Accusations of abuse are extremely serious. They can affect a person’s freedom, family life and overall reputation in his community. Many people become the targets of false domestic violence allegations, and a charge will go far enough in the legal process to significantly affect the quality of the accused suspect’s
In our previous post, we shared that there is at least one attempt to decriminalize marijuana that will likely wind up on the Colorado ballot this year. But we also mentioned that there would possibly be another legal option on the ballot. It looks like the legalization of marijuana in
It’s only January, but there are already at least two attempts within the state related to legalizing marijuana use in Colorado. In this post, we will discuss one legislative effort to give Coloradans more freedom to use marijuana without facing drug charges. An upcoming post will discuss a different bill
The legal process can be complicated and daunting. That is why someone who is charged with a crime needs to have a straightforward, aggressive criminal defense attorney whom he knows has his best interests at heart. A defendant’s best interests can be served through various routes, depending on a specific
Marijuana is one of the first “controlled substance” drugs that children and others are warned about, and it is often glorified through various “party” movies. However, for many people marijuana isn’t just for fun. It is used for medicinal purposes in many states and many swear by its ability to
There is no doubt that a drunk driving conviction can mean significant life consequences for a person. And that is true no matter who the supposed offender is, even if he is a police officer. It takes aggressive representation by a criminal defense attorney for a defendant to have a
With other big holidays behind us, there is still one big celebration left this year. New Year’s Eve is on Saturday, and the night will be sure to bring out the party animal in many of us. The city is offering some helpful transportation options for those out there who
There are set standards within the legal process. Those standards help to ensure that criminal cases are handled with equal care. They help provide a criminal suspect the best chance at defending his name. The set process helps give defense attorneys and prosecutors equal chance at building a case for
Since 2002, some sort of speeding and red light camera program has been going on in parts of Colorado. The cameras are meant to help law enforcement catch people speeding or running red lights and, therefore, improve traffic safety. While Colorado residents and criminal defense attorneys have spoken out against
His story is one of the American dream. A now 34-year-old accomplished athlete, coach and counselor came here as an immigrant. He brought his hopes and passions to Colorado, proving himself as an All-American athlete at the University of Colorado and a guiding light to students at a local high
Getting pulled over for a DUI happens to people within the state just about every day, but it shouldn’t be treated as an everyday, casual occurrence. When it happens to an individual, a DUI charge can mean limited freedoms, including jail time and a suspended driver’s license. There is also
More than a year ago, we shared a domestic violence post about star Charlie Sheen and his now ex-wife Brooke Mueller. They were in Aspen and Mueller called in authorities, claiming that Sheen was being violent toward her. She later wanted to drop the charges against him, and even though
This post covers an out-of-state child abuse case because the matter is both notable and timely. It is no surprise that obesity is a big problem in Colorado and throughout the entire country. The recent health focus has been on overweight children, and it sounds like that focus is making
In the past, we have discussed sex offender laws and how they severely limit the freedoms of convicted offenders. The severity of supposed crimes varies but the registry can still mean significant life-changing rules for a person. And if having to register as a sex offender isn’t enough, the public
Studying abroad is a college opportunity that people either take advantage of or often regret not having experienced. One brave 25-year-old Colorado School of Mines student took the adventurous step of traveling to Japan. His plan was to challenge himself in a new culture, inspire others to travel abroad and
A former college football coach was recently charged with sexual assault of a child, allegedly involving eight boys in different incidents during a 15-year-period. According to the allegations, a graduate assistant at the school says he saw the coach assault one of the boys back in 2002 in the showers
There are certain accusations in life that have more significant negative effects on a person’s reputation and overall life. A highly-regarded football player for Colorado State University is living the reality of that point currently. He’s being accused of domestic violence against his girlfriend based on a reported incident that
For the most part, we see technology as making our lives easier and more entertaining. But we consistently see, too, how technology can land a person in trouble with the law. In particular, you have probably heard stories about “sexting.” Despite the relatively cutesy name, sexting can lead to serious
Pleading guilty to a criminal charge is a big, drastic decision that should only be arrived at with thorough contemplation and the honest advice from a criminal defense attorney. There are some extreme situations when a guilty plea is a safe choice, and there are also times when persuading a
Sometimes the media and the public tend to make light of very serious matters. In criminal cases, people’s lives and futures are on the line. There are people at the center of criminal cases whose lives and families deserve respect. A current high-profile Denver criminal case is an example of
