If you are pulled over by law enforcement in Colorado and an officer suspects you have been drinking, chances are you will be asked to submit to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. There are three primary methods used to measure your BAC, and each one comes with its own
Being falsely accused of domestic violence can destroy your reputation, fracture your family, and jeopardize your future before you ever step into a courtroom. The emotional toll of defending yourself against fabricated claims feels overwhelming, especially when the legal system often operates on the assumption that an allegation equals guilt.
Receiving notice that you violated your probation sends waves of anxiety through anyone who worked hard to avoid jail in the first place. Whether you missed a meeting with your probation officer, failed a drug test, or committed a new offense, the prospect of having your probation revoked and facing
A speeding ticket 25 mph over the limit doesn’t just mean a fine. It means six points on your license, sky-high insurance premiums, and potential suspension if you already have violations on your record. The difference between fighting your charge and accepting a plea can determine whether you keep driving
Leaving an accident scene transforms a simple fender bender into a criminal case. Colorado law requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and exchange information, and failure to remain at the scene carries criminal penalties, heavy fines, and points that threaten your license. What seems like a minor mistake in
A victim recants their statement after a domestic violence arrest has occurred. The simple answer is no. Prosecutors can move forward with charges even when a victim recants. Colorado treats domestic violence as a crime against the state, not just the victim, which means the decision to pursue charges rests
Colorado’s mandatory arrest law requires police officers to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred, even if the victim doesn’t want to press charges. Unlike most criminal charges where bail can be set immediately, those arrested for domestic violence must spend at least one
A fourth DUI in Colorado transforms your situation from manageable to catastrophic in ways most people fail to grasp until it’s too late. This felony conviction triggers mandatory sentencing with inflexible jail time, crippling financial penalties, and a license-suspension process so complex it functions like a second criminal case against
A DUI arrest in Denver can be life-altering, but taking swift, decisive action in the first 24 hours may significantly impact your case outcome. Your immediate response determines whether you can secure legal representation, protect your driving privileges, and build the strongest possible defense strategy. The decisions you make in
Driving under the influence remains one of the most prosecuted offenses in Denver and across Colorado. Recent statistics show thousands of DUI arrests each year, with Denver consistently among the cities with the highest number of cases. Charges can involve alcohol, marijuana, or other substances, and penalties become more severe
Speeding tickets in Denver and across Colorado may seem like minor traffic violations, but they often carry serious consequences. Beyond the fine, a ticket can add points to your driving record, increase insurance rates, and even lead to license suspension. Many drivers pay the ticket without realizing that they are
Emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that harms a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Unlike physical violence, it often leaves no visible marks, making it harder to recognize and prove. Victims in Denver and across Colorado may experience long-term effects that impact their health, relationships, and daily lives. Recognizing
Police officers in Denver and across Colorado must follow the law when using force. Most officers act within their duties, but cases of misconduct and excessive force still occur. Victims often face confusion about their rights and the steps they should take after an assault. Acting quickly is important to
Colorado has some of the most well-known marijuana laws in the country, but many people still misunderstand what is legal and what is not. In Denver, adults may legally use marijuana, but the law sets clear limits on possession, cultivation, and public use. Violations can result in serious criminal charges
Being injured in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident can result in serious medical, legal, and financial challenges. In Denver, Colorado, victims have the right to seek compensation, but the steps taken immediately after the crash can affect the outcome of a claim. It is important to prioritize medical
A first DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in Denver, Colorado is a serious legal matter with lasting consequences. Even though it is usually classified as a misdemeanor, it can still lead to jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. The penalties vary depending on factors such as blood
A third conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Colorado brings severe legal and personal consequences. The law treats repeat offenses as a serious threat to public safety, and courts impose strict penalties to reflect that. In Denver, individuals facing a 3rd DUI can expect long jail sentences, high
Drunk driving remains a serious public safety issue in Denver, Colorado. It leads to preventable injuries, deaths, and long-term legal consequences. Every individual has a role in reducing the number of impaired drivers on the road. This includes taking action before someone drives under the influence and supporting ongoing education
Revenge porn shatters lives, leaving victims feeling exposed and powerless. If you’re in Colorado and facing this digital nightmare, know that you’re not alone and you have options. Understanding revenge porn Revenge porn involves sharing intimate images or videos without the subject’s consent. Often, ex-partners distribute this content for revenge,
The impulse to display a weapon might seem justified when emotions run high. Still, the law takes a dim view of such actions, which could be misconstrued as a threat. This can lead to charges with significant jail time and other life-altering repercussions. Brandishing a weapon is a crime Colorado
Riding in a car with someone who has been drinking can be a risky proposition when the police get involved. As a passenger, you might think you are in the clear, as DUI charges generally target drivers who operate a vehicle while impaired. Still, this does not mean passengers are
Imagine you are shopping with your toddler when they take an item without your knowledge. Employees confront you and accuse you of shoplifting as you leave the store. They find the item during a search. You explain your innocence, but the store insists on pressing charges. What should you do?
When facing misdemeanor assault charges in Colorado, you might encounter several misconceptions that can cloud your understanding of the legal process. Clearing up these misunderstandings is crucial for handling your case effectively. Misdemeanor assault charges are not serious Many people believe that misdemeanor charges are minor and carry insignificant consequences.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to defend yourself only to end up facing misdemeanor assault charges? In Denver, self-defense claims can serve as a powerful tool in your legal arsenal. Under certain circumstances, self-defense justifies using force against another person. In Colorado, you have
The digital age has brought with it new challenges when it comes to protecting children from sexual exploitation. In Colorado, laws aim to address these challenges, mainly through the charge of “internet sexual exploitation of a child.” Individuals accused of this offense could contend with severe penalties and life-altering consequences.
In the digital age, dating apps have become a common way to meet new people. However, they also come with risks, including being catfished by a minor. In Colorado, the legal consequences of such situations can be severe. Understanding the law In Colorado, soliciting sex from a minor, even unknowingly,
Colorado enforces rigorous and thorough regulations against operating vehicles while impaired. You might wonder if having a valid prescription for a medication exempts you from a DUID (Driving under the influence of drugs) charge. The short answer is no. In Colorado, a prescription does not provide immunity from DUID charges.
Everyone loves a good deal, but bargain hunting can sometimes lead to unexpected legal trouble. The charge of theft by receiving is a serious offense that many people unknowingly commit while trying to score great deals. Understanding the risks and how to protect yourself is essential. Denver’s vibrant marketplace offers
In the digital age, where connections often start with a swipe or click, consent extends beyond physical boundaries to digital ones. Recognizing these boundaries creates positive and safe online dating experiences. Online dating, while convenient, can expose users to legal risks. These may include unintentional violation of privacy laws through
Online platforms have become a hotbed tool for law enforcement investigations into internet sex crimes. While many tactics are legal, some might cross into entrapment territory. Entrapment happens when officials push someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise done. Knowing about entrapment can help you spot potentially unlawful
The internet has given its users the tools to access an entire world of products and services with just a few mouse clicks. However, choosing to partake in some of the internet’s offerings could cause unexpected problems. Some individuals may use the internet to profit from sexual services and other
Theft charges can turn lives upside down. In Colorado, theft involves taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of its use or benefit permanently. Simply put, it is not just about taking something; it is about the intention behind the act. Proving or disproving criminal intent
The internet has made it very convenient to access different kinds of content from all over the world. However, material which could be illegal to possess can also be much easier to find. If the authorities seize someone’s personal computer and find explicit content involving children, what could happen to
Revenge porn, the sharing of someone’s intimate images without consent, can leave victims deeply hurt and violated. But what about the accused? False accusations of revenge porn can be equally damaging. Someone convicted of revenge porn may face many months of jail time and significant fines. For a class 1
It can be incredibly distressing to face a wrongful accusation of either grooming a child for sexual abuse or internet luring of a child. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, you may be concerned about how the allegations will impact your future. Knowing that you are not alone
One interesting thing that researchers have found is that crime – and particularly violent crime – is more common in the summer months than it is during the winter. Some researchers claim that criminal trends, therefore, have a seasonal influence. Crimes quite literally are more likely at specific times of
Colorado has different classifications for people caught drunk driving. For example, those caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more are considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), whereas those caught driving with a BAC that exceeds 0.05 but less than 0.08 are
Colorado takes child sex crimes very seriously, even if no physical contact occurs, and even if the parties never meet in person. Using the internet to lure a child is a serious offense that can lead to significant consequences, including potential time behind bars. It is vital to learn more
A plea deal may seem a quick and easy way to resolve your criminal charges. However, rushing into such an agreement without careful consideration can result in serious and long-lasting consequences. If you are offered a plea deal, take your time to understand what you are getting yourself into before
Colorado has long been strict when it comes to serious charges, such as murder. Some murder charges carry an automatic life sentence. This means that if a person is ever convicted, the court has no other option but to send them to jail for life. In fact, many who are
In recent years an increasing amount of daily activities have been conducted online. Examples include shopping, business transactions and banking. Importantly, the way we communicate has largely shifted online. Both positive and negative communications can be sent online. The legislature in Colorado understands this, which is why the law on
Assault is a serious offense in Colorado. It occurs when an individual intentionally cause someone to fear they will be harmed or that the offender will engage in some type of offensive contact. To better grasp the concept of assault, it’s essential to break down its elements, which are introduced
If you are charged with an offense like assault or domestic violence, you may potentially defend against these charges successfully by claiming self-defense. This affirmative defense means that you don’t dispute that you used force or that your use of force harmed the other party, but that your actions were
When you’re talking to the police, don’t assume that they’re telling the truth. It may feel like the police should be honest with you during an interrogation or when they are questioning you – even if it is as simple as asking questions during a traffic stop – but that’s
People sometimes get pulled over for drunk driving when they intentionally took steps to avoid it. Perhaps they waited an hour after their last drink. Maybe they had a cup of coffee – a common myth that doesn’t reduce a person’s BAC. Maybe they just carefully considered their level of
If you make a post on someone else’s Facebook wall, you probably assume that everyone can read it. The message may only be intended for that individual, but it’s still a public post. You’re not saying anything secret. When you send a private message, however, you likely think of this
Obviously, stealing a vehicle is a serious crime. Many people assume that stealing a brand new Porsche would have much more serious consequences than taking a beat-up 1990 Toyota Corolla. After all, theft crime penalties are typically based on the value of the item(s) stolen. With a new law that
Social media platforms are often used as “places” where individuals can engage freely in self-expression. An individual’s social media activity often reflects their thoughts, actions and lifestyle choices. As a result, it isn’t hard to see why someone who isn’t careful with what they post could do damage to their
Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting, especially for teenagers who may not fully understand their rights when interacting with law enforcement. As a parent to a teenager, you should try to make sure that they understand their civil liberties, especially their Miranda Rights. This way, you can empower your
In an era dominated by technology, the prevalence of computer and internet fraud does not come as a surprise. As entities increasingly rely on digital platforms, the risks associated with fraudulent activities have escalated. Computer fraud refers to deceptive and unlawful activities conducted through computer systems or networks. Hackers can
Most people who are arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) deal with their charge in state court and state DUI laws apply accordingly. If your arrest was on federal land or property, however, you can be charged with a federal DUI. There are a number of places
Understanding the severity of these internet-based sex crime offenses is crucial for anyone who regularly uses the internet for various communications. This is especially crucial when it comes to internet sexual exploitation of children, classified as a Class 4 felony under § 18-3-405.4 CRS. The designation of this crime as
The internet has introduced many advancements in connectivity and communication. However, it also created a new form of criminal activity – internet sex crimes. Understanding the various types of internet sex crimes is important. This information will help you better understand what charges you may face if you are arrested
Most people – according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 75% of employees — have taken something from work. People often justify it by saying they aren’t paid enough or the company can afford it. It might be a binder or other “school supplies,” promotional items meant for clients, merchandise
When teens become young adults, this brings numerous different freedoms. Young adults can obtain their driving license which allows them to travel more freely. Nonetheless, young adults also become legally able to drink alcohol. Done separately, young people can enjoy both of these activities, but the activities do not mix.
Understanding the nuances between various criminal charges is crucial. One such area of confusion that many people face is distinguishing between misdemeanor and felony assault. Both involve unlawful physical harm to another person, but they differ significantly in terms of severity, consequences and legal implications. Assault refers to an intentional
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Law & Order or another legal show, you know that jurors in criminal cases are typically instructed that they need to believe “beyond a reasonable doubt” that a defendant committed the crime they’re charged with to find them guilty. It can be argued
Those facing criminal charges over financial offenses often feel overwhelmed when thinking about the future. They may worry about the possible penalties that the courts could impose and also how they can respond to the pending charges. Some scenarios require far more assistance and expertise than others. Anyone accused of
Interactions with law enforcement are a relatively rare occurrence for most people. This means that when they do happen, they can feel overwhelming. It may be tempting for an individual to plead their innocence and answer every question law enforcement has in detail. The reality is that this can put
Catfishing is when someone lies about their identity online. They may pretend to be someone else entirely. They could do this by lying about their name, their age, their location and many other factors. People will sometimes take things so far that they download pictures or even videos of other
The police may ask drivers who have been pulled over under the suspicion of drunk driving to take a “breath” test. A breath test is a small portable device that the police can use to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) of drivers. If the BAC levels are above the
The rise of smartphones and instant messaging apps has brought the ease of sharing pictures and videos with just a tap. While this technology fosters connectivity and instant sharing of memories, it has paved the way for dangerous practices, especially among young users. Selfies, a popular form of self-expression, can
States throughout the country require the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for certain drunk driving offenses. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) notes that this is one of few proven forms of intervention for drunk driving offenses. The group points to varies studies that show use of these
Chances are you’ve stumbled upon online articles or videos that claim to offer ingenious ways to beat a breathalyzer test when you’ve had a few too many drinks. Firstly, you don’t want to set out thinking you can drink and drive, as breath test or not, it’s incredibly dangerous. Secondly,
The police could charge someone with driving under the influence (DUI) on any day of the year at any time of day. Yet, they make far more arrests at certain times of year. Why is this? Colorado law enforcement runs campaigns to catch drunk drivers on certain dates. One of
If you called 911 or otherwise sought emergency help for a friend or someone you happened to be with who appeared to be suffering a drug overdose, do you run the risk of being arrested for your own drug possession and use? In most cases, you don’t. Colorado, like most
Shoplifting costs U.S. retailers billions every year. Reports put their losses for 2021 at $95 billion. So it is understandable that stores want to do all they can to prevent people from walking out of their stores with goods they have not bought. Yet, sometimes, they go too far. Each
The police are not permitted to lie to a court. If discovered they could face serious disciplinary action. Yet that does not mean they cannot use lies to secure a conviction. Lying to a suspect they are questioning is a common police tactic and it’s one that the law permits.
If the police charge you with a crime, someone’s memory may have contributed toward their decision. Someone told an officer that they recall seeing you, or someone matching your description doing something that links you to the crime. The problem is that most people’s memories are not that good –
It is a common assumption that drivers get pulled over and subsequently charged with a DUI, DWAI or DUID when the officer sees them driving erratically or causing an accident. However, there are a variety of other circumstances where the person may face charges even if they are not driving
Colorado Traffic Stops typically begin with a police officer requesting the driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. While motorists must generally comply with this request, they can remain silent and refuse to answer any additional questions. However, if the officer has reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or other specific
The state Supreme Court unanimously ruled on June 20 that a 2021 law called Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act (CSAAA) was unconstitutional. State lawmakers designed the law to hold abusers and their enablers accountable as victims come forward years after the abuse. The 2021 law opened a three-year window to
Musician Coles Whalen received 100,000s of messages on Facebook over several years from Billy Raymond Counterman. There were harmless offers to bring over garden tomatoes and notes about her former automobiles. There were also rants expressing frustration and telling her to “die.” Whalen never responded to his messages and repeatedly
Colorado is the first state in the country to use wearable devices that monitor an individual’s drug or alcohol use. The device allows law enforcement to monitor the wearer around the clock. It enables first-time offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to apply for early
Several new drug laws were enacted in 2023. Obviously, the Centennial State is well known for its progressive drug laws, and that tradition continues. Still, there are severe penalties for using, selling or manufacturing certain drugs. Below is a brief rundown of what Coloradans (and visitors) need to know. Fentanyl
Fights between two or more individuals can lead to a wide range of charges. Less severe incidents may be a Misdemeanor Assault in the Third Degree, which the courts define as a person knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causing bodily injury to another person. More serious incidents are Felony
It is standard operating procedure to have a driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol to blow into a Breathalyzer operated by the officer. Still, it makes one wonder how one’s breath measures their blood alcohol level, particularly if they have recently had to do it. Would it
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced on June 2 that a 32-year-old man from Lochbuie was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. Twenty-five additional years of supervised release will follow the jail time. This sentence is the result of a
The term “honest services” describes what is commonly called bribery or embezzlement. An extension of mail or wire fraud, it was initially created in 1988 to hold public officials and public servants accountable for their actions. In this case, it could be politicians or people in government who conspire for
It may be hard to believe, but Colorado allows criminal charges to be brought against a 10-year-old child. However, this may change shortly if new legislation passes. This bill (HB23-1249 Reduce Justice-involvement For Young Children) is an updated version of a 2022 bill set aside in favor of further study.
Social media lets users share big and small details of their lives with friends, families and followers. In turn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other popular platforms also enable users to keep track of people. This is how it works in the modern era. Those charged with a crime may want
Credit and debit cards have become increasingly common and are now the rule more than the exception when paying for goods or services. So, it is no surprise that credit card and debit card fraud are among the most common examples of white-collar crime. It generally involves using a card
Police stops are nerve-wracking in the best of times but become more stressful when the officer starts asking questions about the consumption of alcohol. Many drivers were raised to answer questions from an authority figure, so an officer’s direct question may get a “yes” answer. Many criminal defense attorneys advise
Yes, You Can. And It Can Get a Lot Worse Than You Think. You had to go. Maybe it was late at night after the bars closed. Maybe you were at a park, a concert, or somewhere with no bathroom nearby. You stepped behind a dumpster or into an alley,
The U.S. criminal law system works in degrees, going from least severe charges to the most severe charges. In many states, there will be a charge like second-degree assault, but Colorado’s sliding system of justice uses Class 1 through 6 (6 being the most severe) for felonies. There is also
The Colorado State Supreme Court is currently debating the legal merits of the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act. This law would allow victims of sexual misconduct committed between 1960 and 2022 to file a civil suit. Still, its power to look back may violate the Colorado Constitution’s retroactivity clause. Rather
Officers will often administer field sobriety tests if they suspect the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Different standardized field sobriety tests are used, depending on the details of the situation. While the results are used as probable cause for arrest, some question the validity of these
Colorado lawmakers are considering changes to felony sentencing guidelines as part of criminal justice reform. A panel of stakeholders from throughout the criminal justice system called the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice created and drafted the bills. The panel recently voted to send bills to the legislature to
Date rape is a serious crime with potentially severe consequences. While sexual assault or rape can occur anywhere at any time, often it involves an acquaintance, neighbor, classmate, or colleague. It could be a casual acquaintance or someone from an existing or former relationship. There may be mixed messages Unlike
It’s March, which means a couple of things for college students. For those who like basketball, March Madness is around the corner. For those who want to party, spring break is days away. It could mean heading down to the Gulf Coast for sun, salt water and beaches or hitting
Raising children is often one of the most rewarding yet challenging jobs one has in life. Parents want happy children that grow into responsible, trustworthy and successful (in the broadest sense of the term) adults. There are, however, many distractions and roadblocks that make the journey to adulthood a challenging
Since the early 1990s, DNA testing cleared hundreds of innocent people wrongfully convicted and brought guilty people to justice after decades where their cases went unsolved. Colorado has allowed postconviction DNA testing for over 20 years, but just three people were exonerated using it. Some would claim that the courts
Many steal because they face extreme financial hardship, but some have a mental disorder that affects their ability to control the impulse to steal. It can be something you want, or it could be something you had never previously given a thought. It is common for those with kleptomania to
A DUI is a serious criminal charge. While you may worry the most about whether you will go to jail or the financial implications of the charges, you also need to consider the other consequences. A DUI conviction can affect other parts of your life, including your employment. The actual
Many understand enough about the law to know that an occupant or resident is not required to allow entry to law enforcement unless there is a search warrant. Still, many will oblige an officer who asks to enter a home. Those living with college roommates, family members or friends may
Defense attorneys here in Colorado are questioning the legality of “keyword warrants,” which track suspects’ keyword searches when surfing the internet. This technique was used to ID and arrest three teens connected to a deadly fire in 2020 that killed five people. The suspects are accused of setting a fatal
Your odds of getting a traffic ticket may be higher now than ever before. The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that the rate of serious traffic accidents due to unsafe driving rose dramatically in the past two years. This has led local officials to increase enforcement efforts to help get
Seeing flashing lights in your rearview mirror can be a startling experience. You may be unsure if you pushed the limit and had too many drinks before heading home, or you may worry that you committed some other traffic violation. Once the officer walks up to your vehicle, it can
A parent’s top priorities are the safety and happiness of their child. When the kid is young, you have a more substantial influence. As they get older, they start to gain more of their independence. At the end of the day, you’re not going to be able to keep an
Even an offhand accusation of crimes can affect a person’s reputation, career, relationships and even where the accused lives. Therefore, it is essential to note that the justice system has checks and balances that give the defendant charged with any crime the right to confront claims that they regard as
Businesses that sell alcoholic beverages, recreational drugs or nicotine risk hefty fines if they sell to underage customers. Underage consumers using a fake ID can also find themselves in legal trouble if caught. Using a fake ID is illegal in Colorado. The violations can include: An altered ID An ID
Criminal court judges and civil court judges issue restraining orders. Each type of order has its penalties, but many restrictions are included in both types. Each order will outline the limits. Some restrictions will generally be a part of the type of order, while others are specific to the order.
