal represent clients in the DMV hearing.

The Criminal Hearing: Regardless of the outcome of your administrative hearing, you will still face a criminal hearing and you may still lose your license. In the criminal process, you face additional penalties, including:

• Fines
• Mandatory attendance at alcohol education classes
• Community service
• Jail time

(These are the immediate penalties…the long-term cost of a DUI conviction can be much greater.)

In court, our DUI defense lawyers are aggressive in challenging every aspect of a DUI case. We can challenge the results of breath tests and field tests, dispute the validity of the traffic stop, and question the arresting officer. Learn more about the 21 Ways To Beat A DUI

To have the best chance in each hearing, you need representation by an experienced DUI attorney. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has represented numerous clients in both the criminal and administrative aspects of DUI arrests. Our goal in every case is to provide the strongest DUI defense possible — and to keep you on the road.

If you or someone close to you has been arrested for drinking and driving, contact the DUI defense lawyers at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal today.

Convenient appointment scheduling · Credit cards accepted

The DUI/DWAI defense lawyers of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal defend the rights of people arrested for drinking and driving in Denver, Colorado. Our legal team represents clients in Boulder, Golden, Brighton, Littleton, Aurora, Lakewood, Englewood, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Westminster, and Superior. We practice in Denver, Jefferson, Douglass, Arapahoe, Adams, and Summit counties, and all across the Front Range and Denver Tech Center.

If you are stopped by police for suspicion of drunk driving, you may be required to participate in blood alcohol related tests including the breathalyzer test. In most states, if the alcohol levels exceed .08%, you can be convicted for a DUI charge, receive harsh penalties and serve jail time. Don’t assume that a DUI arrest always results in a conviction. Some test results can be inaccurate due to faulty equipment or user inexperience. In certain cases, you can challenge the blood alcohol tests results and any other aspect of your case. An experienced DUI attorney can determine your case.

At the Law Firm of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we have successfully represented numerous clients in DUI and DWAI cases in the Denver area and throughout Colorado. We meticulously investigate and examine all aspects of the situation, including the stop and arrest, the blood alcohol test, and other physiological and legal factors. We build a strong and effective defense to get you results and aggressively protect your rights.

Please contact one of our professional DUI attorneys located in Denver, Colorado, call 1-888-ROSE-HEY or 303-823-2223

Errors in the BAC Testing Process

In recent years, there has been much improvement in the equipment and procedures used to measure blood alcohol content but it’s not unusual to learn how a breathalyzer machine can inaccurately read or misinterprets someone’s alcohol content. One mistake can cost you more than just a monetary fine, your life and reputation are at risk.

There are many ways to successfully fight the results of the blood or breath test. Below is list of possible situations:

• The breathalyzer machine may not be properly calibrated or in good working condition.
• Operator inexperience or under trained. (There are literally hundreds of procedures that must be followed.)
• Blood test samples misinterpreted and or not be properly stored.
• Medical and health problems
• Various physiological or biological factors may produce an erroneous result.

At the Law Firm of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we meticulously evaluate and investigate all of the factors affecting your blood alcohol test while working with the finest medical and scientific experts in the field. This could mean that your DUI or DWAI charge may be dismissed completely, reduced, or favor you in trial.

The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal will aggressively protect your rights and build a strong and effective defense.

For a free consultation with a lawyer at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal in Denver, Colorado, call 303-825-2223 and 1-888-Rose-Hey or contact the firm online.

Drunk Driving

The DUI defense attorneys at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal fight aggressively to oppose DUI charges. Whether in court or an administrative hearing with the DMV, we guide our clients through the process of their DUI charges and always protect their rights. We take clients throughout the Denver area, including Golden, Boulder, Aurora, Littleton and surrounding cities. At The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal we will work to defend your DUI case successfully and make sure you receive a minimal sentence and maintain your driving privileges. If you need help with a DUI charge from an experienced drunk driving lawyer, contact The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal now.

Initial consultation is free- Flexible scheduling and Credit Cards accepted

The Law Offices of The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal handle personal injury litigation in Denver, Colorado. We represent clients in Brighton, Golden, Littleton, Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, Castle Rock, Englewood, Highlands Ranch, Westminster, Superior, and Thornton. We also represent clients in Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Adams, Summit, and Douglass counties, as well as Denver Tech Center and throughout the Front Range.

Drunk Driving Overview

Although individual states in the US have their own laws for drunk driving, there are certain aspects of the laws that are common. The bottom line is that it’s a crime to operate a motor vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs that impair your ability to drive safe and make sound judgments. DUI charges can be punishable both criminally and civilly and can result in harsh penalties including:

• Prison or Jail time
• Suspension or revocation of license
• Drug and/or alcohol treatment
• Substantial fines
• Driving privilege restrictions like breathalyzer interlock devices
• Mark on Criminal record
• Community service
• Restitution

A DUI conviction may also affect your job and social life for years to come.

Read about some DUI frequently asked questions

Probation’s role in DUI Sentencing

Probation is almost always part of a drunk driving sentence, and first offenders should expect it. Rather than being served in prison or jail, probation is served within the community. Most states will not sentence a probationary period longer than five years. If you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI you need an experienced Denver DUI attorney to defend your rights and keep your penalty to a minimum.

Drunk-Driving Charge – the Prosecutor’s Role

The government’s involvement in the criminal justice system is known as the prosecution. When a law has been allegedly broken it is the government’s responsibility to charge the suspect with the crime and bring that individual to trial. The prosecutor is the attorney working on the government’s side and it is his or her responsibility to develop and present the government’s case versus the suspected criminal defendant. Prosecutors are typically referred to as city, county, state, and district attorneys. In some judicial systems someone other than an attorney- like a police officer- can act as the prosecutor in a DUI case. The prosecutor is our opponent in a DUI trial.

The Breathalyzer’s Reliability in a DUI Case

A blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher is considered to be legally impaired in every state in the US. All states have also adopted what is called an ‘implied consent law’. This law states that every licensed driver in a state has unofficially given his or her consent to undergo a chemical test if a police officer suspects intoxication. Many states will suspend or revoke your license if you refuse testing.

DUI Conviction and Your Auto Insurance

Auto accidents where alcohol was a factor and succeeding DUI convictions can carry serious consequences that include prison or jail time, auto repair or replacement, remorse over damage done to others, a criminal record, increased insurance costs, restitution, court fees, fines, alcohol classes, social stigma, rehabilitation treatment, a civil lawsuit, community service, driver’s license suspension or revocation, probation and others. If you’ve been charged with drunk driving, a skilled criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the best outcome.