We have discussed the issue of medical marijuana laws in Colorado and across the U.S. on this blog before. While progress has been made in order to allow those dealing with pain and illness to use the medical marijuana to help them, that progress is often tainted with further legal
Criminal charges are serious for anyone, but they can be especially life-changing for those who have children. In the case of one Colorado woman, she was in jail for a drug possession conviction when she had her child. He spent the beginning of his life in the hands of the
We have all seen the process play out in TV crime dramas. A witness is brought into a dark room, surrounded by investigators working a criminal case. A lineup of men or women is brought into another room that the witness can see into through a one-way window. To the
In the past, we have covered multiple stories involving professional athletes. Athletes are not strangers to facing criminal charges. Perhaps it’s because the system likes to try to make very public examples of the players, but the reason cannot be entirely identified. Another athlete, a Colorado Rockies catcher, is currently
Local news reports have jumped all over a nationwide study that looks into the number of “speed traps” found in various U.S. states and cities. Colorado residents have great interest in the study because it turns out that there are two cities here that make the top ten list of
Authorities in Colorado take suspicion of child abuse very seriously. An accusation of child abuse is a life-changing, damaging thing for any parent, and one Colorado mother is living with that hardship after an incident on Thursday. According to a Denver source, police responded to a call they got from
It can seem like Colorado is alone in the fight to keep medical marijuana legal and clarify the rights of residents to grow, sell and possess the drug, but it’s not alone in that battle. For example, Montana also has legalized the use of medical marijuana and, like Colorado, is
How could a driver possibly face criminal charges related to a car accident when the accident took place while he wasn’t driving? The question sounds a bit like a riddle, doesn’t it? Last week, an elderly husband and wife were walking in a parking lot when they were struck by
Three ex-students are suing a suburban Denver high school and its school district over a former teacher who was found guilty of sex crimes. The teacher, who was also a wrestling coach, was recently found guilty in the sexual assault of a student. In their filing in Denver Federal Court,
Certain kinds of cases evoke stronger emotions than others. Crimes of violence create passionate responses, especially when they involve the deaths of children. A past, high-profile, Colorado domestic violence case not only made waves in the state, but it made them across the country and across international lines. According to
It’s only preseason; yet, officials have already found a reason to arrest an NFL player for an alleged crime. It is no surprise that professional athletes commonly become targets of criminal charges, and this time, it is a Denver Bronco whose future is on the line. Broncos kicker Matt Prater
In March, we shared a post discussing a proposed Colorado legislation related to domestic violence. Lawmakers in the state are trying to create laws that make it easier to solve homicides of women and that could prevent domestic abuse. As we noted in the previous post about this legislative effort,
We have shared information on this criminal defense blog before about the newer technologies that the state has used to try to catch people committing traffic violations. Law enforcement depends on red light cameras and speeding cameras to ticket people for running a light or speeding. That dependence, however, has
We have written about the criminal case against Denver Broncos player Perrish Cox on multiple occasions. Details about the sexual assault case have been a long time coming because of attorneys’ requests for the arrest affidavit related to the incident to be kept private. Ultimately, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled
No matter what a person’s place in life is, he or she deserves to be treated the same way by law enforcement and the legal system as a whole. Doubts exist about whether that is actually the case in Denver and throughout the country, but equal treatment is certainly an
We recently wrote about a law enforcement campaign that ran in Colorado and throughout various cities and states in the U.S. this summer. The campaign is called Click It or Ticket. It is meant to encourage motorists to use their seat belts. For those who are pulled over and unbuckled,
Recently, there have been a plethora of public debates regarding the security measures used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Following the attack on 9/11, travelers were faced with stricter security measures at airports from liquid restrictions to full body scans. These measures can be invasive and often lead to
Back in April, we included a post about a now high-profile criminal case stemming from an alleged incident at the Denver International Airport. A woman has accused a U.S. marine of sexual assault. According to her accusation, on Apr. 11, the sexual assault suspect attacked her at late at night
Timothy Masters has lived every person’s worst nightmare. Masters spent more than ten years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He was wrongfully convicted in 1999 of the 1987 murder of Peggy Hettrick. Now, the Colorado government seeks to make amends. They started with an award of
Drunk driving charges carry serious penalties, but a recent Colorado case shows just how very seriously the state takes DUIs. According to various reports, what seems like it was merely a drunk driving case has become something much more severe. As a result of a DUI accident last week, a