Anyone whose been to college knows that binge drinking and prolonged drinking events are part of campus life. Still, this behavior can continue into adulthood in any of our communities, having a long-term negative effect. Here is a list of crimes often involving alcohol where defendants cause harm to themselves
The holiday season is once again in full swing. It means shopping and Christmas decorations, but it also involves a full schedule of social gatherings with family, friends and coworkers. For many, 2022 may be the first time since 2019 that there is that same old frenetic pace. While this
The Colorado Highway Patrol announced that it would begin issuing body cameras to officers in the middle of 2022, with the full implementation scheduled for February 2023. The CHP’s website cites many benefits of employing the Axon BWC program, including better accountability, gathering evidence, promoting professionalism, and transparency. Becoming commonplace
The state has been a leading force in the legalization and decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms. Still, there are many other areas where Colorado is in lockstep with the rest of the country. It includes sexual offenses, such as indecent exposure. Generally speaking, indecent exposure involves an individual knowingly exposing their
Colorado voters passed Colorado Proposition 122 to decriminalize and regulate access to certain psychedelic plants and fungi. The initiative works to establish a regulated system for the possession and use of certain magic mushrooms. These fungi include those that have hallucinogens like psilocybin and psilocin. Those in favor of the
Those who take valuable property without the owner’s consent can result in criminal charges. Prosecutors will likely choose between burglary, robbery or theft charges. They all involve stealing property, but they are distinct criminal offenses with different levels of punishment if there is a conviction. Determining the charge or charges
Many do not realize that about 95% of criminal cases do not go to trial, even if they are felonies. The prosecution will likely approach the defense attorney to negotiate a plea bargain, whether before the trial gets underway or sometime later in the adjudication process. Regardless of how the
Some recreational drug dealers who get arrested will be surprised that the prosecution accuses them of dealing. You may not realize it or intend to do it, but specific actions are considered behavior that qualifies as drug dealing. Laws are written this way to punish those who share or buy
In recent years, law enforcement and the media have often focused on teens using drugs. This is for a good reason, with the risk of overdosing on hard drugs a significant concern among parents across Colorado and elsewhere. Somewhat forgotten in the discussion on at-risk behavior among young people is
There is a short answer to this question. Sealing criminal records means they still exist but are confidential, and most people can’t see them. Only law enforcement and criminal courts can open sealed criminal records. Expungement, on the other hand, means that the records are destroyed or erased and dismissed
We all made mistakes as children and teenagers. The mistakes are part of growing up. But what happens when a mistake or poor choice comes with serious consequences? One common example is that of stealing. It is not uncommon for kids to steal. Child psychologist experts note that even young
Law enforcement has broad leeway during a traffic stop to determine probable cause or secure a piece of evidence. Generally speaking, the officer can seize anything in plain view, whether the interview takes place in a vehicle, a home or even a place of employment. The prosecution may then use
A Fort Collins officer was caught on video in 2017 using a “rowing arm takedown” on unarmed woman Michaella Lynn Surat. In doing so, he smashed the 22-year-old female college student face-first into the concrete outside a bar. Officer Randall Klamser maintains his innocence, justifying his actions by pointing out
The #MeToo movement reached a zeitgeist a few years back, with many famous and influential people paying the social and legal price for their crimes and indiscretions. Nevertheless, more than just famous people get caught in this reckoning. Romantic partners, coworkers, students, and family members also may find themselves in
The death of 22-year-old Christian Glass in Silver Plume on June 11 made national news. Glass called 911 for roadside assistance, but the situation went from bad to absolute worst when Clear Creek County Sheriff’s deputies showed up. Instead of helping the stranded driver, who told the officers he was
Going away to college is a massive adjustment for students, but your student starts college classes with 12-plus years in school as experience. While new courses may be more demanding, they more or less know how to take notes, study, write papers, and take tests. Living on their own without
The Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. Many see it as the unofficial end of summer, with cooler temps on the horizon. The three-day holiday weekend also is the final big push for DUI enforcement by law enforcement across the country. Here in Colorado, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and other
The penalties surrounding a DUI will vary, depending on the circumstances. Repeat offenders will see increasingly severe charges. Harm to others or their property while driving intoxicated could be a felony charge. A mitigating issue for those with a previous felony DUI is gun possession while driving under the influence,
We often hear characters in police shows or courtroom dramas discussing pleading the 5th. It is generally understood as protection where an individual under oath chooses to invoke their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination rather than say something that could be used against them in court. And for the record,
It’s always best to avoid giving an officer a reason to pull you over. Such common driving behaviors as speeding, aggressive or erratic driving, or violating posted traffic laws are minor violations that will get law enforcement’s attention. However, several defective vehicle violations involve minor mechanical issues. These are simple
Expungement is a life-changing legal process for someone previously involved in a crime. Also known as expunction, it usually means that a court here in Colorado erases or seals a person’s court arrest and conviction from a court’s files. While this information may still be available to law enforcement and
Getting arrested is a serious matter. It is also a situation where many do not know what to do or expect. The first thing to do is contact an attorney. These legal professionals can answer many initial questions a client or their loved ones may have. Of course, they can
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota draws hundreds of thousands of riders from around the world. Bikers often make the pilgrimage by riding hundreds of miles to attend, and some will pass through Colorado. This fact prompts the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local
Sexually inappropriate behavior by minors must be addressed, but youngsters should be treated differently than adults. Doing so serves the best interests of the child and the community. Adolescents are continually changing, developing and learning, so it should be no surprise that they are more open to treatment and rehabilitation.
Facing criminal charges in Colorado is a serious matter, so working with the right criminal defense attorney is essential. Relying on an inexperienced lawyer who does not focus on criminal law in the Colorado court system can negatively impact the defendant’s life for years. The question then becomes: How do
When the police suspect you of driving under the influence of alcohol, the experience is nerve-wracking even if you are not guilty. Unfortunately, many people in this situation are unaware of their rights and unknowingly end up helping police gather evidence against them. The right to remain silent If the
The state and federal governments outlawed certain drugs through the course of the 20th century. Fortunately, Colorado has been leading the charge to roll some of those laws back, legalizing marijuana in 2014 and having a more enlightened approach to drug possession and use. The federal has been much slower
People in the United States are innocent until proven guilty, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is stressful getting pulled over by an officer. The Fourth Amendment is an important protection, stating that law enforcement must have an articulable suspicion for stopping someone in public or pulling them
It’s been two years since the video of the incident leading to George Floyd’s death went viral and set off riots and a public reckoning involving law enforcement and race. The teen who recorded the murder was not the first to pull out her phone and record a heightened or
The sexual consent rules mean that partners must consent to sexual activity in all its forms, including touching. No consent before engaging in sexual activity could mean rape or sexual assault. The partners must freely consent each time, respect personal boundaries, understand that their partner may change their mind, and
It has been a tense couple of years as Coloradans deal with unprecedented challenges. One notable impact has been the increasing number of reckless drivers on the road, which led to a much higher rate of injuries and deaths. This is due to drivers speeding, doing unsafe lane changes and
There has been much debate over the years regarding stringent sentencing and the need for public safety. At one point, the Zero Tolerance movement doled out severe penalties for even minor drug offenses. What lawmakers and taxpayers may not have considered at the time was the high cost of incarcerating
What You Say Can Get You Charged. Here’s What the Law Actually Says. You didn’t hurt anyone. You didn’t break into a house. You didn’t pull a weapon. You were just talking. Maybe you were venting. Maybe you were joking. Maybe you said something out of frustration or adrenaline. Then
It is an understatement to say that getting arrested or even detained by law enforcement can be extremely stressful. Due to officers’ coercion or other complications, these individuals who broke no laws (or at least not the one charged) find themselves admitting to a crime they did not commit. These
It is often hard to take the blame for our actions, which can lead to excuses that justify the mistake. Such was the case when a Utah driver struck and killed sibling bicyclists in Washington City, Utah, competing in a race. The brothers were riding in their bike lane when
On March 25, a federal court jury awarded $14 million to 12 activists who were peacefully protesting the murder of George Floyd. The activists sued the Denver Police Department, claiming officers used excessive force during protests in 2020. The city of Denver had already settled several other civil complaints out
Colorado officials recently put together a task force to investigate claims that individuals were using identity theft to defraud the state of hundreds of thousands in unemployment benefits. The initial results led to enough evidence to pursue several cases. Attorney General Phil Weiser announced the state will continue to move
Anyone who has seen a copy show or legal drama knows about Miranda rights. Actors playing law enforcement will often recite the “You have the right to remain silent…” warning as they put the defendant in handcuffs. It is often used for dramatic effect in stories, but those charged have
The hard-fast threshold for illegally driving under the influence of alcohol is a blood alcohol level of .08 percent but getting to and over that threshold is different for each driver. This can leave them unsure about their BAC, particularly in light that they still walk a straight line or
The First Step Act (FSA) of 2018 was one of the few bipartisan bills passed during the Trump presidency. The goal was to reduce draconian or overly severe sentencing guidelines for drug charges leftover from the zero-tolerance era. Then the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that one of the FSA changes
Harassment involves a wide range of behaviors. Here in Colorado, it consists of a person who intentionally attempts to annoy, alarm or otherwise harass. It can also be an obscene gesture or when they strike, shove or kick someone. It can involve using a computer or telephone. It can be
Burglary charges involve someone accused of illegally entering a building or accessing a locked space through the use of force. Their intent is to commit a crime. The crime may involve the theft of property or assault of the occupant. There are different degrees of burglary charges with different penalties.
Two people can witness the same event and see it in two different ways. Nevertheless, eyewitness accounts still are a cornerstone of evidence used in litigation. Now, the courts realization that eyewitness testimony is not as ironclad as once thought. DNA evidence has now been used in overturning 70% of
The state and federal governments break down laws to a granular level. There are also gradations of appropriate penalties for misdemeanors and felonies. Making matters more confusing, there are charges like assault and battery, which are similar but with specific differences. So, it’s no surprise that intent to distribute involves
Each state’s laws are slightly different, with varying definitions meaning the same thing. For example, menacing is a term used in Colorado for those who attempt to strike the fear of imminent serious bodily injury, which many states refer to as battery. It may start as a conversation that turns
The Broncos had a lackluster year, to put it mildly, but they remain second to the Minnesota Vikings in the number of DUIs and arrests. This is not so much a judgment on the players as it is an analysis of law enforcement here in Colorado, which takes driving under
Business partnerships are a lot like a marriage or a family. There is a relationship with common interests, similar goals, and shared history, and like a marriage or family, there are disagreements. Sometimes, there may be hostility built over a series of disagreements, different approaches to working, and external factors
Law enforcement has a long list of protocols to observe when officers are on duty. Something notable for many drivers on the road, patrols must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull drivers over. In other words, they must have a valid reason for conducting a traffic stop, which
The police’s use of tasers was in the national spotlight after an officer in Minnesota accidentally shot a suspect with her handgun instead of using her taser. She was recently convicted of first- and second-degree manslaughter charges. While this tragedy involved the death of a 26-year-old man who’d been pulled
The Colorado Department of Transportation mounted its first DUI enforcement campaign January 14-17. Called The Heat is On Winter Blitz, the initiative also included Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement. There was a 16% uptick in traffic fatalities involving impaired drivers in 2021 for a total of 246 deaths,
Police are there to protect and serve the communities they work in, so it’s assumed that officers treat people with respect. This assumption is not entirely correct. For example, a police department in Virginia used forged documents with fake DNA evidence on at least five occasions between 2016 and 2020
Most understand the value of school and education. It provides a strong foundation of knowledge that enables children to learn skills for better-paying jobs. But traditional approaches do not work for all children, which means they could lose interest. If juveniles start skipping school, they tend to fall further behind.
Those convicted of a crime pay the price. There may be penalties like time in prison, parole, restitution, classes and other measures, as well as fines. Once all these demands are met (including parole), the individual can say that they paid their debt to society and, theoretically, move on with
It is no surprise that cyberbullying has become increasingly common as we spend more and more of our lives online. Indeed, what was once something that occurred on a playground or a place of employment is now online. In broad terms, it involves using the internet or mobile technology to
Online shopping is a way of life for many, particularly around the holidays where gift-givers have packages sent directly to the recipient. This would seem like it is a victimless crime or even a gag, but there are state and federal laws regarding the theft of packages and mail. Generally
The state’s politicians have skirted the issue of guns more often than not in recent years. This year was different, with five bills passed. Senate Bill 78 Named after a woman murdered with a stolen gun in 2020, the Isabella Joy Thallas Act passed in April gives firearm owners five
One of the major recent news stories was truck driver Rogel Aguilera-Mederos’s sentencing for 110 years. The man caused the 2019 accident on I-70 after his truck’s brakes failed, killing four. He was guilty of 27 counts, including four counts of vehicular manslaughter, six counts of assault in the first
There is a long list of penalties for crimes ranging from Class 1 Felony to Class 3 misdemeanor here in Colorado. They involve serving time in prison, fines, restitution, classes, parole, sentencing alternatives, and other consequences. But having a criminal record can also lead to other life-changing consequences not listed
There is nothing new about minors getting caught drinking alcohol. While in decades past, the police would confiscate the alcohol and possibly notify the parents, Colorado law now lists it as Minor in Possession or Consumption of Alcohol (MIP MIC). It is punishable with a maximum fine of $250 for
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), a federal law, makes it illegal to use a computer in a way that “exceeds authorized use.” But what does that mean? A recent case provides some guidance. In the case, Van Buren v. United States, a Georgia police officer took a bribe
Just about everyone has seen a television show or movie where a character is speaking to a judge, but it is not the same as being in the actual courtroom. It can be pretty intimidating, particularly when facing criminal charges for the first time. Good criminal defense attorneys will prepare
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. Therefore, law enforcement typically must get a warrant from a judge before searching citizens’ private property, which could be a person’s home, car, backpack, or their clothing. Nevertheless, the law officer can perform a reasonable search without a warrant. When
Sometimes it seems that law enforcement can stop someone for any reason. However, the Fourth Amendment says that officers must have reasonable suspicion to legally stop and probable cause to search someone. While the two terms seem to mean the same thing, they apply to different actions. Reasonable suspicion is
The holiday season is once again here. Unlike last year, more friends and family will be getting together for the celebrations. They may also be work parties to attend as well. Colorado law enforcement is also gearing up for their holiday tradition called “The Heat Is On” – this involves
Nearly every vehicle manufactured over the last decade has relied upon an onboard computer. This technology enables drivers to sync smartphones, use a navigation function and engage the self-driving function. Still, computers also monitor vehicle performance, operate turn signals and perform other essential functions. It also keeps records of these
Technology is an increasingly important part of our lives. In the era of smartphones, toasters with microchips and computers in every workspace, it is unavoidable, even in law enforcement. While Colorado has a ban on polygraph tests because they were deemed unreliable, the next iteration may be EyeDetect, which uses
Michael Loupe, 47, posed as a fire inspector and burgled several businesses in Castle Rock before getting caught in February 2020. He initially posed as the inspector and would then disable the security. He would later return after closing to steal from safes. He was caught after robbing four restaurants
The police are here to protect and serve their community. Their job involves many vital tasks, including keeping citizens safe, arresting criminals and issuing traffic citations. One thing that we tend to forget is that they are human and make mistakes. Some mistakes are innocent errors, while others are errors
An Aurora police sergeant was suspended for yelling and cursing at a teen driver who was allegedly speeding. Captured June 29 on a body camera, the footage showed the sergeant yelling and cursing, then putting her in handcuffs after the driver’s male passenger dropped a stolen gun that was loaded
Colorado is one of the states that allow expungement for those arrested or convicted of some crimes. Also known as expunction, this court-ordered process involves sealing or setting aside a criminal conviction. Expunging your criminal record can be a tremendous help for those trying to start over, get a job,
People often assume that they only need to pay a ticket when cited for traffic infractions. This is not true. Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb found out as much due to a failure to appear warrant. The warrant was issued after Chubb did not appear for his August 6 court
Prescriptions drugs are part of life for a large segment of society. These drugs can improve the user’s quality of life, help battle an illness or medicinally serve the user in some specific way. Because they can be so beneficial, some may want to share their medication with family or
Why That Speeding Ticket Could Cost You Double, Or Worse You’re driving through a construction zone in Colorado. Maybe traffic is light. Maybe workers aren’t even visible. You ease up on the gas, but not quite enough. Minutes later, flashing lights hit your rearview mirror, and now you’re holding a
The pandemic impacted people in Colorado in countless ways, large and small. People now can look back to March and April of 2020 and remember the empty roads, even when rush hour usually took place. This led to record numbers of drivers traveling at speeds of 100 mph or more.
Police arrest reports frequently chronicle the events leading up to close-and-personal interaction with an individual alleged to have engaged in criminal misconduct. And that is understandable. The American justice system frowns upon – in fact, bars pursuant to a host of federal and state laws – criminal charges and sought
There they sit. Maybe they are not the most conspicuous thing in your life, but they are certainly garnering increased attention as they pile up on your kitchen table or – more likely – in your car’s glove compartment. Today’s blog post spotlights what progressively morphs into an outsized nemesis
You remember the high-profile and much-lauded First Step Act of 2018 if you follow criminal law news stories and developments. And here’s why: The federal legislation that scored broad-based bipartisan endorsement on Capitol Hill and was ultimately signed into law by then-President Trump ushered in with considerable fanfare. Criminal law
From one hoop to the next. That imagery likely works just fine for Colorado motorists well accustomed to successive drunk driving crackdowns administered by the state’s Department of Transportation. Those operations are deep-pocketed, amply resourced and carried out intermittently across each year with a starkly narrow focus. That is this:
Are you familiar as a Colorado reader interested in criminal law topics with secret gag orders? If you are, you’re likely concerned with their issuance and application. If such orders don’t ring a bell for you personally, perhaps they should. A number of criminal law commentators address them with some
Warrants used to do the trick. Now a simple phone call to any one of several supersized tech companies often suffices. Today’s blog post spotlights subject matter central to criminal law probes that has spelled a top-tier and often controversial topic for decades, if not centuries. The focus: authorities’ securing
The difference “between a favorable outcome and making your bed behind bars.” That is a this-or-that depiction offered by one proven Colorado criminal defense legal source relevant to what might unfold following a drunk driving arrest and charge. What it seeks to impart is this: The results of a DUI
Following is a sketched behind-the-wheel scenario that might clarify a matter of importance for many Colorado drivers. To wit: You’re driving down a street, highway or other roadway in the state when flashing lights suddenly materialize behind you. To your dismay, the vehicle immediately trailing you is a police car.
“Colorado is no exception.” So states an in-depth legal source on the state’s domestic violence laws. That informed overview duly notes Colorado’s unity with many other states that have mandatory arrest provisions in place for individuals who allegedly commit acts of family violence. It stresses that police are required to
We imagine that many readers of our criminal law blogs at the proven Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates have heard the phrase “the thin blue line.” That expression refers to the metaphorical wall of protection provided by law enforcers that renders society safe and safeguards
Colorado hardly takes a one-and-done approach toward law enforcers’ efforts to identify intoxicated motorists and thereafter subject them to some of the nation’s harshest drunk driving penalties. Their actions in that regard are persistent and ongoing, as referenced by a Denver Post article last year spotlighting one notably high-profile DUI
Ultimately, it seems as though a matter of behind-the-wheel contention is going to end up being decided in court. By all indications, there is absolutely zero chance that a Colorado Springs resident is going to pay a $120 traffic citation he recently received in the town of Woodland Park. In
Here’s a truism that likely seems both fair and logical to most readers of this blog post: If Colorado officials suspend your driving license and precious behind-the-wheel privileges, that deprivation should occur only when it links directly to some driving infraction. Like excessive speeding, for instance. Or driving without insurance.
There is a kind of perverse irony attached to the advocacy group National Registry of Exonerations. On the one hand, the organization likely welcomes public recognition and acknowledgment of the important work that it does. On the other hand, that very recognition underscores the continued existence of a compelling and
“We’re no longer throwing away people who are redeemable.” That is less a certainty than it is the expressed hope of one Colorado lawmaker sponsoring a new legislative bill that he and other criminal law reformers want to see modify existing law in one controversial area. Specifically, that is
If you are swept up in the law enforcement effort to clamp down on car theft in Colorado, consult with a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Colorado, but especially Denver, has seen a sharp increase in car theft during the current health emergency – and police were surprised,
Criminal charges spell understandably top-tier concerns for those in Colorado and nationally who face them, having the potential to upend life in an incalculably adverse way. There is no wiggle room on that point, as noted by an authoritative Colorado legal source on criminal law challenges and defense strategies. It
A candid observation of the American criminal justice system can stress without any real argument that defendants confront a system tilted against them from the moment they are criminally charged. Without proven legal counsel, they stand alone. And they immediately confront when doing so an apparatus of immense resources and
A strong and persistently glaring spotlight has unquestionably been shining on acting-up juveniles in recent years, especially in schools spanning Colorado and the rest of the country. That uber-focus has been noted by many criminal law commentators. One authoritative Colorado legal source on adolescent involvement in the criminal justice system
The federal Violence Against Women Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1994 marked seminal legislation for victims of domestic violence. A recent Colorado Public Radio piece highlights the historical and important role played by the VAWA, noting that the enactment has “strengthened laws around domestic and sexual violence against
Actually, that question mark concluding the above header query can be safely removed, with the headline simply stated as a fact-based assertion. Because there is really no question about it: Notwithstanding advocates’ routine praising of forensic evidence that plays into criminal probes and convictions, there is actually quite a bit
State Farm – 15.8%. Geico – 22%. Farmers – 26%. Progressive – 28%. As a Colorado motorist, might you reasonably want to know a bit more about the underlying details linked with those numbers? An initial point to note is that they don’t signify motorist discounts for good driving behavior.
Kids and drinking. Whatever one might think about that occurrence, it spells a flat reality in Colorado and across the country. The bottom line: Adolescents – especially teens – sometimes do gain access to alcohol and feel compelled to imbibe. Their desire to do so might owe to peer pressure
Coloradans seeking to comply in good faith with imposed probationary conditions often find that to be an easier-said-than-done task. For starters, exactions can be many and varied. Keeping close track of every requirement and following it precisely in every instance can be arduous and sometimes confusing. Individuals striving diligently to
A bedrock principle of American criminal law underscores that an individual who has dutifully completed an imposed sentence for a charged crime merits a fresh start thereafter. That stated expectation sometimes turns out to be an unrealized hope rather than a promise for select offenders. That is, it can spell
It is “really important to not hesitate and to not wait.” Those words are offered up as instructive advice from a prominent voice in Colorado’s criminal justice community. What Patrick Hedrick – Denver Public Safety Youth Programs Director – really seeks to emphasize with his don’t-delay statement is this: When
They keep doing it, and the general public – both nationally and unquestionably across Colorado – continues to speak harshly against the practice. And in a stridently persistent way driven by perceived injustice targeting individuals who are often victims rather than wrongdoers. One authoritative Colorado legal source duly cites the
The “first foray.” That is how an in-depth piece on American criminal law reform describes the value of so-called executive actions as tools employed by the federal government to promote a more rational and fair justice system. Executive actions have prominently gained traction in recent years from their progressively increasing
Stepping stones. That one-after-the-other imagery might reasonably crop up for Colorado motorists who seemingly conclude one anti-DUI campaign and immediately confront another multiple times each calendar year. In fact, “seemingly” is almost certainly a misplaced descriptor in any reference to the state’s successive enforcement rollouts that annually feature on Colorado
Virtually any Colorado resident with some behind-the-wheel experience can sit at a table with other drivers and share a tale or two concerning a “close call” motoring episode from the past. Such a recounting might relate to temporary inattentiveness and a suddenly alarming realization that we suspect many readers of
You might know a thing or two about grand juries even if you have never been tasked to appear before one. Movies and television crime dramas often refer to or feature grand juries in action. They play a key and distinct role in the American justice system, and certainly in
Here’s a bit of number-crunched data relevant to Colorado’s penal system that is immediately notable and concerning: Reportedly, more than 1,200 inmates are over 60 years of age and at heightened risk from Covid-19. That is serious news, given that 8,000-plus incarcerated individuals in the state have already tested positive
Youthful offenders in the Colorado criminal justice system will always comprise a demographic that is singular and closely scrutinized by law enforcers and regulatory authorities. And that is for this obvious and understandable reason: Juveniles facing legal challenges are just different from adult offenders. Those differences are stark and feature
If you’re an enterprising and numbers-oriented Colorado resident seeking gainful employment, the state’s Department of Transportation might be just the place for you. In fact, it looks to be employment heaven for statisticians and data analysts who can crunch numbers and extrapolate them in ways that add contextual perspective. One
Talk is, well, cheap. State and federal proponents of criminal law reforms – and there are legions in a progressively expanding camp – voice growing frustration with pro-change rhetoric they say is long on generalities and short on details. A principal with the nonprofit group Sentencing Project duly concedes that
Following is a scenario relevant to the discussion of forcible restraint used by Colorado police officers to extract blood from a suspected drunk driver. The story outlined below conveys in summary form a real-life situation that played out on a Fort Collins roadside. Officers there had probable cause to suspect
“Unimpeachable and always reliable.” That is the broad public perception of forensic evidence introduced into a criminal law case in Colorado or elsewhere. We noted in a recent Shazam & Kianpour blog post (please see our December 9 entry from last year) the “it must be true” presumption routinely accorded
Criminal charges against Colorado residents are challenging for a number of reasons. We duly note at the long-established Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates that individuals routinely face charges “that threaten their livelihood, their reputation, their family and their freedom.” And we underscore this on our
Colorado prosecutors often search for criminal charges they can file that will yield maximum penalties for defendants. Sometimes they struggle to link an individual’s specific conduct to any particularized wrongdoing. Wouldn’t it be nice for them – even if arguably objectionable – if they could simply apply some generalized and
All criminal allegations are not equal. Put another way: Some accusations leveled by Colorado police officers and prosecutors come with comparatively heavy consequences. Take sex charges, for example, which we spotlight on our website at the Denver law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates. We underscore from the firm’s long
Lock them up and throw away the key. Readers of criminal law blogs and other justice-themed articles and reports have heard that refrain before. In fact, they’ve been hearing it or other similarly conveyed utterances for decades. A tough-on-crime approach has been the central mantra for the country’s well-entrenched War
You’re sitting on the couch watching a CSI crime drama and note that it’s just about 7:50 p.m. The show is close to concluding, with no real promise that the guy who you can see is clearly guilty of a heinous crime will be identified and held accountable. Wait a
Motorists widely appreciate that officials in enclaves ranging from large municipalities down to the smallest towns in Colorado and other states routinely fixate on generating revenue for their communities. They levy taxes. They impose licensing fees. They charge for utilities. And, often, they look to the streets for money. That
It was a normal weekend day. You bought a few things at the grocery store. You visited a bookstore. You deposited a check at the bank. You went to a church meeting. Did you know that law enforcers in Colorado and nationally can potentially track all those movements with precision
The enforcement tools readily employed by Colorado law enforcers to identify and arrest alleged drunk drivers on state roadways are potent and multiple. And they are on display once again after taking just a brief time out following the recent Halloween weekend. Readers might reasonably consider this for an indication
First of all, let’s just clarify those acronyms in the above blog headline. They serve as abbreviated descriptors for the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado State Patrol, respectively. You might have already known that if you’re a Colorado motorist. And you might be just as familiar with the
“Why don’t I know who my DA is?” That is a question that a commentator in a recent Denver article spotlighting Colorado district attorneys and upcoming elections to select them says many state residents are now asking themselves. And Gordon McLaughlin stresses the importance of that query, given the significant
The following scenario plays out recurrently on varied roadways across Colorado. To wit: Drivers going about their customary business – returning home after work, bringing the kids to a school after-hours event, headed to the store to pick up groceries and so forth – suddenly confront notable activity up ahead.
“Where justified.” Some readers of an in-depth online article on police prerogatives and behavior might see those words as virtually leaping off the page. They immediately spotlight legal limitations on law enforcers’ conduct and underscore key checks and balances in police/citizen interactions. Notably, too, they frame any reasoned discussion of
The criminal justice realm in Colorado and nationally will always comprise top-tier subject matter when it is spotlighted in conversation or a news piece. And that is logically so, because virtually everything about it is of an ultra-serious nature. The outcomes of criminal law cases are often life-changing and even
Groundhog Day. Déjà vu. Intimate familiarity. We’ve done this before, right? Colorado motorists collectively experience varied emotions when it comes to a heightened police presence on roadways spanning the state, of course. Anyone who has ever suffered a speeding ticket and resulting citation invariably jumps a bit when they see
Not every arrest linked with alleged criminal behavior leads to a conviction, of course. Prosecutors and courts sometimes dismiss charges against accused wrongdoers. An individual might participate in a diversion program, with charges being dropped upon satisfactory completion. Defendants win at trial sometimes and are acquitted in a court of
Many Colorado motorists considering the above blog headline likely align with the former view. They hardly relish a roadside encounter with law enforcement that leaves them holding a citation and demand-to-pay notice, but they regard the matter as a one-off intrusion and simple bad luck. Things could be worse, right?
Movies and television shows have made all of us aware that we have a right to remain silent if we’re placed under arrest. But have you ever stopped to think about what this right really means? Can you really just refuse to say anything to the police? You have to
We note the lament of an alleged criminal offender who might say something like, “I just tried the necklace on but forgot to pay for it.” We also note at the proven Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates the strong likelihood that Colorado law enforcers won’t
Many people in Colorado understand that drunk driving is a criminal offense. However, there can be some confusion over the two different drunk driving charges. Depending on someone’s situation, an intoxicated driver could be charged with a DUI or a DWAI. Unless someone has had previous experience with either charge,
It is stressful to see the flashing lights of a police car in your rear-view mirror, and it is natural to have questions as you pull to the shoulder of the road. Are you in trouble? Do the police have a reason to stop you? Will the police arrest you?
Last summer, Elijah McClain was stopped by police in Aurora as he walked home from a convenience store. At some point, he was placed in a chokehold and sedated. He subsequently died. The three officers involved in the encounter were cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation. The District Attorney
What were you doing a year ago today at 3 pm? Where did you go Saturday after dinner? If you’re like most people, you have no idea how to answer this question. You could have been anywhere, doing any number of things, with any number of people. Why would anyone
When Colorado voters approved the legal use of marijuana, it was sure to have a major impact on law enforcement. Police officers would have to learn the new rules that would be put in place. Individuals that followed these rules could not be arrested for committing crimes. When police would
There are a few important ways that people can protect their cars and the valuables within from being stolen. While Colorado is not known for being a particularly high-crime state, it is certainly true that no matter where a vehicle is left, there is always a chance that someone could
What should you do if you’re accused of assaulting someone? Read on to find out. Whether you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you said the wrong thing and someone misunderstood what you meant, or you actually committed the crime you’re being accused of, facing a domestic assault
We note at the established Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associate that, “A restraining order is frustrating, but violating it is not the solution.” In fact, challenging a restraining order in any fashion without close input from proven legal counsel can be a recipe for disaster.
You have likely heard about Colorado’s Left Lane Law. Established in 2004, it is one of the strictest rules in the country when it comes to regulating passing and non-passing lanes on highways. Its purpose is to prevent drivers from cruising continuously in the leftmost lane of these roads. Accidentally
You may have heard that corporations and businesses are technically considered “legal persons.” While this classification grants them certain rights (like the ability to pursue a civil lawsuit) it also makes them liable for criminal charges. Recently, Colorado-based natural gas company, Inflection Energy, was convicted for criminally polluting rivers and
Let’s salute youth. It certainly has its rewards. Life is full of promise. Every day is a new adventure. New friends are potentially around every corner. The experimentation tied to experience and learning is often bold and exciting. Disclaimer: Adolescence also comes with challenges too, though. And those often arise
When the police believe they have an eyewitness to a crime, they often bring that person to the station to try to identify a suspect. This is primarily done through a lineup or a photo array. Unfortunately, studies have shown that many identifications by eyewitnesses are mistaken or are the
Many Colorado drivers don’t view getting a citation for a behind-the-wheel offense with any real sense of alarm. Candidly, what seasoned motorist with years of driving experience hasn’t been stopped and ticketed on at least one occasion? Many people hearing that a family member or friend was stopped and cited
Though it may seem that police have a disproportionate amount of power in any interaction, there are rules that law enforcement must follow. For example, checks and balances exist to prevent officers from abusing their power to detain individuals. An officer must have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity before making
Even many law school students fail when it comes to properly assessing whether a criminal charge of burglary makes sense in a given case. Indeed, what is burglary? Here’s a common perception as to what burglary entails: You stole something, so the burglary charge against you is appropriate. Indeed, that
The above headline query in today’s Shazam Kianpour & Associates blog post begs both a “yes” and “no” answer. Here’s why: State-licensed marijuana dispensaries are currently authorized to make deliveries to the homes of select Colorado residents, but only if those individuals reside in Boulder or the nearby town of
Controversy has dogged the breathalyzer ever since an amateur chemist invented the device in 1954. Faulty readings convinced some courts to bar prosecutors from using results against people accused of driving under the influence. Authorities in the Great Lakes region are now investigating whether one manufacturer broke the law to
Our Shazam Kianpour & Associates criminal defense blog is perhaps one of the longest tenured blogs in Colorado. The firm has been diligently striving for well more than a decade to keep our valued and diverse readership timely informed on engaging and personally meaningful topics and stories. We have covered
Ignition interlock devices are installed in vehicles to prevent drivers from operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. This is a safety measure used across the nation, and many states require installation of an ignition interlock after a certain number of drunk driving offenses. Colorado is one of
Last spring, bill HB 19-1263 was signed and became Colorado law. On March 1st, 2020, the law officially went into effect. HB 19-1263 reclassifies the offense of possession of schedule I or II substances as a level-one drug misdemeanor. Does this mean that if law enforcement pulls you over with
After nearly a year in his position as the Colorado Department of Corrections Director, Dean Williams is already looking to make a difference in the prison system. There is a concern for how well inmates adjust to life on the outside once released, especially in the case of those adults
While addiction rates and deaths involving opioids have received the most attention in recent years, methamphetamine has made a sharp comeback in Colorado and the rest of the U.S. over the past decade. One study shows a nearly 130% increase in meth use from 2014 to 2019 across the country.
Three years after it began, a program aimed at people charged with felony DUI appears to be making progress. Denver County’s RESTART program has allowed dozens of individuals to avoid lengthy jail sentences while helping them deal with alcohol addiction. RESTART, which stands for Recognizing and Establishing Smart Treatment Alternatives
Extrapolated data on virtually any subject matter can of course be relevant even without regard to markers of comparison. It is certainly the case, though, that statistical information gathered and released to the public is often far more germane when it is examined outside of a vacuum. That is unquestionably
Getting a speeding ticket can be a frustrating experience. The fine alone can be a financial burden for many people. However, anyone who has received a traffic ticket knows that the fine itself isn’t the only cost that is associated with a traffic violation. From increased insurance costs to potential
A recent Colorado media article stresses one state legislator’s desire to materially flip the criminal charging equation for one specific group of individuals. Namely, that is the demographic comprising young people who are over the age of 18 and criminally sentenced as adult offenders despite still displaying a juvenile mindset.