In the past, we have included posts about the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. It’s a topic of much debate and change. Various legal changes regarding medical marijuana were set to take effect as of Jul. 1, but that date did not come without industry advocates challenging the looming regulation
In a recent post, we wrote that there was a ruling out of Perrish Cox and his defense’s favor when it comes to his Colorado sex assault case. Details about the case are limited – which is how the defense and prosecution have wanted it. The majority of what we
When scientific evidence is introduced in criminal cases, not all such evidence is accurate. Machines make mistakes, and it is important that experienced professionals analyze any evidence before it can be used against a suspect. Defendants in criminal trials have the right to be skeptical of all evidence brought against
About one month ago, we posted a piece about high-profile Denver Broncos player Perrish Cox. The NFL star faces two serious charges: sexual assault while the victim was physically helpless and sexual assault while the victim was incapable of determining the nature of the conduct. We last left the story
Last month, we included a post about a so-called safety campaign going on in the state. Between the dates of May 23 and Jun. 5, Colorado law enforcement had its sights set out for drivers and passengers who had committed seat belt violations. The campaign, used nationwide, is called “Click
It’s a ticking clock for Colorado and various other states when it comes to getting funding for their jurisdictions’ criminal justice needs. Specifically, the federal government is requiring states to comply with The Adam Walsh Act, a new set of regulations related to sex offenses such as child sexual abuse.
What makes the laws so complex, but what also makes them either work or not work, is the fact that every law is made up of specific wording. One wrong or vague word can cast doubt upon what a law actually means. That’s why legislation is corrected and updated all
It sounds like a tragic story all around, not to mention an unfinished one. A 19-year-old was sentenced in Colorado court recently to eight years to life for having sex with a minor. He was convicted of the sex assault on a child charge in March and is also a
Have you ever had a day where you feel like nothing else can go wrong? Maybe you wake up to a broken coffee machine and then an empty tank of gas in the car. Maybe you get pulled over for speeding, making you late to work. And when you get
Police officers have sworn to uphold the law. This doesn’t mean, though, that they don’t make the same mistakes that other private citizens do. For an example, you can look toward Colorado, where a sergeant on the Denver Police Department in late May was arrested for a suspected second DUI.
It’s that time of year again. With a holiday weekend approaching, law enforcement and traffic safety agencies have concocted a campaign supposedly meant to protect Colorado residents. The focus is to encourage more drivers and passengers to use their seat belts and properly restrain children in required safety seats. The
A daycare worker was recently arrested and charged with numerous offenses related to inappropriate interactions with children. The alleged sexual assault incidents purportedly took place at a Colorado church that offers childcare services to the surrounding community. The 19-year-old defendant in this case was an employee of the church daycare
The last thing that an illegal drug user would probably want to do is show a government official his or her drug paraphernalia. Not only that, but they probably wouldn’t dare to ask a government official for more equipment to support their addiction. Those scenarios sound like drug charges just
So many actions and aspects of our lives are made easier due to technology. We value the efficiency of certain machine-operated functions, until such machines cost us a traffic ticket. In Colorado, law enforcement utilizes red light cameras and photo radar technology to catch people speeding. Alleged traffic law violators
According to sources, sentencing standards for sex crimes in Colorado were made harsher in the 1990’s. In fact, it’s possible that a convicted sex offender could be sentenced to life in prison for certain types of crimes. Some critics wonder if the relatively new sentencing standards sometimes mean excessive prison
Chocolate chip cookies and kids go together like chocolate chip cookies and milk. That’s true, unless the cookies are made with marijuana in them. In Colorado, such edible marijuana products are legal for medical purposes. The relatively new legality of such products, however, has reportedly led to an increased concern
Don’t you ever get tired of how even the little things in life can get complicated? Sometimes, it is the very laws of the state that put hoops in front of us to jump through in order to get the simplest things done. Some believe that a Colorado legislative proposal
When we hear about the legal troubles that people face, we often fail to realize that even convicted criminals have pasts that somehow brought them to their current situations in life. A recent Colorado domestic violence case emphasizes how someone who might be seen as a criminal today could actually
If you got a letter in the mail one day that told you your driver’s license was revoked, would you think you were being tricked? You didn’t get caught driving drunk, speeding or violating any other Colorado traffic laws. But still, the state tells you that you have to retake
In a previous post, we discussed a new, controversial product that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency decided to ban. Some might know the product as Spice, K2, or herbal incense. For the most part, however, lawmakers are referring to the drug as synthetic marijuana. According to the Denver Post, the
Late Monday night, a woman reportedly missed her flight from the Denver International Airport. It was after that when the woman claims she was attacked by a man in the airport. She alleges that the suspect, a former Marine, raped her in an airport concourse while others around failed to
Do the police have an obligation to protect the intoxicated from injury due to their own unpredictable behaviors? In an interesting incident stemming from a DUI arrest in Colorado, two intoxicated passengers were commanded to leave the scene of a DUI arrest. The two passengers followed the police order without
The Durango Herald recently published a piece that reveals new safety recommendations when it comes to securing child passengers into vehicles. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have come together and agreed upon two new safety suggestions. For now, the safety measures are just
Colorado is a state that is sort of leading the pack in trying to make the legalization of medical marijuana work. But it’s more important to not only make the medical marijuana business work in Colorado; it’s important to expand the legalization throughout the country. Last week, advocates for legalization
In January, we posted a story about a Colorado teaching coach and her serious legal battle. The 31-year-old female defendant was charged with various crimes, including sex assault on a child by one in a position of trust, sex assault with more than a 10-year age difference and contributing to
“It’s something they took away from us that we can never get back,” says a father who wishes he could have been there when his most recent child was born in a Denver hospital. Why wasn’t he there? According to reports, the father was pulled over for speeding while on
As we have discussed before within this blog, criminal charges of any kind have a significant impact on the course of one’s life. Sometimes, the impact is intensified when the defendant’s life is lived largely in the public eye. An example of someone whose public image is a big part
Trying to stay up-to-date on the current drug laws in the state can be difficult with the introduction of legalized medical marijuana. It takes time for society to understand new rules and for lawmakers to modify laws in order to best protect the community. For the most part, Colorado lawmakers
Last Friday, we left you with a post about Senate Bill 107, which seeks to let DUI crash victims and their families sue for unlimited amounts in non-economic damages. The bill is presented as a way to combat drunk driving and punish DUI offenders. As proposed, however, a critic from
On Feb. 17, we shared a blog post about a new bill that Colorado lawmakers want to be enacted in the state. Senate Bill 107 is related to drunk driving accidents and is presented as a measure that would allow victims of Colorado DUI accidents and their families to recover
The legal system doesn’t take criminal accusations lightly, and neither do we. Colorado sex crime charges have a significant effect on suspects’ lives, whether they are found guilty or not guilty of the charges. A current case involving a former University of Colorado football player provides an opportunity to examine
When driving, either in or outside of the city, do you always know the speed limit? Think about a time when you’ve seen a police officer on the side of the road. Did you slow down because you were certain you were speeding? Did you slow down just in case
Some Colorado medical marijuana patients, caregivers and dispensaries who were hoping for drastic industry-friendly changes from House Bill 1043 are likely somewhat disappointed. It was just a proposal, meaning it was vulnerable to necessary negotiations that needed to be made in order for it to go forward. Initially presented as
A drunk driving charge might soon get more expensive in the state. Colorado legislators are considering a measure that would allow the victims of Colorado DUI accidents and their families to recover more money from drunk drivers found guilty of the already costly crime. Senate Bill 107 would remove a
On Jan. 28, we published a post about a current Colorado case involving a high school educator and a student from her place of work. Police report that they found the 31-year-old woman with a 16-year-old student in a car, both of them naked, and she had allegedly provided him
“They acted like they were having fun together,” said a Denver social worker while taking the stand this week. She’s involved in the Colorado domestic violence case involving an adoptive father and his 13-year-old adopted son. The Gazette reported on the testimony that could work in favor of the defendant’s
When we are pulled over by a police officer, we generally assume that the officer is, in fact, a legit law enforcement officer. A recent story from The Gazette makes us second guess that perhaps dangerous assumption. A Colorado soldier was arrested and charged with a rarer traffic violation compared
With any criminal charge being attached to someone’s name, it is always important to respond quickly with effective, aggressive legal support. But in certain cases, such swift, protective action seems especially important. One of those types of cases is when an adult is arrested for alleged child sexual assault. Earlier
“She murdered my son,” says one mourning mother who lost her teenage son last September. She is fighting for what she sees as justice following a fatal DUI crash last year that she believes happened not due to the sole irresponsibility of the driver but because of the adult who
The issue of medical marijuana use in Colorado has prompted the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to suggest a proposal which would make it illegal to drive when THC levels in the driver’s blood are above a certain level. According to a story in the Aurora Sentinel, the