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, including Colorado law enforcement. While many industries slow down during the holiday season, the winter months are often some of the busiest for state DUI patrols. This year, Coloradoans can expect extra DUI patrols towards the end of the year. While we
We’ve got a problem across the United States concerning accuracy surrounding many arrests tied to drunk driving charges, and it’s not exactly a secret. Defense lawyers know it beyond the slightest doubt. Prosecutors know it. Judges are routinely confronted with the problem. Police officers across the entire chain of command
Individuals and groups across the country that are opposed to marijuana legalization repeatedly voice a similar refrain when they address the relaxed legal regimes operative in an ever-growing number of states. Their dire warnings about liberalized marijuana schemes center around this predominant argument: Decriminalization will spawn a crimewave across multiple
The various phrases and acronyms listed immediately above all apply to the Colorado domestic violence realm and the prohibition of contact between an alleged criminal offender and victim. The smorgasbord of terms and shorthand designations can be confusing. Moreover, its application pursuant to a court order in a given instance
What are you doing next week on Thursday night? Perhaps you’re planning to stay home to host hordes of costume-clad kids excited to ring your doorbell and watch while you drop candy into the bags they’re holding. Or maybe you anticipate heading out with family and friends to some sponsored
It’s a popular trend in metropolitan cities. Piloted by city dwellers eager to take advantage of a convenient new mode of transportation, rented scooters have rolled into major cities around the country. But these app-based scooters have also brought potential controversy with their proposed convenience. While some have used the
We recently informed readers of our criminal defense blogs at Shazam Kianpour & Associates in Denver that we would keep them timely updated on a key Colorado change in DUI-linked blood-alcohol testing. As we noted in our August 5 blog entry, that adjustment was material, being “replete with questions and
One of our website practice pages at the established Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates references a number of drugs that become problematic for arrested Colorado residents. Unsurprisingly, marijuana is one cited entry. So too is cocaine. Ditto that for methamphetamine, OxyContin and hallucinogenic mushrooms. We
We’ll discuss the holidays in more detail in upcoming articles, but the reality is that October is right around the corner. With the season change comes the busiest three months on many peoples’ social calendars. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years … the final three months of the year
The above blog post headline query could reasonably be posed every year just about this time. And the same response could be noted on each occasion. To wit: Law enforcers across Colorado have been busily engaged over the past few months in arresting and charging alleged drunk drivers. DUI offenses
Colorado parents know all about the vulnerabilities of their children, who are understandably prone to occasionally rash behavior and questionable judgment as they work their way toward adulthood. Moms and dads were once kids, too, and know that the road to maturity is an evolving process. In short, it is
If the cops arrest you, you’re going to jail. And that’s regardless of the alleged offense against you, even in a case where most people might reasonably view the criminal charge against you as minor or even trifling. That is the decided conclusion derived by researchers at the national nonprofit
Many people position the Labor Day weekend as the final blow-out of the summer. From sporting events to parties, a long weekend ushering in September seems like a great time to get together with friends and share summer stories. More often than not, these get-togethers are centered around alcohol. This
The atmosphere prior to the final vote casting on one specific matter before the Denver City Council last Monday was tense. Council president Jolon Clark made a pre-tally statement that subject matter deliberations were “tearing all of us apart.” The final vote certainly reflected that. In what one media report
The thinking of Colorado lawmakers that spurred a recent and material change to the state’s legal blood-alcohol testing regime is clear enough. But it strongly begs this question: Was it wise? What became notably different on July 1 was the dramatically liberalized use of BAC-testing facilities at the Colorado Bureau
You might indeed be lucky enough to merely get that proverbial slap on the wrist (see our blog headline above) from Colorado law enforcers if you were stopped while boating after drinking a certain amount of alcohol. Conversely, the penalties imposed on you could be more akin to a sledgehammer
A nonprofit group recently released a criminal law-focused report that is attracting considerable attention nationally. An article by The Marshall Project focusing upon that study notes that states across the country are “evenly split” on how they view and treat its subject matter. The spotlighted topic is this: law enforcers’
It’s a money grab and little more. That is the oft-stated complaint levied by legions of Americans from across a broad spectrum against a common police practice they roundly condemn. What citizens, advocacy groups, constitutional scholars and high numbers of personally affected defendants unanimously criticize is law enforcers’ reliance on
A single night behind the wheel could follow you for years if the Colorado DMV stamps your record with four words that carry outsized consequences. The “persistent drunk driver” designation is one of the most misunderstood labels in the state’s impaired driving laws, and many people are shocked to learn
Here’s an answer hint to today’s above-posed blog headline query: It’s not the top-end principals in drug cartels or other highly placed figures of organized crime. Rather, it’s what a recent in-depth online overview of U.S. drug probes and arrests terms “small fish.” It is a vast pool of minnows
Colorado media outlets widely underscored the importance of a particular day late last month. That was May 28. One news source issued a representative comment that the month’s final Tuesday was a truly “significant day for criminal justice reform in Colorado.” That indeed seems to have been the case, as
It is not uncommon for law enforcement to develop initiatives geared toward a particular traffic violation. Spring 2019 was no different for the Colorado Department of Transportation. During a five-week spring DUI enforcement period, part of the CDOT’s Whole System Whole Safety initiative, Colorado saw increased DUI patrols and DUI
Regular readers of our blogs at the Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates know well that drunk driving enforcement crackdowns across the state are hardly a rare occurrence. In fact, they spell a recurrent pattern for Colorado motorists. State drivers are well accustomed to seeing beefed-up
“Because it’s money.” That was the bottom-line rationale delivered last week by a federal Drug Enforcement Administration official underscoring the reason for a described “huge” search-and-seizure operation conducted across the Denver metro area. That sting was large, indeed, with a Denver Post article noting that it netted “thousands of marijuana
Every driver who holds a Colorado license has already agreed to something most people never think about. Under the state’s express consent law, you gave your consent to submit to a chemical test the moment you accepted your driving privileges. If a police officer pulls you over with probable cause
We note on our website at the established Denver criminal defense firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates a bedrock legal canon of American law. It addresses the prosecutorial role, and is both direct and simple. We duly stress that the government must prove an alleged criminal offender’s guilt “beyond a
Are you a fan of St. Patrick’s Day? Legions of people are. That quasi-holiday easily qualifies as an annual chance-to-party gala in cities and states across the country. Parades and green beer tend to promote a festive spirit. Not for all, though. A large number of Coloradans — 293 at
It was just a finger. But it was the wrong finger. That was at least the view of a behind-the-wheel police trooper in one state a couple years ago, who noted the post-stop goodbye of a detained motorist marked by a raised middle finger. The trooper quickly flashed his lights
Colorado criminal law analysts and commentators know just as well as their peers across the country what approaches work and what strategies are failing in the justice system. And they keep shining the spotlight on a particular sentencing outcome that has come in for progressively blistering criticism in recent years.
“Something is going on and I don’t think any of us have the answer.” That is the admittedly unsure response of Colorado criminal justice advocate Christie Donner as to why felony charges being filed by prosecutors are spiking across the state. There is no question that felony charges being levied
Painting graffiti on a property that isn’t yours is a crime – not matter how great it looks. If someone doesn’t appreciate your artwork and catches you, there could be a price to pay. Unfortunately, this price is typically high. Alexandra Natapoff’s book Punishment Without Crime: How Our Massive Misdemeanor
We lead off today’s blog post by asking our readers from across Colorado and elsewhere to consider traffic tickets for a moment. Are they uniformly fair to all? That is, do their consequences fall upon all ticked individuals with similar severity? Perhaps that is a question with an answer so
The term “Winter Blitz” is currently being referenced in many Colorado media outlets. That might reasonably sound like an all-out effort by marketers to lure state residents into shopping centers to scarf up the holiday season’s remaining inventory. An exciting limited-time-only offer for a ski vacation might alternatively come to
Sometimes drivers make a mistake and the consequences can be severe. It can sometimes set you up to fail again and lead to further charges. If this happens, the penalties can be overwhelming. In Colorado, you may face a habitual traffic offender (HTO) charge. An HTO is a person who
Legalized recreational marijuana sales began in Colorado on January 1, 2014 after voters passed Amendment 64 in the 2012 election. The amendment outlined a statewide drug policy and supporters believed its passage would allow officers to focus on violent crime prevention. Opponents believed it would lead to increased adolescent marijuana
Colorado Department of Transportation officials can’t say for sure whether their notably aggressive DUI enforcement campaigns are having appreciable effects out on state streets and highways. They can say this with certainty, though: The funding well for the so-called and recurring Heat is On initiatives that span the state has
It was “an expensive and hurtful fable.” And let’s not mince words about it, adds Colorado’s Sentinel magazine in a recent editorial piece that heavily criticizes America’s so-called War on Drugs. That policy initiative has been the decades-long mantlepiece guiding state and federal law enforcers’ response to drug crimes, and
If you think Colorado’s reckless-driving law only applies to those behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, you would be very wrong. In fact, this particular law is much broader than many people know. For example, it not only applies to motorists, but also to anyone riding a bike, an
Being pulled over for a traffic stop can be nerve-wracking. Even more nerve-wracking, the officer asks to search your car. Do you say yes? Can you say no? You may not know what to do in this situation. Here are a few facts that may help you to know your
Colorado’s red-light camera programs seem to be dropping in popularity across the state. The legislature tried to get rid of it twice, but the governor vetoed both tries. Last month, the citizens of Aurora took matters into their own hands and voted to get rid of the red-light camera program
Here’s a key problem concerning Colorado justice authorities’ initial contacts with juveniles who find themselves in trouble with the law: differential treatment is often doled out to young offenders across the state who have similar profiles and are charged with the same types of crimes. And that’s far from the
A seasoned and aggressive Colorado DUI defense attorney must often rely upon instincts, past experience and creativity when defending a client against drunk driving charges. We note on our website at the established Denver law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates that “there are many ins and outs in the
Fall Festivals reasonably enough sounds like a pleasant and entertaining event, doesn’t it? Something along the lines of a Colorado music extravaganza, perhaps, or a shared wine-tasting experience. Some people might envision an organized caravan of cars out on state roadways that afford especially compelling views of changing autumn landscapes.
Most drivers are familiar with a DUI – driving under the influence. A driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge is less known and, to most people, it sounds like another way to describe a DUI. However, this charge does differ from a DUI in many ways, and anyone charged with
You’re in the parking lot, backing out of a spot when you bump into a parked car behind you. It was a light tap, so you expect there to be little, or no, damage to the other vehicle and decide not to wait for the owner, so you head home.
Criminal law is a legal realm that is perhaps unparalleled for its complexities and open-ended questions. One of those queries is this: Should adolescent offenders in their teen years be criminally charged in the same fashion as older suspects? Should there simply be a single justice system that adjudges crime/sentencing
We duly note on a page of our website at the tenured Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates that the federal legal system involves an “ever-present risk.” Actually, readers delving into our site will readily see that the American justice system at the federal level features
In Colorado, the punishment for driving under the influence (DUI) can be quite severe, even if it is your first offense. In fact, DUI penalties for first-time offenders may include a fine, license revocation, community service, probation and the possible installation of an ignition interlock device on your car. But
We noted in a recent blog post a particularly disturbing reality for some young people in Colorado and elsewhere connected with the rite of college admission. Our September 24 entry zeroed in on the moment when a hopeful applicant confronts “an application question soliciting details regarding a past arrest or
Last week, we told you about how many Coloradans are confused about the laws governing the growing of personal marijuana. After all, many people assume that since the recreational use of marijuana is now legal under Colorado law, they should be able to grow it in their backyard, right? Not
Not every would-be Colorado college student looks forward to the application process. Sometimes that botched ACT or SAT score can look a bit troublesome. Maybe some of those opted-for high school classes weren’t particularly challenging. Some students filling out university forms feel that they should have hit on those extracurriculars
The uppercase depiction of longstanding American criminal law policies imbues them with a sense of fervor and unquestioned harshness. The War on Crime. Its attendant War on Drugs. Those notably tagged battles have seemingly been a near-crusade in states across the country, including Colorado, for decades now. Their central tenet
Colorado may have legalized the recreational use of marijuana under state law, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some legal restrictions in place — particularly when it comes to where people can grow marijuana. Indeed, many people have been arrested because of their mistaken belief that they can simply
Here is a case from outside Colorado that we submit is broadly relevant from a criminal law perspective. We note below its essential details for our readers. The story starts with a sniffing dog in a Minneapolis apartment hallway, with that canine’s alerting outside a resident’s dwelling ultimately becoming the
Due to the enactment of Colorado House Bill 17-1315, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice was charged with the task of collecting and analyzing specific data regarding driving under the influence (DUI) within the state. With that goal in mind, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice released a report earlier
Drivers under the age of 21 may face some serious penalties if they decide to have a few beers and get behind the wheel — even if their blood-alcohol-concentration (BAC) is below .08 percent. In fact, while the per se BAC limit for driving under the influence (DUI) is .08
If you are ever arrested for drunk driving in Colorado, the police will likely ask you to submit to some type of chemical testing to determine if there is alcohol or drugs in your system. In most cases, this will involve either a breath test or a blood test. Many
It’s that time of year again. Cue that The Heat Is On Song from yesteryear and – if you’re a Colorado motorist – start scanning the roadway around you for a decidedly heightened police presence. You won’t have any problem noting that something is, well, just a bit different. In
If you are arrested for drunk driving in Colorado and the police have probable cause to believe you violated one of the state’s drunk-driving statutes, the law says you are required to cooperate with police and submit to a breath or blood test in order determine your blood-alcohol-content (BAC). If
What is significant about a 25-year-old Colorado male? Demographically speaking, such an individual is more likely than any other motorist to be stopped by a state trooper or police officer for a behind-the-wheel drinking offense. If you’re looking for the prototypical example of a Colorado driver most apt to be
From the perspective of a “suspect” in a flawed criminal lineup in Colorado or elsewhere, it’s pretty easy to see why concern would attach to the process. What if that person stands a head taller than everyone else in line, with an officer pointedly reminding an eyewitness that the perpetrator
A police officer in a small town near Denver had a conversation with a woman outside her home on a May evening last year. That exchange took a turn when the Erie resident ended the interaction and sought to enter her house via its adjoining garage. The officer grabbed her
Imagine you have been arrested for drunk driving, and now the police are asking you to take an official breath test or blood test to determine your blood-alcohol-content (BAC). So many questions may be running through your mind. For instance, do you have the right to talk to an attorney
A recent Denver Post article described a certain local driver as having “a lead foot.” And, indeed, the personal driving history of that individual in recent years would reasonably seem to bear that out. Since that motorist’s arrival in Denver in late 2011, his driving record has been dinged by
If you are planning on attending a Fourth of July barbecue or any other related festivity over the coming days, you better be prepared for extra DUI enforcement. In fact, The Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local law enforcement departments have already started their Fourth
The above blog headline query in today’s post comes with an implied ending. Namely, that stresses the distinction between a criminal charge levied upon a Colorado resident for drunk driving on a roadway and exactions applied against an intoxicated boater, respectively. News flash to readers: There is no such distinction.
While many states have laws on the books that explain when it is appropriate for a driver to use the left lane of a multi-lane highway, few states have laws that are as strict as the one in Colorado. In fact, since 2004, Colorado law has stated that it is
An admitted robber gave the FBI cellphone numbers of alleged accomplices. Agents used a “reasonable grounds” standard to obtain so-called “cell-site” evidence from a mobile service provider that tracked the locations of one of those individuals. That data yielded information resulting in his criminal conviction. And then the legal challenges
Overall, you’re a good driver. You obey Denver traffic laws and try to follow the speed limits when commuting to work and going about your daily activities. You’re not like the scofflaws out there who routinely zip in and out of traffic, run red lights or blow through stop signs,
Colorado vehicular homicide DUI likely sounds to readers like a particularly severe criminal offense. That is indeed the case. An online overview of the topic stresses that, “Vehicular homicide is a serious criminal charge that can result in a long prison sentence.” Colorado statutory law denotes vehicular homicide as a
It’s been a bedrock legal principle and undisturbed judicial ruling issued at the highest level for well more than half a century, and yet news stories emerge with some regularity evidencing prosecutorial misconduct aimed at avoiding its application. “It” is the so-called Brady Rule, forth by the U.S. Supreme Court
Colorado orders of protection issued in domestic violence cases are far from trivial things that can be considered casually by individuals subjected to their terms and conditions. We note on our Denver criminal defense website at Shazam Kianpour & Associates that if you are served such an order, “you must
Here we go again. A story concerning an important component in the realm of select police/motorist interactions is garnering increasing interest across the country. That it is might reasonably strike many of our readers across Colorado as starkly unsurprising. For, indeed, tales surrounding both the alleged and proven inaccuracies of
If your license has been denied, suspended or revoked for any reason in any state, you can face serious criminal consequences if you choose to get behind the wheel in Colorado. Known as “driving under restraint” (DUR) in the Centennial State, the penalties associated with driving with a revoked or
It was a pretty big deal last month. If the news somehow escaped your scrutiny, you could be acquainted with the details later this month in the event you find your local Starbucks temporarily closed for company training on a sensitive topic. What happened in early February at a Philadelphia
Most adults, and certainly defense attorneys who routinely protect the legal rights of juveniles in criminal law matters, remember what it was like to be young. It was, in a word, challenging. It was also a time of optimism, exuberance, friendship forging and creating memories to last a lifetime. Like
Depending on the circumstances, the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) can be quite severe in Colorado, including possible jail time, license revocation, community service, probation and a large fine, just to name a few. But, if you think the fine is the only financial cost associated with a
It is not hard to see why there is a broad and bipartisan critique nationally of the practice called civil asset forfeiture. A quick and simple example readily explains why. To wit: Many people across the country have had their assets seized by criminal law authorities who claim their connection
A recent Denver Post article’s reference to “poor judgment, impulsiveness, lack of inhibitions, short temper and inability to solve problems” might reasonably link in many people’s minds to descriptors of individuals embroiled in the criminal justice system. It is in fact a recitation of symptoms that are common in people
Spring may be here, but before you go out and celebrate the end of another long winter with a few drinks, be advised that police are going to be out in full force the next several weeks. In fact, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Colorado State Patrol (CSP)
The so-called “Miranda Rights” that law enforcers are legally obliged to timely explain to criminal suspects in custody certainly have a critically important purpose. Most essentially, of course, they inform affected individuals of their right to not speak with authorities and to promptly consult with an attorney. As important as
When Colorado legalized recreational marijuana use under state law, many people started growing their own plants — although there were legal restrictions as to how many marijuana plants each person could have. For instance, Colorado law typically allowed each person over the age of 21 to cultivate up to six
Even though most Colorado drivers know it is illegal to get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of EITHER alcohol or drugs, many aren’t sure if the penalties are the same for each. For instance, does driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) carry a harsher punishment
The enforcement power of enacted state and federal American laws should apply with equal force to all citizens, right? We suspect that virtually all Colorado readers of our blog at the Denver criminal defense firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates believe that to be true. Arguably, a criminal sanction that
Many drivers are surprised to learn that Colorado actually has an “open container” law for marijuana. Yes, you read that correctly, the state’s open-container laws apply to more than just alcohol. In fact, the marijuana open-container law is quite strict. Specifically, it states a person in the “passenger area” of
The following story was bound to get a lot of attention. And it already has, with pundits stressing contrary views regarding what qualifies as an appropriate response in a case involving a Denver Police Department officer with a demonstrated history of problematic drinking. That individual was the subject of intense
On Monday, a federal judge in New York dismissed a lawsuit brought by a group of plaintiffs who were seeking nationwide legalization of marijuana under federal law. Among the plaintiffs included a former NFL player and a 12-year-old girl who was forced to move from Texas to Colorado so she
Colorado is similar to other states across the country in imposing mandatory reporting requirements upon select individuals having knowledge of sexual abuse being inflicted on children by third parties. The list of persons tasked with that duty is long. As noted on a relevant Colorado government website addressing mandatory reporting
The bottom line expressed in our immediately preceding blog post is clear-cut. It underscores the need for a proven criminal defense attorney to subject every piece of evidence against a client to closest scrutiny. We note in our February 5 entry that the importance of that task cannot be overstated,
Maybe it was nothing more than the lucky break that law enforcers and prosecutors say it was. The driver simply made a questionable lane change on a freeway outside Denver and was pulled over. And, behold, multiple police officers who just happened to converge at the roadside stop discovered several
Last week, we told you about Colorado Senate Bill 49, which is a bill that seeks to close a perceived loophole in the state’s current texting-while-driving law that many believe legalizes texting for certain drivers. Just days after we posted that blog, however, state lawmakers voted the legislation down, meaning
You know the drill, of course. We suspect that virtually every Colorado motorist has grown closely attuned to the ramped-up police efforts to spot, arrest and criminally convict drunk drivers that regularly feature across the state. We occasionally spotlight those initiatives at the Denver DUI defense law firm of Shazam
The Colorado Department of Transportation says that “any amount of marijuana consumption puts you at risk of driving impaired” and warns that you cannot judge your own level of impairment. The official DUID threshold for marijuana is five nanograms of active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but officers are expected to base DUID
If you are in criminal custody in Colorado and instructed to enter a room at the police station along with several other individuals to participate in a lineup, you might reasonably have some concerns. There is an alleged eyewitness to criminal conduct — e.g., a sex crime, drug deal or
There are a number of notable facets surrounding a police stop and subsequent treatment of a Colorado motorist suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The novelty of the experience and sheer anxiety associated with it, for example. A DUI encounter is a first-time experience for most drivers, and
While some people believe red-light cameras are a useful tool for making our roads safer, there are a great many who think cities simply use them to drive revenue. Regardless of which side you may fall on, however, there is no denying that it can be extremely frustrating to get
Last summer when Colorado’s new texting-while-driving law went into effect, many were surprised by the new language of the law ― particularly since it appeared to create a loophole that legalized texting while driving for some. Now, Colorado lawmakers are attempting to close this perceived loophole. What is the current