A recent Denver Post article examines the nexus between concerts and illegal drugs. While drug and alcohol abuse is not a new phenomenon at music venues, now a new generation is experimenting with dangerous drugs such as cocaine and heroin when they head out to a club or concert. While
Have you ever sat down at the computer to begin what you think is going to be a mere few minutes on the web and then, before you knew it, you had been online for at least an hour? More and more, people of all ages are becoming obsessive users
Though he is not alive to see his name cleared, a mentally challenged man who was falsely convicted of a decades-old Colorado sex assault and murder is now being recognized as the innocent man that he was. Former Denver district attorney and now outgoing governor Bill Ritter formally issued a
Yesterday’s post introduced the groundbreaking Colorado case surrounding a doctor who is being charged with negligently prescribing marijuana to a pregnant patient. The Colorado Medical Board wants to take away the doctor’s medical license. But the doctor will not go down without fighting the charges. As we discussed in the
Colorado is in the midst of a learning process. The introduction of any new law will result in a period of confusion and frustration. The new drug laws regarding marijuana in the state have helped many to benefit from the medical uses of the drug. But the laws are so
Last weekend, what reports are calling a “SWAT standoff” took place at a Castle Rock home. It reportedly began when a 40-year-old suspect shot his pregnant wife in her shoulder. The suspect then allegedly locked himself in his home while the female victim and her son left the scene. Morning
A couple of months ago, you might have heard about the controversy regarding a book that a man wrote about pedophilia. The book is called “The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child Lover’s Code of Conduct,” and many throughout the country protested the sale of the book, saying
Truth and credibility. Both of those terms were of huge importance in a recent criminal case filed against a Colorado parole officer. The man had reportedly been working as a parole officer for the Department of Corrections for 12 years, when his work was disrupted by serious charges of sexual
CNBC recently reported on the growing business of marijuana in the state of Colorado. The report offers a look at several growers, or in this case, entrepreneurs capitalizing on the herb. Although medicinal marijuana is legal in the state, some growers are walking a fine line between state and federal
We don’t generally post stories about cases outside of Colorado, but a recent legal case involving a music legend is interesting enough that it seems worthwhile to share. Country star Willie Nelson was recently arrested in Texas when police reportedly found marijuana on the legend’s bus. The public has apparently
Colorado is known as a state that is open to the use of medical marijuana; such utilization and dispensaries of the otherwise illegal substance is now legal. The legalization of the drug, however, has created worry among people concerned about traffic safety. Currently, there is no set standard regarding how
That incense your child has been burning over the past year might have more to it than what meets the eye. There has been a new product on the market recently that’s been sold as “herbal incense,” but the product has been used by some consumers as more of a
Each year, over 30,000 people in Colorado are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. With each holiday, we see a spike in DUI arrests. Thanksgiving may not be the first holiday people associate with DUI, but it is one of the busiest holidays of the year in DUI
Yes, sex crimes are serious, and the public has a right to protect itself from such violations. But when does protection cross the line and violate the rights of offenders who are trying to rebuild their lives after a sex assault conviction? Does a cell phone application that plots the
The previous post covered the defense’s recent failed attempt to have the Elizabeth Smart abduction and sexual assault case moved out of Utah. A Denver court of appeals rejected the request, and the trial therefore has resumed in Utah. Yesterday marked the second day in which Smart testified before the
Elizabeth Smart. It’s a name that most Americans who keep up with current events recognize. At the age of 14, Smart was taken from her home and kept in captivity by a couple for about nine months. The man allegedly responsible for the abduction and sex assault on a child,
Over this past summer, we included posts about a Colorado couple who was suspected to be responsible for a young girl’s homicide. Based on reports, the girl died after suffering child abuse on the part of her father, his girlfriend or both. Investigation into the case began after workers arrived
A study conducted by a Denver sociology and criminology professor indicates that Colorado’s daughters need help. Both locally and nationally, more concern has been expressed over the amount of men that winds up in correctional facilities, but what about the country’s teenage girls? Statistics show that there has been a
If someone has been pulled over, arrested and charged with driving under the influence, their case could be more complicated than it initially seems. A growing portion of the American population relies on prescription drugs to live a happy, healthy life. Most people, however, do not imagine that prescription drug
In order to protect the privacy of the parties involved in a Colorado case, this blog will not include any specific names. A recent verdict announced by a jury regarding an alleged rape incident means good news for the former Olympic athlete who was accused of the crime. Mr. V.