A short answer to the above-posed headline query in today’s blog post is this: You often don’t know, at least not immediately. And that can obviously be troubling, as well as tremendously consequential, for any Colorado resident who is arrested and sought to be convicted in a criminal matter. Police
It’s one thing to talk a tough game, and another thing to follow through on the rhetoric. Regarding the subject of drunk driving, Colorado law enforcers unquestionably do both. State motorists are regularly reminded by officials and criminal authorities of the outsized penalties and dire repercussion linked with DUI convictions
As we have written about many times before, Colorado law enforcement agencies will often coordinate and implement multiple DUI crackdowns throughout the year as part of the state’s “The Heat is On” DUI campaign. These DUI enforcement periods typically occur during holidays and other major events, including New Year’s, the
We all know the overriding strategy long employed in the so-called War on Crime against criminal suspects. Namely, what that has meant in Colorado and nationally is a slammed door in a state or federal penitentiary for a convicted offender. Unquestionably, a go-to and preferred outcome for many defendants —
In many states, with every New Year comes new laws, and Colorado is no exception. While Colorado lawmakers have enacted several laws that go into effect this year, here are four in particular that may impact Coloradans: Home marijuana growers: While the previous law typically allowed each person to cultivate
Surprise! Just a single drink can land drivers behind bars this holiday season. Why? Because Colorado has some of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country, not to mention that police are ramping up DUI patrols for much of December. In fact, Colorado’s “Holiday Party” DUI crackdown started almost
While holidays rarely go exactly as planned, many Coloradans had their Thanksgivings turned completely upside-down when they found themselves in the back of a police car instead of eating pumpkin pie. In fact, according to numbers recently released by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), police made 616 DUI arrests
Many news followers in Colorado and nationally are regularly bombarded with articles featuring all manner of story lines. Given the sheer number and diversity of competing news bits, it is course quite often the case that readers quickly scan over some stories with little or no regard for their details
Earlier this month, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) sparked a debate when it created a twitter poll asking Coloradans whether they thought DUI offenders should be forced to put special “scarlet letter” license plates on their cars. Essentially, these special license plates would identify vehicles belonging to those convicted of
Here we go again. If it seems to Colorado motorists that they are consistently under an enforcement microscope when out on state roads and highways, they should trust their instincts. Because they are. The Heat is On campaign ensures that result, with its DUI-related arrest-and-convict thrust being prominently displayed across
A blood alcohol content (BAC) reading below .08 percent does not guarantee you will avoid a drunk driving charge in Colorado. Many drivers assume the .08 threshold is a clear line between legal and illegal, but the reality is more complex. Colorado law allows officers to charge you with driving
It is not immediately clear whether the Colorado State Patrol was serious or not, but it’s certainly no joke that the CSP recently sought public input regarding the shaming of motorists convicted of drunk driving in the state. Specifically, a survey authored by the CSP asked Colorado residents whether they
According to advisory committee members who spent months revising the Denver Police Department’s recommended use-of-force policies, the suggestions were generally good in an overall sense. They were just too vague and didn’t go nearly far enough to instill public confidence. In contrast, the committee’s recently submitted proposals go a good
If you are planning to go out and have a few drinks this Halloween, you better make sure you have a designated driver. Starting today (Oct. 27) and running through next Wednesday (Nov. 1), you can expect to see extra DUI enforcement on Colorado roadways. This increased enforcement period is
It can hardly be argued that the Colorado sex-offender registry is a controversial, even contentious, law enforcement tool. On the one hand, proponents understandably laud it. They say that it serves to promote safety by educating the public as to offenders, relevant details of their criminal past and their current
Have police cited you for several traffic-related offenses over the last few years. If so, you may at risk of being branded a “habitual traffic offender” — a label that carries serious consequences under Colorado law. In fact, if you are a habitual traffic offender and are caught driving while
It’s one thing when flawed calculations lead to a lost poker hand or a bit of incorrect tallying in a check book. And it’s quite another when they wrongly deny a locked-up human being years of freedom to which he or she is entitled. Apparently, number crunchers and statisticians at
A sad reality that occasionally surfaces on Colorado roadways and elsewhere across the United States is road rage, which can lead to truly dire results for both offenders and victims. The sources of road rage are understandably many and complex, ranging from sheer uncontrolled anger to more subtle issues linked
A few weeks ago, we told you about the upcoming Labor Day DUI blitz in Colorado. This particular DUI crackdown is part of the state’s larger “The Heat in On” DUI campaign, which consists of 14 specific DUI enforcement periods that occur throughout the year, including the most recent one
The recreational use of marijuana may be legal under Colorado law, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs (DUID) if you smoke pot before getting behind the wheel. In fact, Colorado law expressly states that there is a “permissible inference” that
Here’s something to consider regarding personal breathalyzers that retail for about 80 bucks and are currently being touted by Colorado officials: Given that the considerably more expensive and sophisticated breathalyzers employed by the Colorado State Patrol and police agencies statewide are sometimes found to deliver erroneous blood-alcohol results, how foolproof
Colorado is in the middle of yet another DUI crackdown — making it the fifth one this summer since, and including, Memorial Day weekend. From August 18 until September 5, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local law enforcement departments will be joining forces
According to a recent report by WalletHub, Colorado ranks 11th in the nation when it comes to which states have the strictest stance on driving under the influence (DUI). While Arizona received the top ranking, Colorado’s placement in the 11th spot means The Centennial State takes a more aggressive stance
It Sounds Minor, Until You’re Facing Fines, Points, or Jail Time You might think a careless driving charge in Colorado is nothing more than a glorified traffic ticket. After all, it’s not reckless driving. You didn’t hit anyone. You weren’t drinking. You just made a mistake. But here’s the truth:
Earlier this week, several new Colorado laws went into effect, including the new felony DUI law that requires jail time for certain repeat offenders. While this new DUI law is certainly important — which is why we talked about it on Wednesday — there is actually another law that went
There is no question — and certainly no media outlet arguing otherwise — that current U.S. Attorney General is anything other than a law-and-order type of guy. That is, Sessions’ on-the-record comments, recently issued memos, strident calls for a return to harsher sentencing recommendations and other actions make it eminently
We would ask our readers across Colorado to try to imagine for just a moment the sheer consternation of criminal prosecutors in another state earlier this year when they had to ditch more than 21,000 drug cases they were working on. It turned out that one of their colleagues in
Thanks to Amendment 64, Coloradans over the age of 21 can now possess one ounce of less or marijuana for personal use without having to fear criminal prosecution under Colorado law. Unfortunately, though, drug-sniffing dogs may not have received this memo — meaning many may have to be retrained, particularly
Even though a recent change in Colorado law increased the penalty for texting while driving from $50 per violation to $300 per violation, thanks to some interesting language contained in this new law, many people are now confused about whether texting behind the wheel may now be legal in certain
The Click It or Ticket program that commands uniform appeal for traffic law enforcers nationally yielded some impressive results in its most recent application across Colorado. To wit: Reportedly, the spring initiative — “meant to serve as a reminder to drivers as we enter the summer months,” notes one state
The Colorado State Patrol (CSP), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local law enforcement departments will be teaming up this Fourth of July weekend to target suspected impaired drivers. This upcoming crackdown is part of Colorado’s “The Heat is On” DUI enforcement campaign, which consists of several increased enforcement periods
The language of law is one of nuance. Readers likely know the common standard under law for supporting a charge of driving under the influence is testing indicating the suspect’s blood alcohol level is .08 percent or more. For drugs, the standards are less clear, but authorities still have legal
Passed by the Colorado Senate in March and the House in April, Governor John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 17-027 on June 1 — and, in doing so, dramatically increased the penalties for texting while driving in the Centennial State. Now, any driver allegedly caught texting behind the wheel will face
As in most states, you risk losing your license if you fail to maintain a clean driving record in Colorado. In fact, points will be added to your driving record for every traffic infraction you receive — and if you get too many points, your license will be suspended. However,
Colorado readers who peruse our posts with some regularity might have had a strong premonition after consideration of an entry we wrote earlier this spring regarding a botched office process relevant to the charging and conviction of alleged inebriated drivers in the state. As we noted in our March 22
You’ve likely heard something about Tiger Woods and his recent drunk driving incident, right? Wait a minute. Hopefully, many of our readers across Colorado balked instantly after reading the opening sentence of this blog post, noting quickly that there was just something not quite right about it. And, indeed, it
Every year, it’s the same, right? First, state officials lead up to the extended Memorial Day holiday weekend with a campaign blitz of drinking-and-driving-related information and stated initiatives focused on potential DUI stops and attendant repercussions. And then, over the course of several days, it is indeed the case that
Two months ago, Utah became the first state in the nation to lower the legal blood-alcohol-content (BAC) level for driving from .08 percent to .05 percent — a controversial move to many. While this law still hasn’t actually gone into effect in Utah, it has nevertheless raise the idea that
Here’s a fundamental point about traffic tickets received in Denver and across Colorado: Although one or two of them spread out over time might reasonably seem to be nothing more than isolated instances without much cumulative effect, violations can in effect add up in an alarming manner, with state authorities
Let’s face it, Colorado’s drunk driving laws can be extremely confusing, especially when you consider all of the possible offenses, including driving while ability impaired (DWAI), driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), just to name a few. And, now that the
Like many other states, Colorado has an expressed consent law that states that drivers are “deemed to have expressed [their] consent” to chemical testing simply by driving anywhere within Colorado. This means that police will likely ask you to submit to a breath or blood test should they pull you
At the experienced traffic violations law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., in Denver, we are certainly not averse to citing an arguably tabloid-tinged story to make an instructive and personally relevant point for our readers across Colorado. In doing so, we note that stories involving celebrities or other
While the campaign to help stop teenage drug use is still in full swing and is leading to a reduction in adolescent alcohol and drug use, there is a new age group that is becoming a high-risk population. The baby boomer generation is showing an increase in both alcohol and
People working within the criminal justice system readily perceive that judges are busy people, with built-in job leisure not being something that routinely features in their typical work day. Given their hectic schedules and sobering work responsibilities, many judges willingly embrace whatever tools come their way that enhance productivity. They
DUI-related stories and reports — emanating from both Colorado and elsewhere across the country — are increasingly citing data and other information germane to so-called “DUID” (driving under the influence of drugs) offenses. And that is only natural, given the steady progression of states that are liberalizing their laws regarding
If you read our blog posts chronicling criminal law stories and developments relevant to Colorado, you likely harbor no illusions concerning the uniform stance of state officials toward alleged drug-crime activities and their zero-sum insistence upon aggressively prosecuting and seeking harsh sentencing outcomes for offenders. Indeed, although Colorado is widely
The first quarter statistics of 2017 has shown a drop of 33 percent in marijuana-related DUI traffic stops, which has been steadily declining each year. Even with the decline, officials are still skeptical about whether this decrease can be attributed to fewer drivers being under the influence or is simply
Colorado authorities have never been compromising or lenient to any extent when it comes to prosecuting drinking-related offenses and seeking harsh outcomes for convicted offenders. The state’s felony DUI statute is a case in point. That enactment, which became law in 2015, makes a fourth and any subsequent DUI offense
The word is out that the Colorado Supreme Court recently heard arguments for appealing the state’s DUI implied consent laws, based on a trio of appeals of lower court rulings. According to an article published in the Denver Post, the Colorado Supreme Court Justices ruled against the appellants’ arguments in
We note on a relevant page of our website that Colorado’s drug laws are in flux and constantly evolving. Given that reality, we duly point out that any state resident facing a criminal charge related to a crime like drug sale and distribution or drug trafficking might want to “seriously
A police officer stopped you. After talking to you, the officer suspects you of impairment. The officer requests a breath test, and you comply. The machine determines that your blood alcohol concentration level equals or exceeds .08 percent (Colorado’s legal limit), and the officer places you under arrest for drunk
For decades, auto manufacturers have been under federal mandate to equip all cars made for American roads with seat restraints and, more recently, with front passenger airbags. The research regarding seat belts saving lives is irrefutable and most people today buckle up. While 34 states have passed “primary enforcement” laws
Some Coloradans have little — if any — problem dealing financially with traffic tickets and linked driving-related exactions that are levied upon them by enforcement officials. For others, well, that is decidedly not the case. Candidly, and as is true for legions of drivers in Denver and across the state,
Proven criminal defense attorneys in Colorado and across the country are never surprised upon hearing stories of less-than-accurate work being uncovered in DNA testing labs in the various states. And they don’t feel vindicated in any “see, I told you so” manner when results leak into the public that irregularities
Just how serious are Colorado law enforcers when it comes to looking for alleged impaired drivers and obtaining criminal drunk driving convictions? Let a few material details relating to St. Patrick’s Day answer that question. Here’s one: Law enforcement agencies across the state ramped up their DUI focus big time
Colorado residents and Americans across the country are increasingly learning — as proven criminal defense attorneys already know intimately well — that online surveillance of an Internet user’s behavior (such as specific site visits, downloads, uploaded photos, files and images, and so forth) plays a central — and incessantly growing
People unwittingly making errors. We prominently reference that human reality on our website at the proven Denver criminal defense law firm of Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., because it centrally and recurrently features in our strong client advocacy. We note therein the simple truth “that good people make mistakes.” And
Maybe you had a couple of drinks with family or friends. Maybe you got behind the wheel afterward. A police officer stopped you and after conducting some tests, he or she suspected you of driving under the influence. Does an arrest equal a conviction? An arrest does not equal a
Teens sometimes get into trouble. They might play their music too loudly or get into fights at school. One thing parents never want to find out is that their newly licensed teen has been drinking and driving. Not only is drinking underage illegal, but drinking and driving is illegal as
Today’s post focuses on some problematic issues relevant to the field sobriety testing conducted by police officers in Colorado and elsewhere on motorists they suspect may be driving drunk. The bottom line, as espoused in one instructive media piece/report (somewhat dated, but with enduring timeliness): Those tests are anything but
While many people see drugs as a criminal issue, for the people who are using them, drugs are more of a health issue. Drug addiction is a real issue that must be addressed if the person is going to have any hope of getting clean and avoiding future criminal charges.
Stories like the below recur with some sense of regularity across the United States. When they do, they understandably garner a lot of ink and adverse press, and rightfully so, given that there are immediately adverse outcomes spelled for individuals who are victimized by the details they reveal. We spotlighted
Domestic violence charges can come after a variety of situations occur. We recently discussed how stalking someone might end with you facing criminal charges based on that behavior. This is only one example. Other examples include physical violence, financial abuse, and emotional abuse. We know that you don’t want to
False accusations of rape can ruin a person’s life. It hurts their reputation and impacts everything from social relationships to jobs. It’s important that a victim is believed when he or she comes forward, but it’s equally vital that anyone accused of sexual assault or rape has a chance to
If you’ve been enjoying the benefits of a good, strong drink for a number years, it’ easy to underestimate just how intoxicated you are. The human body builds up a remarkable tolerance to alcohol, leaving many individuals who are legally impaired believing that they are perfectly fine to operate a
Here’s an immediate and closely relevant fact concerning family violence in Colorado: It’s a widely perceived universe. That is, the range of activity that an alleged victim can cite as problematic, and the myriad types of criminal charges that can be levied against an accused offender, comprise a broad gamut
Underage drinking and driving is a very serious crime that can have significant impacts on your entire future. Think about how difficult it might be to have to tell a possible employer that you have a criminal record because of an underage drinking and driving conviction. You could face the
For those who like to occasionally meet and socialize outside their homes with friends (and, candidly, who doesn’t fit that description?), is it really propitious that St. Patrick’s Day — certainly on the short list of any calendar entry vying for top-party day of the year — falls on a
A new bill is making its way through the legislature that may significantly change the way that those convicted of habitual domestic violence or felony stalking are treated by the court. The bill is part of a response to public outrage after a woman who filed a restraining order against
Unless you happen to be an adult who favors a stern and uncompromising criminal law outcome for an offender in every instance, you likely view that some lenience should logically attach to sentences meted out to youthful offenders in Colorado and elsewhere. And, candidly, it’s not hard to see why
Life as a professional over-the-road driver can be both exhilarating and challenging. Whether you are a bus driver who helps people get where they need to be going, or you are an interstate long-haul freight trucker, you know that your position presents you with a unique responsibility to stay safe
Whether you are the proud owner of a brand new, high-power turbo sports car, or you are happy driving the same old pre-owned vehicle you got a great deal on at the used car lot, car maintenance is a necessary part of keeping your car on the road. Regularly checking
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, there’s a chance you could be accused of vehicular homicide or manslaughter. There is a particularly high chance of this if you’ve been charged with a DUI for driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08 percent or if it appears that
Domestic violence is always heartbreaking, but it is even more so when its victims are innocent children. Recently, a 2-year-old girl from Westminster died, and authorities suspect domestic violence played a part after finding that the young girl suffered head trauma. The last individual to be seen with the young
Nearly a year ago, in February of 2016, a man crashed his vehicle into the patrol car of an Adams County deputy, leaving the deputy gravely injured. The victim suffered two fractured vertebrae, while the driver has now been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his conviction of driving
Colorado’s recent felony DUI expansion was brought to bear in a very real way recently, during the sentencing of a man who had numerous prior DUI convictions across several states. The defendant was appearing to face his ninth DUI charge in Colorado. The district attorney handling the case took the
Teens have many driving restrictions imposed on them, and many of those restrictions are for good reason. For instance, did you know that teens in Colorado have a passenger limit? For the first six months of a teen’s license, there can be no passengers under the age of 21 in
Law enforcement officials have various tools in their arsenal to try to prevent drunk driving. Some people push against these tools because they don’t think they are effective or feel they place too big of a burden on the people who are subjected to them. Ignition interlock devices are one
What is implied consent? Does it apply in Colorado? If you ever ask yourself these questions, then you’re probably wondering if a police officer can force you to take a Breathalyzer test. The truth is that in Colorado, the implied consent law gives police permission to take your blood alcohol
You consider yourself a very responsible person. Even when you get together with friends after work for a drink or two, you know your limits and are careful not to exceed them, especially when you plan to drive yourself home. So, what happens when police pull you over? Perhaps you
Underage drinking may seem like something that everybody does and no one cares as long as it’s in a relatively safe environment, but the law does not always see it that way. It is true that very few individuals actually wait until they are 21 years of age to taste
When police pulled you over, it may have been because your taillight was out or you forgot to use a turn signal when you changed lanes. However, even if it was something more serious, like running a stop sign or speeding, you may have been surprised and confused when the
After your third DUI, you may have promised yourself and others that you would not make that mistake again. The financial and personal damage you experienced probably lingered for months or even years. Despite all that, you found yourself on the other side of a Breathalyzer looking at a fourth
If you’ve ever been pulled over while driving in Colorado, you understand what a disconcerting experience it can be. Many people panic and try to remember where they placed their vehicle registration cards or proofs of insurance. If you’ve had a drink or two in recent hours, you might be
While we enjoy many freedoms here in Colorado that have yet to spread to the rest of the country, those freedoms do carry with them the potential to bring great harm when abused. A young man has come to terms with this tragic reality after pleading guilty to two counts
Some drug charges include a charge for the paraphernalia that is associated with the drugs. In some instances, a person can face charges for the paraphernalia without having to face charges for the actual drugs. While drug paraphernalia charges aren’t usually as harsh as the laws for drug possession or
Domestic violence is not a welcome part of anyone’s holiday season, but for many people, spending time with family this year will mean that old tensions and conflicts have the opportunity to flare up in ugly, destructive ways. Family tensions flared far out of control for one Colorado man recently,
When you are facing sex crime charges of any sort, your life might seem to stop. The people who you once socialized with might not be willing to be associated with you any longer. You might be forced out of your job pending the outcome of your case. This can
If you’re pulled over and have your blood alcohol levels tested, you know that you could face a DUI if it comes back over 0.08 percent. A blood alcohol concentration test isn’t always accurate, so there are defenses if it does come back positive. The BAC test levels give law
Tis the season for holiday parties and family gatherings, and with this increase in festive activities comes an increase in opportunities for driving after drinking. It is easy, and far too common, to assume that it’s no big deal to have a few drinks at a holiday party or big
A good moment can so quickly become a regrettable one when tempers run unchecked. Two of University of Colorado’s players, fresh off clinching a victory that placed the team in the Pac-12 title game, came to blows while celebrating at bar after the win. What could have been a relatively
Deaths in motor vehicle accidents that occur during Christmas are caused by drunk drivers approximately 41 percent of the time. The New Year’s Holiday is no better, with 58 percent of deaths caused by drunk driving. At other times of the year, drunk driving causes approximately 29 percent of all
Sex-related crimes can sometimes hinge on he-said-she-said evidence; however, there are some cases that include forensic evidence. This type of evidence can have a huge impact on the case, so it is important for people who are facing a sex crime charge that is based on forensic evidence to understand
Domestic violence has been on the rise in Colorado, with an above-average of incidents reported resulting in the loss of a life. These situations are always terrible, especially when a person is killed. The concerning trend continued recently when a man in El Paso County engaged in a several-hour standoff
In a previous blog post, we discussed some of the penalties that are possible for driving with a suspended driver’s license. That is only one type of traffic offense that can have a serious consequence on your life. If you are facing any type of traffic offense, be sure to
For those in Denver who choose to partake in recreational marijuana, the matter is still not as simple as “it’s legal, you can smoke wherever you want.” Of course, other substances such as tobacco and alcohol face similar restrictions, too. Despite the passage of Initiative 300, smoking marijuana is legal,
Parents and teens have been at odds for generations. From parents forbidding their kids from listening to Elvis Presley records due to his pelvic dance moves to today’s battles over cell phones, the song and dance remains the same. There is one thing that is as true today as it’s
A person facing charges related to domestic violence often holds out hope that a reconciliation will put an end to the criminal charges. That isn’t how these things work, in most cases, so it is important for those facing domestic violence charges to understand this. When it comes to criminal
No one wants to hurt another person in a moment of foolishness, but drunk drivers often find themselves in just this situation. Unfortunately, those same drivers often make the double mistake of being overcome by the weight of the situation and making things much worse for themselves in the process.
Underage drinking can get a minor into a lot of trouble with the law. As a parent, you may be looking into ways to talk to your child about underage drinking, so you can try to prevent any underage arrests or drinking-related issues. It’s important to be clear and open
If you’re accused of a sexual assault crime, you may think that you’re out of luck. Fortunately, there are ways to defend yourself. It can be difficult to prosecute a sexual assault case; in most cases, there are actually only two witnesses. Those two witnesses are the alleged victim and
When you are accused of sex-related crimes, your future is unsure. You are facing possible time in prison, fines and other penalties if you are convicted. There aren’t any guarantees in these cases, so you should be sure that you shore up your defense to prepare for trial. Your defense
Initiative 300 could open the door to marijuana use being allowed in any Denver restaurant, bar or business. The Denver Post reports that this may not be a good idea for Colorado, because it could lead to an increase in drugged driving. Drugged driving threatens everyone including the driver, passengers
People are often surprised when told that Thanksgiving Eve is statistically the biggest drinking night of the year, even beating out such bubbly holidays as New Year’s Eve and Saint Patrick’s Day. However, it makes perfect sense when you stop to think about a few factors that increase the likelihood
If you decide that a plea bargain is something you want to do in your case, you need to understand the different parts of the charge that you can actually negotiate. First, you have charge bargaining, which involves the negotiation of your charges. Here’s an example: If you are charged
The holidays are just around the corner, and that means that it is time to start planning the social events. Many of these social events, including Halloween parties, will include alcohol. If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverage, now is the time that you should start planning how to get
If you’re accused of sexual assault, then you could face a number of serious penalties. You have a chance to defend yourself, and you should take the time to understand the penalties you could face if you decide not to. With the right defense, you may be able to lower
Federal agents made a major breakthrough in a long-term operation that targeted heroin trafficking in and around Denver. The three-month long operation culminated in the arrest of 54 individuals. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency undertaking the operation, was specifically targeting immigrants who were in Colorado illegally. According to
Should drivers be on the road while under the influence of alcohol? You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who would answer “yes” to that question. However, it is still important that efforts to curb DUI and protect innocent motorists and passengers do not threaten the rights of law abiding
People who haven’t yet reached the legal drinking age of 21 years old can face very serious charges if they are found driving after consuming alcohol. These charges can mean that your entire life is going to change because of one seemingly small mistake. We know that sounds harsh, but
Sexual assault crimes are not always violent ordeals or the result of unwanted sexual advances. In some cases, sexual assault charges can stem from ostensibly consensual behavior between individuals whom the law does not deem both capable of sexual consent. A Denver woman is facing such charges in relation to
Sex-related crimes of any sort are difficult to have to stand against. When the crime is one that involves a child, it can be especially difficult for defendants to fight back against the claims of the prosecution. Understanding some of the basic points about criminal sexual acts against children might
A grizzly scene concluded much better than it was meant to recently, when a Colorado man was unsuccessful in his attempt to kill his 2-year-old son. The man is currently facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, child abuse, possession of a controlled substance and vehicular manslaughter, among others. The crash
A routine traffic stop took an unexpected turn recently and resulted in arrests for three individuals suspected of the murder of a Colorado man. Officers in Illinois found that a car they had pulled over belonged to a man whose body had later been found, while the car itself contained
It may be that you forgot your license at home, had an emergency and had to get somewhere despite not having a license or that you simply wanted to travel even though your license had been taken away, but if you’ve been accused of driving without a license, your reputation
In a previous blog post, we discussed the difference between sexual contact and sexual assault. If you recall, the big difference is whether there was penetration or not. Sexual contact doesn’t involve penetration and sexual assault does involve penetration. This difference is only factor that can affect your case. Another
Those who face some forms of domestic violence charges are in for a harsh awakening from some new Colorado legislation. Just three months ago, new legislation was passed making it a felony to strangle another person, and the Denver County District Attorney has been prosecuting strangulation cases with impressive zeal.
It’s important for every driver to understand the responsibility associated with operating a motor vehicle. If for any reason you get lazy, there’s a good chance that you could be pulled over and charged with some type of traffic violation. It’s important to understand the consequences associated with each type
Teens who get behind the wheel and drive drunk are taking a very dangerous risk. They risk getting into an accident that could harm them, their passengers or other drivers on the road. Even if nothing happens, a traffic stop could lead to penalties from the police; these punishments can
If you’ve been suffering because of the loss of a loved one after a car accident, you may be wondering what the law will do to protect others and to punish the persons who caused your family member’s death. One thing the law may do is classify the case as
Facing a drunk driving charge doesn’t mean that you should resign yourself to have to face harsh penalties. In fact, it is possible that your defense strategy might be able to get you out of having to spend time in prison. One Colorado man facing a sixth charge for driving
A young man is facing some peculiar charges in the wake of an alleged incident involving domestic assault to both a human and a kitten. The 19-year old man was accused of strangling and assaulting his girlfriend after she attempted to intervene while he was allegedly strangling her kitten. The
A Montana man’s previous convictions for driving under the influence in Colorado may influence his sentencing, following his eighth DUI arrest in another state. The man was pulled over after passing a police officer at a reported speed of 51 miles per hour in an area zoned at 35 mph.
If you’ve been accused of traffic-related crimes or infractions, it’s important that you know that you have the right to defend yourself. You can decide that you don’t accept the ticket you’ve been given or don’t agree with the traffic offense charges you face. Your attorney can help you defend
A woman is facing 11 criminal counts for allegedly posting false Craigslist ads in an attempt to hurt her ex-boyfriend’s regnant wife. The twisted tale includes some very disturbing details. If she is convicted on all the charges she is facing, she could spend the rest of her life behind
Authorities in Baraboo, Wisconsin, are pointing fingers at Colorado after arresting two young men who they say traveled for hours to cross state lines to purchase significant quantities of marijuana and returned to Wisconsin with the intent to sell. According to authorities, one of the young men had been making
Drinking and driving is dangerous, and most drivers are aware of that. Some may keep their own Breathalyzers, so they can test themselves before they get behind the wheel. Can these machines be wrong, though? If yours can be wrong, does that mean an officer’s Breathalyzer test could be inaccurate,
Statutory rape is something that can sometimes be misunderstood. There are many laws in place that prevent people over the age of 21 from having sexual relationships with minors. However, there are also laws in place that allow certain age gaps and acceptable age limits. The age of consent varies
Colorado drivers might not realize this, but when you get your driver’s license, you are agreeing that you will submit to breath and blood tests if law enforcement officers think you might be driving drunk. A recent United States Supreme Court ruling is now calling the Colorado law that behind
Sometimes, domestic violence calls may be a little overexaggerated. There are times when people get into heated arguments and do things they don’t mean to do or what they regret doing, and there are other times when people outside the situation assume something happened that didn’t. Police have determined that
It is a commonly known fact that most people don’t wait until they are 21 years old to consume alcohol, but it doesn’t mean that it is legal for people who aren’t yet 21 to enjoy a drink. Being caught drinking by a law enforcement officer is bad enough by
We all have our favorite television crime drama and we’ve all heard these words: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. you have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an
If you were in an accident and have been accused of drunk driving, you know you have the right to fight that charge. It can quickly become harder to do so if you’re accused of mocking or laughing after the accident, though, like in this case. That’s why having your
Colorado has become quite famous in the last several years for its progressive laws regarding marijuana possession and use. Many people may assume that this relatively lax attitude toward marijuana extends to any and all controlled substances, but it this is a dangerously false assumption. When it comes to other,
Youths who are involved in illegal activities, such as underage drinking and driving, often have risk factors that tip the tables of likelihood toward delinquent behaviors. On the other side of the matter are the protective factors that can help the juvenile to stay away from delinquent behaviors that can
Manufacturing or cultivating illegal drugs is a federal and state crime in most cases, except for a few exceptions in the case of marijuana legality. In criminal law, an individual who is involved in any aspect of illicit drug production can be accused of a crime, potentially imprisoned and fined.
Drunk driving and other traffic violations can get you into deep trouble with the law, particularly if you cause injuries to others. When you choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, you’re making a personal choice to put yourself and others in harm’s way. There are ways to defend
Felony convictions can sometimes affect your ability to collect government assistance that can sometimes help you get on your feet when you get out of prison or try to start your new life. This sad situation is one that can have a huge negative impact on a person who is
Any kind of criminal charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is serious. However, when a person’s actions behind the wheel result in the death of another person, it becomes a much more serious incident. This is true not just in Colorado but in all other
The temptation to consume alcohol before a person turns 21 years old is considerable. Peer pressure and the desire to appear cool are sometimes the factors that encourage people who aren’t yet old enough to drink alcohol legally to consume the forbidden beverages. The issue that comes into the picture
When we hear about DUI or DWI,charges, many people think they they are alcohol related. That isn’t always the case. It is possible to face DUI or DWI charges because of drugs. There are some important facts you should know about drugged driving. Not all drugged driving charges are related
If you’re accused of drinking and driving or being under the influence of drugs behind the wheel, your freedom can be put at risk in Colorado. In fact, if you’ve been convicted previously, you could be looking at time in prison or hefty fines. The state of Colorado takes these
The Memorial Day holiday is nearly upon us. The long weekend is the traditional kickoff to what most everyone hopes will be a long, enjoyable period of summer recreation. But just as Colorado and the other states have laws against driving under the influence, it also has laws against boating
Texting is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of communicating. While most people send texts that are harmless, others send texts that are sexual in nature. Those sexual texts have been termed sexts. What some people might not realize is that sexting can actually lead to legal issues
Sexual assault is a serious charge, and when someone is faced with it, the stories can quickly begin to build against them. When an alleged victim comes forward, it’s typically required that the police look into the allegations, but this can mean painting a person’s reputation in a bad light.
When a Colorado police officer suspects a person of driving under the influence of alcohol, the officer will likely perform a field sobriety test to confirm his or her suspicions. In the eyes of the law, a person is considered intoxicated when a sobriety test registers a 0.08 percent or
Well, it’s quite a picture indeed, and evidence that any police department would submit in a hurry to contest a probable cause challenge questioning why a motorist was stopped on a roadway. There it is: As described in a news account of a stop that eventually resulted in a motorist
In order to drive legally on Colorado’s roadways, you need to have a valid driver’s license. If you are pulled over by police officers and don’t have a valid driver’s license, you can face criminal charges. It is important that anyone who is driving without a valid license understands what
Sexual assault cases require a defense that is customized to answer or call into question the basic points that the prosecution intends to make about the incident. It is necessary for any defendant who is facing these charges to understand how each option might affect their defense. Most people who
Here’s a tale of woe from outside Colorado that has a “there but for the grace of God” tinge to it. To wit: A man in another state was suspected by police officers of being in possession of an illegal drug. That state allows — as does Colorado — law
Abby Wambach is used to having her picture taken. In fact, Wambach has been in front of cameras much of her life, which is a pretty predictable outcome, giving her sterling soccer-related resume. Among other things, that shining document readily reveals these accomplishments: With 184 goals, all-time leading American national
Here is something that is characteristic and instantly notable about a drunk driving arrest and charge in Denver or elsewhere across Colorado. It is egalitarian. By that we mean this: Just about any person who has ever had a drink or two and gotten behind the wheel can potentially be
If you’re a Colorado parent concerned or involved with a child’s alcohol-related entanglement with enforcement officials and the judicial system and looking for a bit of professional empathy, you’ve come to the right place. Know with certainty that the lawyers of the Denver law firm Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.,
As we have mentioned so many times prior to this, getting a lawyer when you have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is absolutely vital. Today, we’re going to focus in on just one of the details during a DUI case at trial, and why
It wasn’t even three weeks ago that we brought you the story of a man who was arrested for the 10th time on the charge of driving under the influence. That’s an astonishing number of DUI arrests, but one of the other main points from that story is that the
Last week, we wrote a post that served as a warning to Colorado residents about drinking during the Super Bowl and then getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Many people heeded that warning — and unfortunately, many people didn’t. According to a task force of 76 law enforcement
When you hear about a drunk driving case, chances are you aren’t thinking about it occurring on a body of water. However, boating under the influence is a very real charge, and it carries many of the same penalties that a DUI has. The penalties are largely influenced by the
A new program that began in South Dakota is making headlines for it’s effectiveness when it comes to keeping repeat DUI offenders sober. The program is straightforward and not particularly advanced in a technological sense. But the efficacy of the program has been heralded by many officials and researchers. The
Most people know that if they choose to drive here in Colorado after they have consumed alcohol, they run the risk of getting pulled over by police and may face DUI charges. It’s for this very reason that a lot of people choose to remain sober before driving or wait
This Sunday is the Super Bowl, a day that is, at least symbolically, a national holiday. Many people will gather with friends and family to watch the big game. Here in Colorado, this takes on a very special feel because the Denver Broncos are in the Super Bowl for the
A couple of months ago, we wrote a post about blood alcohol tests and how the results of those tests can be successfully challenged by the people who are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. Well, as many Denver residents have likely heard over the last few days,
A woman was arrested for driving under the influence twice in the span of a week, and three times during a nine-month span. The police seem dismayed at a justice system that wasn’t doing enough to punish the woman. While this didn’t happen here in Colorado, it still shows the
When someone is accused of a crime and they say “I didn’t do it,” most people would hear that explanation and raise an eyebrow or roll their eyes. It’s such a cliched answer that it is nearly impossible to take it seriously. And yet, in some cases, this explanation may
While the following story didn’t occur here in Colorado, the subject at hand is still relevant no matter where you live. In this case, a person with prior DUI convictions was pulled over on Christmas Eve and arrested for driving under the influence. Considering the man’s prior convictions, he was
In our last post, we talked about how the police are going to be launching another round of DUI patrols during the holiday season in the state of Colorado. This isn’t particularly surprising, nor is it specific to the state of Colorado. These holiday DUI patrols happen all across the
Dubbed a “holiday party DUI patrol,” the Colorado Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies — along with state patrols — covered a lot of ground from Dec. 4 to Dec. 14 in their goal to catch impaired drivers. During the massive operation, 596 people were arrested for driving
In our last post, we talked about the controversial DUI case from Colorado that may go before the U.S. Supreme Court. In that case, a dubious blood draw which garnered police the BAC levels of the person accused of drunk driving was ruled inadmissible by a judge because it was
Living here in Colorado, most of our readers have probably heard the ongoing DUI story involving Jack Schaufele, a man who caused a crash and was found to have a blood alcohol level that was almost three time the legal limit. He was arrested on DUI charges, but a state
Last week we wrote a post about underage drinking and driving. Though it is an uncommon charge, it is still a crime that warrants serious attention because the teens who commit this crime could have their futures ruined forever. Thankfully, a new survey released by the Centers for Disease Control
If you have been convicted of a DUI in the past, then you are well aware of the punishment that such a crime can inflict on the individual. Your life can be thrown into chaos, as you struggle to hold a job or find a new one, let alone deal
As we all know, the legal blood alcohol limit for a driver is 0.08. That BAC level is uniform across the country. However, that is the law that applies to adults who don’t operate commercial vehicles. People who drive taxis, trucks, buses — they are subject to more stringent BAC
Holidays are a time for family gatherings and delicious feasts. It is also a time for increased patrols and higher numbers of traffic citations. Alcohol is not the only culprit blamed for violations on Thanksgiving. Many people cite turkey, more specifically the tryptophan in the bird, as the reason for
The ramifications of a DUI arrest are far reaching, even if the person accused of the crime is never convicted of drunk driving. In fact, this really goes for any crime, though we are going to focus the discussion on DUI offenses. When you are accused or convicted of a
While the following story didn’t occur here in Denver, Colorado, it carries significance no matter where you live. According to a report out of Lincoln, Nebraska, more than 180 DUI cases have been compromised as a result of an incorrectly-calibrated breath testing device. In the wake of the scandal, one
A 55-year-old has the unfortunate and dubious distinction of being the first person in Pitkin County, Colorado to be charged with a felony drunk driving crime. The 55-year-old man was accused of the crime last Wednesday after he was cited for either his fourth or fifth DUI. The reason the
They were dressed as Darth Vader and Batman, Elsa and Alice, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man. There were undoubtedly a few French maids on Colorado’s roads on Halloween night, as well as a few vampires, Oreo cookies, hot dogs and gladiators, too. And as a couple hundred drivers found out that
It was a typically busy noon-hour at a neighbor market. People were stopping by for sandwiches and salads, or to quickly grab a few items from its shelves stocked with fine cheeses, wines and baked goods. It was in those busy moments that an SUV slammed through the glass doors
The legend of the caped crusader endures. The stone-faced crime fighter is a mysterious figure. No one is quite sure who the Dark Knight might be behind the imposing mask. Now the Denver Police Department is adopting a mobile tool to help in its efforts to curtail drunk driving; a
We have all hear the terrible stories of people who are convicted of a crime. Their criminal history damages their reputation so severely that they struggle to complete even basic life tasks — and not necessarily because of their inability to get them done. It is almost always because of
Denver’s KMGH recently aired a report that claimed that 1 in 4 teenagers say they are willing to ride in a car driven by someone who has been drinking. One in 3 teens say they have ridden with a drunken driver in the past year. According to a survey taken
Halloween used to be all about how much candy kids could get as they went from house to house in Denver neighborhoods. But times and parents have changed. Halloween is more of a young adult event today than a kid’s holiday. In fact, the three biggest drinking days of the
The snow season has not started in Aspen, but an avalanche has already hit nearby Snowmass Village. As you might recall, city councilman Chris Jacobson was arrested for drunken driving this past summer. Following the arrest, Jacobson was captured on surveillance video trashing a holding cell by pulling out wires,
Colorado’s Fall Festival enforcement period is one of the longest of the year, running from mid-September through Monday, Oct. 26. The State Patrol said yesterday that it is going to ramp up enforcement this weekend with two goals: zero fatalities and zero tolerance for dangerous driving. Troopers will be out
On the Periscope website, the company says its app allows users to discover “the world through someone else’s eyes.” The application allows people to share with the world (or their friends) live video of whatever they’re doing, from hot air ballooning to mountain climbing to walking on a beach. Denver’s
It can begin with something as innocent and painful as a sprained ankle. Every time you take a step, you wince. Simple tasks are made difficult. The solution is simple: you ask your doctor for medication to keep the pain under control. He or she obliges — and that’s when
First, add up the bars per capita, and then include the liquor stores per capita. Add in the number of wineries per capita, drinking-related tweets and the city’s divorce rate. That’s how Roadsnacks came up with its list of “10 Drunkest Cities in Colorado.” While it might not be the
Thirteen is considered by many to be an unlucky number. A Colorado man who was recently arrested for the 13th time on charges of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and driving under the influence (DUI) might well agree. The Jefferson County man was riding a motorcycle down Interstate 70 when
Glory days, they’ll pass you by. Bruce Springsteen sang out truth in more than one song, including “Glory Days.” The lyrics might ring true for a man who once faced the Denver Broncos and John Elway on America’s biggest sports stage. Running back Jamal Anderson led the Atlanta Falcons to
A Northglenn man said he was “brutalized by police” when he was pulled over in an early-morning stop. He claims an office slammed him face-first into a parking lot on 120th Avenue just east of Interstate 25. The 32-year-old admits that he should not have been driving — he was
The cool breezes ripple through the yellow and bright red leaves, pulling them from the branches. The brightly colored fronds twirl and spin, dancing in the air before taking their final bows and landing softly on the ground. As we all know, autumn can be a breath-taking time of year.