Your rights to privacy today are more intact in the state of Colorado than they will probably be tomorrow. A change in law will take effect that is meant to catch violent criminals and sexual assault offenders. If arrested on suspicion of committing a felony, officers will not only have
On Aug. 17, we published a post about a Denver inmate who died shortly after being brought into the correctional facility. The victim was homeless and had been arrested on drug charges. According to reports of the incident, the inmate was resisting officer orders during booking and, therefore, he needed
He might no longer be a Bronco, but details about the former Denver NFL player Shannon Sharpe’s life are still in play within the Denver media. And the most recent news about Sharpe had the public worried about the player’s reputation. A female acquaintance of the now television sports analyst
It is good news for a Colorado man who is facing multiple drug charges. Stemming from an incident in Feb. 2008, the suspect was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and possession with intention to distribute. Sources note that the suspect also has other cases of lesser charges pending
People dumpster dive for different reasons. Perhaps they do it to find food or other everyday items necessary to get by, and others do it looking for valuable, lost treasures. What one person likely did not expect while dumpster diving recently is that he would find evidence of a crime.
A Pueblo County case brings up a question: Why wasn’t a Colorado Department of Corrections investigator treated the way the majority of the public would be treated following a DUI arrest? A recent report identifies a problem within the county, but exactly what the problem is is up for debate
The safety of children throughout the state, especially within school walls, is a noble priority. A recent program ready to begin in Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, however, brings up an important discussion. How much does the safety of Colorado children outweigh their right to privacy? District 12 plans to
The following are points discussed in a recent Denver Post editorial, and the post is meant to merely include a timely issue to Coloradans on this blog. Colorado is sort of ahead of the game compared to the rest of the country regarding the legalization of medical marijuana. As long
This post continues and concludes the financial argument for protecting U.S. inmates and corrections workers from sex abuse in jails and prisons. If the ethical reason that prisoners are people too and deserve to feel safe in government facilities isn’t enough, then human rights advocates hope that financial reasons will
Last week, we began a series of posts discussing sex offenses that take place within the walls of U.S. prisons and jails. First, we presented the statistics of sex crimes occurring among incarcerated men and women, and then we presented the case of former Colorado prisoner Scott Howard, who was
A recent, nationally important piece was included in a Denver source that serves as a pressing call to action for human rights supporters. The Justice Department’s Bureau of Statistics investigated the United States’ prison and jail systems and uncovered the truth behind the sexual abuse that occurs within the country’s
On July 9, Marvin Booker, 56, homeless and the son of a Tennessee pastor, was booked in Denver’s new downtown jail on drug charges, including possession. The booking process took place in the very early hours of the morning, but a jail doesn’t sleep, and neither did the witnesses who
On Monday night, August 2, a 20-year-old woman was killed in a Colorado car crash that was potentially caused by drunk driving. She never saw it coming, both because no one ever expects to be killed in such a tragedy, but she also could not see the driver. Henry D.
On last Wednesday, August 4, Denver’s Park Hill United Methodist Daycare Center was running as usual, its doors open to the 150 plus young children who attend the daycare. The facility has been open for nearly 30 years, and now allegations that a summer hire sexually assaulted multiple children enrolled
About one month ago today, we shared the story about the case of 9-year-old Genesis Sims. Her decomposing body was found dead in the town home where she had lived with Hanif Sims, her father, and Monique Lynch, Sims’ girlfriend. In May, Genesis’ body was found by construction workers who
Charlie Sheen will be on the California set of the hit TV show “Two and a Half Men” in no time. With the support of his defense attorney, Sheen’s Colorado domestic violence case has come to an end, and he is eager to move forward in his life. A Colorado
Brittney Brashers, 22, died in a Colorado car crash this past November, at least that is what Denver police were told by Brashers’ boyfriend. Robert Walters was with Brashers at the time of the so-called fatal car accident and claimed that it was actually the result of Brashers driving drunk.