An hour south of Denver, a Colorado man faces the possibility of 6 years in prison after arrested for what is reportedly his ninth drinking and driving offense. The 53-year-old El Paso County man was taken into custody after getting into a traffic accident shortly after 10 p.m. If convicted
Although the state of Colorado has likely seen a drop this year in the number of people arrested over the Labor Day drunken driving enforcement, Denver was not a major contributor to the good news. Last year, just over 1,100 drivers were busted for DUI during the Labor Day crackdown
The Colorado Department of Transportation recently handed out personal breathalyzers to people in downtown Denver. The idea behind the giveaway is to enable people to have a sense of how their blood alcohol content (BAC) rises with the consumption of a few drinks. CDOT gave passersby their very own Alcohoot
The irony of the chance encounter was not lost on a Colorado TV reporter writing about the first felony DUI arrest in Mesa County. A guest speaker at a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers meeting called law enforcement to report a driver she believed was drunk. As it turned out, the
The weather forecasts for the days leading up to the holiday are for a sizzling Denver. The Colorado Department of Transportation and State Patrol are already telling drivers across the state that the coming Labor Day weekend holiday will be blissfully long and hot — and they’re not referring to
Point guard Ty Lawson has found himself in hot water more than once, but he is apparently keeping things from boiling over. Traded earlier this summer from the Denver Nuggets to the Houston Rockets after his second DUI arrest within a year, the troubled star recently received praise from the
As its popularity in treating anxiety has soared over the years, Xanax — known in its generic form as alprazolam — has simultaneously become one of the most widely abused prescription drugs. The medication helps users feel relaxed and calm; sometimes sleepy and sometimes lightheaded. In those ways, it resembles
The data, the research and common sense tell us that both behaviors can be dangerous: drunken driving and distracted driving. But according to Colorado Springs law enforcement, distracted drivers are now the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the city 70 miles south of Denver. The National Highway Traffic Safety
The American public gets conflicting reports on health issues on a regular basis. Remember when pork, eggs and wine were deadly? (Or so they seemed from breathless news reports.) Now they’re apparently OK in moderation. There have also been contradictory news reports over the years about alcohol. “A glass of
Let’s face it: prison presents educational opportunities to learn new skills. A person in a Colorado state prison can learn how to burglarize homes and businesses, what to say to victims during an armed robbery and the proper way to cook meth, among other things. Prison puts together a large
Just as point guard Ty Lawson lit up opponents with his passing and scoring skills, so too did the Denver Nuggets light up sports media with their trade sending the troubled star to the Houston Rockets. In return for Lawson, the Nuggets are to receive four players and a first-round
When some people wake up, the first thing they do is reach over and give their sweetheart a good-morning kiss. Others reach over and check their phones for message, while still others stretch and yawn and head for the bathroom. One Colorado man recently woke up and tried to drive
For Denver residents familiar with the beauty and powder of Aspen, Snowmass Village might also ring a bell. The popular ski destination is between Woody Creek and Aspen. A little rain has fallen recently on a village known for its snow. Town councilman Chris Jacobson was arrested for drunken driving
It was a three-day weekend of fireworks, hot dogs, friends, picnics, family and fun. Last weekend’s Fourth of July celebration was also a time in which the Denver Police Department and other Colorado law enforcement agencies stepped up efforts to identify and arrest people driving under the influence of alcohol
On the first day of this month, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Services began toxicology testing for DUI cases involving alcohol or drugs. The testing service will spread to Denver later this year, the Colorado Springs Gazette reports. The deputy director of Forensic Services said her department’s employees will
It’s the nation’s birthday and celebrations are invariably loud and colorful. They smell good, too, with delicious scents wafting through the Denver air from grills ready to feed hungry masses of family and friends. Our skies will be lit up with fireworks and sometimes rear-view mirrors will be lit up,
There’s a certain arrogance and cockiness that comes with youth. As many of us recall from our younger days, it can feel as if you will live forever and that nothing bad will ever come your way. Those mistaken perceptions typically change during Denver high school days and at college.
Hoops fans and regular readers will no doubt recall that earlier this year we wrote about the run-in Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson had with an area police officer. In late January, Lawson was reportedly pulled over for speeding and then arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
“It’s bad enough when your identity is stolen,” a Denver TV station report begins. But how much worse is it when the person is arrested for DUI while using your name? And how much worse is all of that when the person allegedly responsible is your own mother? The story
Students attending colleges and universities in the Denver area and across the state of Colorado undoubtedly understand statements made by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. about youth and alcohol. The NCADD says alcohol is the most aggressively promoted, widely available intoxicant in the nation. It’s also
Denver residents might be familiar with the tiny town of Dillon as a pit stop on the way to Vail or Breckenridge. The mini municipality has a population of just 900 or so, including its mayor. While it’s rare for Dillon residents to make the news, the mayor recently nabbed
It’s a bit of a drive from Denver to Woody Creek. But for fans of the late gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson, it’s probably worth the circuitous, nearly four-hour trek. Perhaps the most famous landmark in the tiny town is Woody Creek Tavern, a rustic watering hole favored by Thompson,
Many times, people will see on Denver TV that someone suspected of a crime has agreed to a plea bargain and feel that the suspect got off easily. Many people have argued that plea bargains should be done away with entirely so that those found guilty have to deal with
Three days of fun, family, friends — and enhanced DUI patrols. That’s what Memorial Day weekend meant for many driving out of Denver to enjoy the wild wonders of Colorado. Unfortunately, those enhanced patrols resulted in a number of arrests across the state, including 33 people arrested for driving under
A few days ago, the Denver Channel reported that a 27-year-old Colorado man was sentenced to four years in prison after his conviction earlier this year on charges of vehicular homicide and DUI. He was arrested in March of last year after a crash near Fort Collins that killed his
His coaching record here in Denver at Metro State University is a jaw-dropping list of accomplishments. The Roadrunners have made the NCAA Division II tournament in each of his five years. They’ve appeared in the national title game, the Final Four, the Elite Eight and the Sweet Sixteen in that
A corsage, a boutonniere and a limo. A young man in a tuxedo poses for photos with a young woman in a gown. They are ready for the last high school dance of their lives on prom night. It’s a rite of passage filled with rituals that can be embarrassing
If you read the list of possible side effects of the sleep aid Ambien, it’s a wonder anyone take it at all. The drug usually causes no problems when taken properly, but in some cases it causes side effects such as “seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there,”
It’s a nightmare scenario. She was driving her Chrysler Pacifica at about 80 mph on a Colorado road last December. According to the State Patrol, she was headed west when her vehicle crossed the center of the road in a curve and slammed into an eastbound Nissan head-on. Two people
Perhaps you remember the classic rock song by Pink Floyd that begins with the line, “We don’t need no education.” The group railed in the anthem against being “Another Brick in the Wall.” Some Denver drivers arrested for, and convicted of drunken driving might well feel the sentiment surging in
Colorado has more than its share of college towns. From Denver to Boulder and from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs — and a number of spots in between — there are institutions of higher learning to be found. As is almost always the case with higher learning, there is also
If you live in one of the areas of Colorado famous for its ski resorts, you might well be someone who drinks alcohol on a regular basis. However, new research shows that folks in Aspen and Breckenridge and the like don’t drink heavily. They are more likely to have a
The car sits there, filling with smoke. It’s as if the vehicle is jammed with people smoking weed and getting high. Slowly the smoke clears, though, and neon letters inside begin to glow. “Drive High, Get a DUI,” the letters spell out. The Smoking Car is one of the marketing
The Denver Broncos know only part of this coming season’s schedule. They know which teams they will be paired against, but they don’t yet know on which dates the match-ups will occur. The NFL is releasing that information soon, but until then, the Broncos are quietly hoping to face the
Americans love to see how they stack up against the world and against each other. That might be one reason why the Colorado Department of Transportation has a website on which you can compare drivers in the counties in our state to see which ones arrested for DUI have the
You’ve undoubtedly seen the commercials on Denver TV stations or heard them on radio. The message is pretty clear: “buzzed driving is drunk driving,” say the ads. OK, that’s clear enough. But what is “buzzed driving”? According to researchers, it is driving while your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below
The snow line has receded, the Colorado Rockies are taking the field and the Denver air is warm with the promise of coming summer. Spring is here and that means law enforcement across the state is going to turn up the heat by increasing DUI patrols. The Colorado Department of
Denver Broncos fans likely remember linebacker Bruce Irvin of the Seattle Seahawks. He played on Seattle’s winning side in Super Bowl XLVIII. Irvin has made a few headlines in his short career, including his four-game suspension to start the 2013 NFL season for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.
A decade ago, a Colorado man was apparently drunk, drove off of an Arapahoe County road and into a ditch where he hit a traffic sign. He was arrested for DUI, and then a year later, he was arrested again for DUI. That time, he was found asleep in his
Is Level I education a class carpenters take to learn how to make sure boards on a horizontal surface are even? No. Is it a class for surveyors? Again, no. Level I Education refers to the classes offered by the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Office of Behavioral Health for
A recurring theme in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is wishes for the luck of the Irish. There are 50 people in Denver today who probably feel as if they are out of luck. DPD recently reported that its officers arrested 50 drivers during St. Patrick’s Day patrols in the city
Tomorrow morning, Denver’s pubs can expect unusually green and heavy traffic as the streets downtown fill with shamrock-festooned crowds there to watch the annual parade. It is all part of one of the nation’s biggest celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day. The Denver Police Department cautions city residents, though, that they
When you find yourself facing DUI or DUID charges in Colorado, countless questions may begin to run through you mind. How much will my fine be? Will I have to go to jail? How can I be charged with DUID now that marijuana is legal? In order to help answer
It’s the kind of traffic story no one wants to see: seven people injured in a crash, including two young girls and three young girls, as well as two women and a man. Their injuries include broken bones and ribs, according to a Denver TV station. The four-vehicle crash in
Longtime readers will undoubtedly recall some of our previous blog posts about Denver police officers who were arrested for allegedly driving drunk. Two more DPD officers have been arrested in recent days, including one about an hour south of us in Castle Rock. He was taken into custody by the
As part of his campaign to make Colorado residents the healthiest in the nation, Gov. John Hickenlooper has launched a PR campaign about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. “This campaign is just one part of a coordinated, statewide strategy that simultaneously restricts access to prescription drugs for illicit use,
Denver’s CBS TV affiliate reports that a man visiting a famous Colorado skiing area has been accused of mistaking a silver Jeep Cherokee for a silver Ford Escape. That was the first in a string of mistakes by the man, according to Steamboat Springs police. They say the 27-year-old got
Our world is increasingly filled with acronymns, abbreviations, jargon and buzzwords. Somewhere in those blizzards of letters and numbers, you can find SR-22. Some people think it’s a form of insurance required of drivers who commit a DUI, while others might recognize the letter-number combination but are not sure from
It’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it events on the calendar: Valentine’s Day. For those people in happy, committed relationships, it’s a wonderful day on which to relive memories of the first date or first kiss, and perhaps make new memories. For those who are newly divorced or who have recently been
It is pretty close to impossible to accurately predict the future, but we can say with a fair amount of certainty that in coming days the Denver Police Department and other Colorado law enforcement agencies will conduct drunk driving crackdowns. Looking at the calendar year stretching out before us, we
This past weekend’s Super Bowl will undoubtedly go down as one of the best in the history of the NFL. Of course, the Patriots-Seahawks game would have been infinitely better if the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning had been the victors instead of Tom Brady and the Pats. For some
It’s the penultimate football weekend with the biggest game of the year taking place this Sunday. Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos won’t be on the field for the Super Bowl. The game pitting the Patriots and the Seahawks will be the focal point of parties in homes and at sports bars
Sports fans recently woke up to the news that Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson had been arrested for drunken driving. Reports said it was Lawson’s second DUI arrest. Many people wonder what penalties Lawson could face if he’s convicted of a second-offense DUI. The Nuggets’ leading scorer was reportedly
Regular readers of our blog undoubtedly know that in Colorado, ignition interlock devices are part of the state’s DUI prevention and punishment efforts. An ignition interlock is a type of breathalyzer device installed at your expense in your vehicle. Before starting your car, you must blow into the device, which
Generals, movies and restaurants all get stars in recognition of excellence. So, too, do states get stars from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, based on efforts to stop impaired drivers from harming others. MADD recently released a report rating the 50 states; Colorado is one of 13 states to get the
An appeal by Arapahoe County prosecutors of a DUI case decision won’t be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court let stand a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that excluded blood test evidence in the case. The state had argued that law enforcement officials should be allowed to obtain blood
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Denver has a population of nearly 650,000 people. Aurora has about 300,000 fewer residents, for a population approaching 350,000. So which Colorado city had the most DUI arrests this past New Year’s Eve? The state’s Department of Transportation says the smaller
The biggest party of the year is often on the very last night of the year. We have written in recent days about the increased patrols law enforcement agencies have planned for the Denver metro area and across the state of Colorado, so it’s time to prepare for New Year’s
Just a few miles northwest of Denver sits suburban Broomfield. Early last month there was a tragic car accident in the town in which a 16-year-old Broomfield High School student was struck and killed while he was getting into his car. A few days ago, a 17-year-old Lafayette student was
Christmas time and New Year’s Eve are for many people the happiest times of year. Friends and families get together to celebrate the bonds that tie us together and to mark the passage of another year together. However, as many Denver drivers from Christmases past (and New Year’s Eve past)
If you have been convicted of a crime in Colorado, you may have realized that it is often difficult to take positive steps forward with your life with the weight of the conviction holding you back. Even being charged with a crime can have a detrimental effect on your life
If you are like many Colorado residents, you probably have multiple holiday parties and events to keep you busy this month from office outings to ugly sweater soirees. And maybe you are even throwing holiday festivity of your own. However, one way your holiday merriment can come to a screeching
With the relaxed laws on recreational marijuana use in Colorado the prospect of being accused of driving under the influence of marijuana seem to be on the rise. In Colorado, state law allows prosecutors to seek DUID charges based upon a chemical test showing five or more nanograms of THC
You might recall an odd news story from earlier this year about a party involving two Denver police officers and their wives. According to news reports, one couple had the other couple over to their house for drinks back in May. By the time the evening wore down, the four
The cranberries have been passed around the table, along with the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. The football games have been watched and the naps have been taken. Thanksgiving is once more in the rearview mirror, so it’s time to look back at those who saw police car lights go
According to Colorado media reports, a 56-year-old woman slammed her car into a house earlier this week. She knocked out the bedroom wall and the home’s front door. She then backed her vehicle out and over debris and drove off, law enforcement officials said. No one was injured in the
As Broncos fans know, the only thing better than a mile-high game at Denver’s Sports Authority Field is tailgating before the game. While we encourage fellow fans to enjoy all the festivities, we also want to cheer on everyone who designates a sober driver to safely navigate the post-game traffic.
You might recall Sandra Jacobson, the Denver woman convicted of killing two women in a 2009 crash. Jacobson was convicted of vehicular homicide and DUI and sentenced to 36 years in prison. However, the Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that she will get a new trial on the charges.
Acronyms seem to multiply faster and faster every day. While you might LOL at that statement, remember that KISS is a guiding principle in our social media-engulfed culture. However, IRL the acronyms are sometimes easy to figure out and at other times they make us ROFL or SMH. One acronym
Denver has a number of college campuses within its city limits and also within the metro area. The University of Colorado, the Community College of Denver, the University of Denver and many others. On a number of those campuses, this Friday night is going to be one of the biggest
NORML and other cannabis activists have been saying it for years: people should use cannabis responsibly and never drive while impaired. It is unlikely to be a shock to anyone who uses marijuana that a new study shows that driving after consuming cannabis can double the risk of a car
Regular readers know we recently wrote about the increased law enforcement patrols that will be out next week on Halloween. As you probably recall, Denver area cities and counties are going to roll saturation patrols every night from Thursday, October 30, through Sunday, November 2, in hopes of deterring and
Everyone loves fun. So we thought we would share “fun facts” from the Alcohol: Problems and Solutions website. Among the fun facts is this one about Colorado: the site claims that state law says wine can only be sold in containers of at least 24 hours. Spirits (gin, vodka, tequila,
Halloween used to be a time for children to dress up as ghosts, cowboys and princesses to walk the neighborhood for candy. Today, the holiday is more of an occasion for adults to dress in wild costumes to attend parties with friends. While the get-togethers can be great fun, the
The state of Colorado has an informative website at NoDUIColorado.org. One of its most interesting features is an interactive map of the state which shows the number of DUI arrests in each county last year, as well as the average blood alcohol content (BAC) of the drivers in the arrests.