It has been only three years since medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado have sprouted up, but there are already big changes in the works for the cannabis-friendly state. According to sources, Colorado’s medical marijuana industry is so large that sources believe there are around 1,100 dispensaries throughout the state, about
If you’re thinking about volunteering to be a troop leader this fall, don’t be surprised that the Girl Scouts application requires a criminal background check. To identify potential volunteers with a history of child abuse or sex offenses, many organizations in Colorado and across the nation that focus on youth
This is a different sort of case than what is usually covered on this blog, but it certainly is interesting and worth discussing. In a recent ruling, a U.S. District Judge in Colorado ruled that it is not a crime to misrepresent oneself as a military member or veteran. The
Denver Police Detective Paul Baca has gone from proving others’ guilt in his line of work, to defending his own name. He has been accused of fabricating evidence in order to arrest a suspect in the 2009 Lodo robberies. On June 24, a Denver judge ruled that Baca did falsify
Last Wednesday, a Colorado man was arrested based on suspicion that he has had inappropriate contact with minors. As a foreign language teacher at Longmont High School, Alex Tinsley has consistent interaction with his young students. It was when an outsider saw Tinsley outside of school with one of his
Michael Morelock is only 30 years old and has only been working for the Denver Police Department for four years. But in that short time, the police officer has managed to stir up some serious doubt surrounding his behavior both on and off of the job. Last February, Morelock was
On March 13, 2009, Mina Weiler, 60, was killed in her own home–and by her own son. Her 21-year-old son, Christopher Benjamin Weiler, was arrested by Colorado officials after his mother’s body was found in her house. Her body was badly beaten, reportedly due to Christopher Weiler having fatally attacked
When someone buys a used car from a dealership, they are issued a title. When spending money on something as expensive and important to one’s safety as a car, a wise buyer likely purchases a vehicle that comes with a clean title. But what happens when a clean title is
A recent, international news story reveals that one of Colorado’s very own attempted to locate and kill Osama bin Laden. Gary Brooks Faulkner, 51, was arrested on Monday, June 14, while visiting Pakistan as a so-called “tourist.” According to his family, it was Faulkner’s sixth visit to the country. Faulkner’s
In 1987, Colorado woman Peggy Hettrick was murdered and sexually mutilated. In 2008, the man Larimer County thought was her murderer was released from prison. Timothy Masters completed 10 years of his life sentence, a sentence that, as it turns out, Masters did not deserve. Masters and his attorney fought
It’s a rarity today to hear of any plans to lighten restrictions on sex offenders. But there is talk in Denver to reconsider the treatment and other hurdles low-level sex offenders should have to face after a conviction. On June 18, the Sex Offender Management Board is going to present
Mandatory sentencing in Colorado for drug crimes is meant to crack down on criminal behavior and keep dangerous, repeat offenders off of the streets. But what does the Colorado community do when mandatory sentencing infringes on the legal system’s ability to think critically and determine justice in independent cases? Colorado
Yesterday, May 25, Governor Bill Ritter signed legislation that will change the way DUI and drug cases are handled in the Colorado legal system. The changes are meant to treat repeat DUI offenses more seriously and also increase the reliance on rehabilitation services for addicts consistently involved in the legal
A federal lawsuit filed by the teenage girl at the center of a Pennsylvania sexting scandal could be a major turning point on an issue that has garnered confusion and criticism across the country. The woman in question, who is now nineteen, claims that high school officials went much farther
(Denver, Colo.) May 7 – Criminal defense attorney Shazam Kianpour of the Denver, Colorado law firm Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., attended the March 2010 meeting of the WrapArounD program for the Douglas County Youth Initiative where parents and law enforcement met to talk about keeping children out of the
(Denver, Colo.) May 7 – Firm founder Shazam Kianpour of the criminal defense law firm Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., located in Denver, Colo., spoke to three classes at Brighton High School in Brighton, Colo. on the dangers of fraud, ID theft and sexting. The talks gave students a clear,
(Denver, Colo.) May 7 – Attorney Shazam Kianpour took some time away from his successful Denver, Colorado, criminal defense practice at his firm Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., to connect with veterans in the community on Saturday, March 27, 2010. To show his respect for the veterans’ service and to
DUI charges were dismissed for seven in Colorado and sentences were reduced for two more following the revelation that a Colorado Springs crime lab had reported incorrect results on hundreds of DUI tests. Five of the nine defendants had already spent time in jail because of the faulty DUI charges.
Some prepare for prom by getting their hair done. High school girls buy dresses, while the boys rent tuxedos. Schools spend money on decorations, DJs, entertainment and refreshments. The Denver police force is preparing for prom season by increasing DUI enforcement. In fact, law enforcement across Colorado is on heightened
Many times I find myself talking to a client who finds themselves charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charge. Often times, these clients or potential clients have no idea how to start their defense. Two things are incredibly important to securing a
Colorado has seen a dramatic rise in anger and venom towards those accused of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) over the course of 2009. The Denver Post and some cooperating District Attorneys offices throughout the state have been working hard to bring tougher DUI penalties to Colorado. The talk is
If you have been charged with a specialized offense called a “crime of violence” there is a very real risk you may go to prison. A crime of violence charge (not to be confused with a violent crime) is any one of the following offenses: murder, ANY crime against an
Colorado still has some unusual crimes on the books that carry extreme penalties for the conduct they are addressing. For example, Colorado Revised Statute 18-9-115 makes it a Class 3 Felony to “Endanger Public Transportation”. What exactly is endangering public transportation? Amongst other things, it means threatening any operator, crew
This new device is similar to a preliminary breath test given to those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. However, this device is specifically designed to test for drugs in the system of drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Phillips has been developing a method
On May 4, the Colorado House Committee on Appropriations voted to indefinitely postpone Senate Bill 09-296, which would have made seatbelt violations in the state a “primary offense”. What is a primary offense? A primary offense as it applies to our everyday lives is an offense that police can use
So you just got a ticket and you are being told to appear in the municipal court and not the local county court. So what on earth is the difference and purpose between the courts? Article XX of the Colorado Constitution provides for the creation of municipal courts and the
This bill changed the law in Colorado for cell phone use while driving. Previously C.R.S. § 42-4-239 only prohibits drivers operating under a driver’s permit from using cell phones while driving unless they are contacting a public safety entity, are parked, or during an emergency. Additionally C.R.S. §42-4-239 is classified
Lately, I have been seeing a lot of articles on Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges. I’m sure you have noticed them as well. However, without being the criminal justice system day in and day out, like a criminal defense attorney, one may not understand the far reaching implications of
You were just pulled over and given a speeding ticket in Colorado. You are frustrated and want to know what your options are in trying to decide whether to fight the ticket. As in so many instances “the devil is in the details” and every case and courthouse is completely
Recently in the news there has been a lot of coverage on the case of Ward Churchill v. The University of Colorado. As an alumnus of the University of Boulder, I, like many, have been glued to the television, and internet to gain as much information about the case as
What is a Sexually Violent Predator? This is a special designation used in the state of Colorado for sex offenders that meet certain criteria. (1) It is an offender that is 18 years or older when the offense was committed or who is tried as an adult if a juvenile.
Sex offenses are the most complicated cases in the Colorado legal system. Each sex offense will mandate a number of additional requirements beyond the sentence imposed. One of the most obvious collateral consequences is the requirement that anyone who is convicted of a sex offense is required to register as
One interesting area of domestic violence law is the domestic violence designation itself. Most people have a tough time wrapping their head around the term “Domestic Violence.” This is more common when the charges associated with the domestic violence filing are not violent charges. The legislature has defined “Domestic Violence”
Maybe you have a less than stellar driving history but considering how often you drive it can’t really be THAT bad can it? It really depends on the details that are found in your driving record. Colorado’s traffic laws dish out severe criminal and administrative penalties for people who find
In the news recently was the sentencing of Orenthal James Simpson, more commonly known as O.J. Simpson. As a defense attorney, what kept striking me was all the talk of the sentencing having been coming for thirteen years. As if Mr. Simpson was finally being brought to justice for the
The first thing most people think of when you mention the holidays are the all too fun holiday parties that are lined up with food and drink to spare. This is a chance for you and your friends to unwind get some stress out and maybe have a few Christmas
What are the hidden costs of taking a felony conviction? When criminal defendants are deciding how to best handle their case, oftentimes there are a number of collateral consequences nobody tells them about. A court and a district attorney aren’t under any obligation to tell you about some of these