While no one knows when alcohol was invented or discovered, we do know it has been a part of the human experience for thousands of years. Though it is woven into our past and present, many of us aren’t familiar with what exactly alcohol is, why it affects us and
A Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstatement After Suspension or Revocation Losing your driver’s license in Colorado can feel like losing your independence. Whether it’s due to a DUI, unpaid tickets, or accumulating too many points, the path to reinstatement can be confusing and intimidating. But here’s the good news, getting your
For the past couple of weeks, Denver sports reports have been filled with stories of NFL players accused of domestic violence, child abuse and more. While our Denver Broncos have not been front and center in the latest scandals, they have certainly snagged their share of past headlines. In fact,
When one of the nation’s leading newspapers cites Colorado as a reason for voters to reject marijuana legalization, it’s time to ask if allowing recreational use of marijuana has made our state more dangerous. The Washington Post recently said voters in the District of Columbia should oppose legalization, pointing to
Urban legends can be found on virtually every subject, from health matters (“sleeping with raw onions on your feet can cure illness!”) to stories of alligators in sewers and the guy who used a microwave oven to dry his hair. Amusing, perhaps, but not true. Urban legends also persist around
Colorado summers always seem to fly by. The good news is that summers conclude with a three-day Labor Day weekend, giving us all an extra day to enjoy friends and families before thoughts turn to autumn. As always, we urge our readers to fully enjoy themselves, but to do so
While our winters are spectacular, springs gorgeous and autumns breathtaking, summer is when the heat is on in Colorado. It’s also when the calendar is filled with outdoor festivals, backyard barbeques, family picnics, evening concerts, camping and all sorts of other recreational activities that take place outside. The Colorado State
Every breath you take. Every move you make. Your car will be watching you. At least that’s the hope of some federal safety regulators at work on technology to detect alcohol in a driver’s breath or touch. The “seamless” technology would apparently disable a vehicle so that it could not
If you drive about 50 miles north of Denver you will come to Garden City, Colorado. It is there that a man was recently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence while he was behind the wheel of a lawnmower. Law enforcement officials said the man was intoxicated as
Three decades ago, the top song was Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” the biggest movie of the year was “Ghostbusters” and the Olympics were held in the United States. People who were 18 years old at the time also saw the legal drinking age move up to 21, where it remains
A Brown University anthropology professor says that the U.S. legal drinking age should be lowered from its present 21 to 8. Or it could be lowered even a bit more, down to 6 years old, he says. Is he crazy? At first blush, the answer might appear to be a
The marketing of alcoholic beverages takes a variety of approaches, from the naming of Coors Field here in Denver, to music-pounding, high-fiving TV commercials and to print advertisements suggesting that certain drinks can make people more attractive. In fact, those print ads have come under scrutiny recently from researchers who
Fireworks erupted against Denver’s skies on the Fourth of July, as area residents celebrated the nation’s independence. But some of the bright lights that night were not colored explosions, but were cast by police cars pulling motorists over on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The Denver Police
Thousands of Denver country music fans recently made the four-hour drive west for a weekend of country music, camping and fun. Lady Antebellum, Eric Church and Jake Owen were headliners at the four-day event that ended this past Sunday. While clean-up crews swept across the Grand Junction campgrounds collecting tons
Remember those days as a teenager when summer vacation stretched ahead for months of glorious fun? It’s a special time in life. Teens are getting their driver’s licenses, going on dates, hanging out with friends but also sometimes experimenting with alcohol. In Colorado, the drinking age is 21, but it’s
Scientists and doctors seem to be forever changing their minds on what is good for us to eat and drink and what is bad for us to consume. Some foods, such as eggs, have been promoted as a good part of a healthful diet and also condemned as a way
There is no doubt that the men and women of the Denver Police Department put their safety on the line to serve and protect the citizens of our city. But like everyone else, police officers must deal with difficulties in life. In fact, a series of DUI arrests and alcohol-related
A Denver police officer’s guilty plea to a DUI charge has resulted in unintended consequences for the department, according to a TV news report. The officer was in a car accident last year in which no one was hurt. After a breath test was administered by Thornton police, the Denver
It almost sounds like a script for a movie. All the ingredients are there: sex, violence, intrigue and questions about police misconduct. The tale comes from a local TV station reporting on two Denver police officers and their wives. The four reportedly got into a drunken brawl recently, with the
Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Snapchat: the list of popular social media goes on and on. Because social media is virtually omnipresent in the lives of so many people in the Denver area, it’s perhaps not surprising that police say it’s being used to warn drivers to avoid DUI checkpoints. Aurora
In some ways, he’s best known as the man who let the Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning go. In other ways, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is known as a figure given to sometimes controversial statements and occasional run-ins with law enforcement. He was arrested for driving under the influence just
Denver parents know that peer pressure can be a powerful motivator in a young person’s life. When parents send their kids off to college, most know that some experimentation is likely to take place in that young adult’s life. According to a new study recently published in the Journal of
As we began discussing in the previous post, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced a new clemency initiative aimed at releasing certain inmates from federal prison who were unfairly sentenced under unfair drug laws. The Obama Administration’s initiative, which evolved with the help of criminal defense and nonprofit lawyers,
During the height of the war on drugs in the 1980s, countless Americans were handed down harsh prison sentences for drug possession convictions. Many of those who received unduly harsh sentences were poor minorities and it soon became clear that the war on drugs promoted racial inequality. Since that time,
We have more than once written about the efforts of politicians to toughen Colorado DUI laws. Politicians are busy crafting ever-harsher penalties elsewhere, too. One example is Florida, where lawmakers are considering a law that would require repeat DUI offenders to submit to two breath tests per day. In addition,
If someone in Denver is facing criminal charges, he or she has a decision to make: plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. All of these options have different benefits, but they may also have very serious consequences. Although some people in Denver may have seen television shows or movies
There are tens of thousands of apps that do everything from help people dress and eat, find dates, find mates, find phones and find themselves, that it seems it might be easier to list the things that apps don’t do than to list all the things they can do. Now
On St. Patrick’s Day, they say that there are only two kinds of people. Those who are Irish and those who wish they were Irish. Some of Denver’s celebrants that weekend might well have wished they were somewhere else when the police lights went on and they were pulled over
Teenage years are an important transition from childhood to adulthood. Teens are often eager to separate themselves from the influence of their parents and form their own opinions and ways of doing things. As many Denver parents know, as teens separate from parental influence, they sometimes succumb to peer pressure
The first loss for last season’s Denver Broncos came at the hands of a team owned by a man believed by many to have drug addiction and alcohol abuse problems. Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested this past weekend on DUI and drug charges, law enforcement officials
Recently, the Denver metro area woke up to a high speed police chase. Early in the morning a car was left running at a gas station with a four year old boy inside. A simple stop to get coffee turned into a harrowing ordeal for one area parent. Their car
They say that a fine wine gets better as it ages. The same is apparently not true of older drivers who drink fine wine. Though there has been little mention of it in Denver media, a new study shows that older drivers are more affected by alcohol consumption than younger
Colorado law prohibits texting while driving, but one lawmaker says the statute doesn’t go far enough. A Denver TV station reports that the Aurora representative wants to prohibit people from using apps on their phones while they’re behind the wheel or making calls from handheld devices. His bill to add
After a jury acquitted her of drugged driving charges, Kerry Kennedy said she had her defense lawyers, not her last name to thank. As we discussed last week, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and niece of John F. Kennedy was arrested and charged with drugged driving in July 2012
Intent is one of the most important elements in any criminal case in Colorado or elsewhere. In order to be convicted of a crime, the defendant must have had criminal intent. In DUI cases, that means the guilty party must have intended to drive even though he or she was
The Denver Post reports that the Denver area has numerous unsolved hit and run accidents and that the frequency is only increasing. A hit and run accident usually involves one of the drivers leaving the scene of the accident without contacting authorities or exchanging information with the other person involved
As we began discussing in the last post, many individuals and rights advocates are not happy about a government survey on impaired driving that’s currently being conducted throughout the country. Federal transportation officials say the National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drugged Driving provides them with vital statistics, but even
A South Carolina woman spent the night in jail for failing to return a movie she rented. Back in 2005, when she rented the VHS “monster-in-law” the store owners sought a warrant after she failed to return the video. She was released on a $2,000.00 bond and the case was
Colorado state law prohibits your local bar from selling alcohol between the hours of 2 A.M. and 7 A.M. Last Call! House Bill 1132 proposes to give your local government more latitude with the above-referenced restriction on selling alcohol. For example, downtown Denver could allow the sale of alcohol up
Dangerous drugs, including heroin, are causing a spike in overdose deaths in the United States. Sadly, many of the overdose victims could have been saved if they had received medical treatment, but the people they were with avoided calling the police out of fear of facing criminal charges. In order
Recreational marijuana use has been legal in Colorado for over a month now, and at least some say that the law change has resulted in some “profiling” on the state’s borders. The Kansas City Star recently reported that although the evidence is mostly anecdotal, some are saying that police officers
The media reports that Justin Bieber is under investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for vandalism and assault charges. The allegations stem from an incident occurring on or about Jan 9, 2014 where Justin Bieber is accused of hurling eggs at his neighbor’s mansion damaging the plaster and
Due to the prevalence of naked “selfies” and “sexting,” Colorado has seen an increase in sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography cases. “Selfie” is a word that has developed over the past few years and refers to a photo that a person takes of him or herself using
When an individual is released on parole, he or she is often equipped with an ankle monitoring bracelet that tracks the parolee’s whereabouts at all times. Tampering with the ankle monitoring bracelets is illegal and can get a parolee in serious trouble. Currently, Colorado lawmakers are working on a bill
Drug charges are not only hard on the person accused, but also the person’s entire family. This is especially true when drug addiction is an underlying problem. A Colorado senator now knows this after his adult son was recently arrested on drug possession and trespassing charges. According to a report
Denver Broncos fans have waited more than 15 years to see their team in the Super Bowl, and it is finally happening this weekend. But with all of the excitement, don’t forget to arrange a sober ride if you plan on drinking while watching the big game. Police and sheriff’s
Last year was a tumultuous one for the Denver sheriff’s department, and it looks like the legal trouble is continuing into 2014. Last week, it was reported that a Denver sheriff’s deputy is accused of supplying alcohol to three teenage girls. The Denver Post reported that the deputy, who had
Today, the Denver Post reported that an arraignment date has been set in teen heartthrob Justin Bieber’s DUI case, and coincidently, it’s Valentine’s Day. The 19-year-old pop star was charged with drunk driving, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license last week after police allegedly saw Bieber driving a
Earlier this week, a Denver police officer was injured when a car reportedly hit them while the officer was conducting a traffic stop. Police say the person who was driving the car maybe have been under the influence. Police arrested the driver and didn’t provide more information. When someone is
Earlier this morning, pop-star Justin Bieber was arrested for alleged driving under the influence and drag-racing, in another state. Police in the state impounded the car he was driving and the car of the other driver involved in the alleged drag-racing. This arrest comes after a string of incidents that
If you drive a car in the City of Denver, be careful. One minute you could be driving down Broadway looking around Civic Center Park and the next thing you know your car could be impounded. Want your car back? Sure, says the City of Denver. They’ll be happy to
These days, fans of the Denver Broncos are probably most focused on the team’s ongoing playoff bout. Although the Broncos have had a successful season on the field, one player temporarily ran into difficulty off the field. Ronnie Hillman, a backup running back, was cited by a police officer for
Recently I read an article which described why different lawyers truly love being a lawyer. Reading the article I was energized with all the emotion that spurred me to pursue this calling. This “calling”… The word echoes of a different generation. A generation that took pride in their work. A
As a Colorado criminal defense attorneys we are often called upon to defend people who are accused of some of the most terrible crimes. Inevitably people will ask us, ‘How can you defend someone accused of such a crime?!’ Accused. It is a word whose meaning is overlooked everyday. In
On Christmas Day, a fatal car accident resulted in one death and injuries to three other people in Denver. Police say that a woman driving a minivan was killed and two children were injured in the crash. An SUV reportedly hit the minivan, and the driver and passenger fled the
A man was arrested after a pepper spray incident last week in Denver. Police say a man, who may have a history of sexually violent crimes, used pepper spray on a woman and tried to steal her car. They say the man approached the woman, demanded her keys, sprayed her
When police investigate certain crimes, they might suspect a person of a completely unrelated crime during the course of their original investigation. This can result in a person being charged with multiple crimes. Police might say that they were investigating a certain crime, only to stumble upon other potentially illegal
An arrest of a prominent TV personality in Denver over the weekend may have many people asking questions. When someone is employed in a position that is very public-facing, they might face scrutiny and difficulty with trying to maintain their positive public image. Tom Martino, who has been a consumer
A man was arrested after a nun reported that a girl attending a Catholic school in another state had told her that she was touched inappropriately, by a man in Colorado. The man was arrested and charged with suspicion of sexually abusing a minor on Wednesday. The girl reported the
A man is facing serious legal troubles after he was arrested following a fatal accident in Colorado. According to a report, the man was arrested for suspicion of causing a fatal traffic crash while drinking and driving. One of the victims of the accident was cause in their car and
Last week in a blog post, we told you about a famous adventure athlete who lives in Denver and was arrested for a domestic violence incident. The man was reportedly involved in a dispute with his girlfriend, in front of a child. Both of them were arrested. When someone is
People in the Denver area are arrested and/or charged with drunk driving every day. However, just being arrested or charged does not make a person guilty. Anyone facing this kind of situation should understand his or her rights and all of the legal implications that apply. Preparing a strong defense
A Denver area school bus driver was arrested late last month after school district officials say they received a report of the man discarding vodka bottles from his school bus. According to a report, the man was taken to the hospital for a random alcohol screening and police were contacted.
A man who became famous after cutting off is arm after being trapped by a boulder on an expedition 10 years ago was arrested over the weekend for alleged domestic violence. Aron Ralston, who had continued in adventure sports since his frightful accident in 2003, wrote a book which was
When a person in the Denver area has been arrested or charged with drunk driving it is very important for him or her to take the right steps immediately. Making the wrong choices could lead to harsher penalties and stiff consequences. It is important to understand how the law works
A Denver man with past drunk driving related charges was arrested early last month during an investigation of a vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. According to reports, the man was arrested after a head-on collision that resulted in the death of another person and injuries to two other people. When
While reporting criminal news on pro-athletes today has become a bit of a niche industry, the comical and quasi-dramatic way in which it is done not only undermines the true nature of the criminal process, it also seems to somehow make a mockery out of it. Colorado criminal courts, which
Last year, Colorado legalized limited recreational use of marijuana. However, retail marijuana shops won’t be allowed until Jan. 1, 2014. At the end of last month, raids of marijuana warehouses, homes and a Denver dispensary demonstrated how risky the business of marijuana might be as federal law still prohibits the
People who are gathering with family and friends over the Thanksgiving weekend in Colorado, might take this time to unwind and relax with a few adult beverages. However, it is important that people consume alcohol responsibly and understand their rights if they are pulled over for alleged drunk driving. Sometimes
There are a lot of circumstances that can lead to a drunk driving arrest and/or charge. Sometimes things happen that are out of a person’s control. Still other times, an unfortunate set of events can lead to a person being behind the wheel of a vehicle even when he or
Halloween can be a fun time for just about everyone, including kids as well as adults. Halloween parties are very common as adults all over the country, including in Denver, get together to have a good time. Unfortunately, sometimes those parties can lead to a person being pulled over for
Denver police are reportedly investigating a situation that they claim was domestic violence. A pregnant woman was hit by a car on Sunday night, and police said they initially thought the incident was a hit-and-run, but later believe that it was domestic violence. They have announced an arrest of a
When a person is arrested or charged for drunk driving in Colorado, he or she needs to understand the seriousness of those charges. Authorities typically pursue the toughest penalties possible. Therefore anyone in Denver facing DUI charges needs to know how to defend him or herself. A Colorado school bus
People who face drug charges in Colorado might believe that if they are convicted they will serve their sentence and that will be the only part of their conviction. However, they might not realize that they might be restricted in their voting rights. Across the country, people who are convicted
A former police officer pleaded guilty earlier this week to drug and weapons crimes. The officer had served on the police force in a Colorado city for 22 years. We told you about the officers case in a blog post earlier this month. Now, the man will be held in
When someone is pulled over for speeding, they might think they will just apologize, accept responsiblity and the police officer might be kind enough to let the person off with a warning. Sometimes, people are pulled over, and to their surprise they are arrested. This could be for numerous reasons,
Sometimes people have very public professions. Whether they are a famous celebrity, a politician or an athlete, people sometimes get pulled into the spotlight because of alleged criminal behavior. Although media might sometimes present a person as guilty, and not follow up on whether the person is actually convicted, everyone
A police officer in Colorado has been accused of buying Ecstasy from a confidential police informant. According to a news report, the man has not quit his job as an officer, and is scheduled to appear in court later this month to face weapons and drug charges. The same reports
A person’s driver’s license can be suspended for a number of reasons, some of which are not related to traffic violations. A parent in Denver, for instance, that is not making child support payments may have his or her license suspended until he or she is caught up in support
When people hear about the sex offender registry, they frequently believe that people can only be put on the sex offender list as adults for convictions of the most violent sex crimes. In fact, there are a wide range of crimes that can result in a person being put on
When young adults attend college, many of them are not yet legally allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. At most universities and colleges in Colorado, and in other states throughout the country, binge drinking is part of the culture that students may become familiar with. If a student attends college directly
When a person in Colorado is pulled over for drunk driving, law enforcement officers may administer standardized sobriety testing. These tests have been developed to establish a person’s impairment and to validate probable cause of arrest. It is arguable whether or not sobriety testing of this nature is always accurate
A traffic stop in another state has worked its way up to the Supreme Court of the United States. This case involved two men who were arrested during a traffic stop. Another driver on the road called 911 to report that the two were in a truck that was reportedly
When a person is suspected of drunk driving in Colorado, law enforcement officers generally follow a procedure to verify that their suspicion is correct. After they get the suspect to pull off to the side of the road, law enforcement officers may test the driver for impairment by asking him
A man was scheduled to be in court for his verdict in a sexual assault case, but according to reports the man never showed up. He was convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. These charges were very serious, and
The Colorado Department of Transportation is trying something rather odd to send a message to bar patrons not to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking. They are asking bars to place special urinal cakes in the men’s restrooms that detect a person at the urinal and play
People charged with DUI or DWAI offenses may face any number of charges based upon the severity and nature of the circumstances. Factors such as the involvement or lack thereof of other vehicles or persons, any injuries or death that resulted from the situation or the existence of any prior
The legal community around the country has been closely watching a case in another state. The case involved an alleged murder, in which the prosecution wanted to used bite marks found on the victim to try to convict the man accused of committing the crime. Many were hoping to see
Every couple has disagreed about something at one time or another. Sometimes, disputes can escalate past the point of heated conversation when a person gets swept up in an emotional moment and does something completely out of character. At the same time, however, people may lodge accusations of domestic violence
With regard to drunk driving, there are a number of issues to take into consideration. From the severity of penalties in the state one lives in to the factors that contribute to more serious consequences (such as higher blood alcohol content and previous convictions), these cases can have different outcomes.
A woman in Denver was arrested after being released from a hospital on Sunday. According to reports, the woman was charged with drunk driving and vehicular homicide after allegedly causing an accident on Interstate 25. Police say the passenger of the other car involved was killed in the accident. While
When multiple law enforcement agencies work together, they could miscommunicate, or mishandle evidence that might result in a wrongful conviction. If multiple people are then accused of a related crime, the case can be extremely complicated. Fifteen people were recently indicted and 11 people were arrested for an alleged international
A 26-year-old Jefferson County man was recently sentenced for his actions in providing alcohol to teenagers, which ultimately led to a fatal car accident. The sentencing stems from an incident in November 2011 where several teens were drinking alcohol at a Lakewood home by the man and another 21-year-old woman.
Drug charges can be especially serious. Someone who is accused of a drug crime in the Denver area might be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. They can help a person understand their rights after they are arrested and make sure they are protected throughout the legal
A man was arrested this week after police accused him of sexual assault at a University of Colorado campus. According to reports, police say the man knew the reported victim and have text messages between the two that confirm the potential unlawful incident. Situations similar to this one are extremely
With the Labor Day holiday weekend quickly approaching, many in Colorado are looking forward to their last summer trip to area lakes and camping sites. Like other summer holidays, the potential for drunk driving is relatively high. Because of this, law enforcement agencies will be out in force to keep
A Denver Nuggets player was arrested over the weekend. Tywon Lawson and his girlfriend were arrested for alleged domestic violence. Many times one person is arrested in a case of domestic violence, but in this case Lawson and his girlfriend were both arrested. The man’s girlfriend was arrested for domestic
There is a strong sentiment among law enforcement in Colorado that drunk driving is not only hazardous to the public, it is a danger to drunk drivers themselves. There are a number of state laws designed to curb drunk driving, along with a host of penalties. But what about pedestrians
State and federal agencies raided homes and business in Colorado late last month, arresting five people for possession and plotting to distribute synthetic marijuana. Authorities say they seized synthetic marijuana, also known as spice, and the supplies to make it along with thousands of dollars in cash during the raid.
When someone is arrested, they might not even understand what they did wrong. While police or prosecutors might tell them what charges they are facing, they might not give much more detail as the government develops a case against the person. This can happen in a hit-and-run case, especially if
After an accident last May, the pedestrian involved in the accident died. The woman who is accused of hitting and killing the man has now been charged with drunk driving and vehicular homicide in Denver. These charges are extremely serious and the woman could face many years in prison, along
A Colorado man was arrested after a traffic stop late last week. Police say that the man was arrested for being a habitual traffic violator. However, the man was charged with very serious crimes after police searched his vehicle and allegedly found stolen Social Security cards, financial documents, drug paraphernalia
When someone is accused of domestic violence, they might be overwhelmed with emotions and nervous about the legal process. Sometimes these accusations can result in a person having to spend time apart from their loved one, and might even cause difficult situations at a person’s place of employment. A Grand
Criminal investigation shows, like the “CSI” series, have remained wildly popular over the past several prime time television seasons. A lot of our readers in Colorado may even be a fan of one series or another. While it works for dramatic purposes, a single drop of motor oil or minute
The Denver Broncos expressed anger, frustration and embarrasment following the drunk driving arrests of two of their top lieutenants, Matt Russell, director of player personnel and Tom Heckert, director of pro personnel. Now that the initial emotions have subsided, the discipline will be handed down. According to the Denver Post,
In another state, a fight reportedly broke out in a busy public area. People instantly got out their cell phones, trying to record the incident. However, one person was wearing a camera in a device that looked like a pair of glasses. This device, called Google Glass, might just change
Broncos fans eagerly awaiting the start of training camp this month were not likely happy with the news about their team; especially compared to last year (when Peyton Manning returned after sitting out the 2011 season). Instead, they are hearing about irresponsibility at high levels of the organization. Matt Russell,
“Be smart about your decisions this weekend” was the proclimation set forth by Darrell Lingk, who is the Director of Transportation Safety for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). As we reported last week, law enforcement agencies across the state are gearing up for what is arguably the most dangerous
Police followed a car last week and arrested the two people inside, who were later charged with burglary. Authorities say that the arrests were the result of an extensive investigation. This investigation reportedly led the police to arrest the two as they were pulling their car into a neighborhood, which
The Fourth of July holiday is synonymous with barbeques, fireworks and Rockies baseball. However, it is also known for being one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers on Colorado highways. Next week’s holiday is the most popular summer event and people tend to consume more alcohol.
Two people were arrested in seperate incidents stemming from one traffic stop. The arrests came earlier this month after a woman was stopped in her car, and police arrested her on multiple charges. Reports don’t indicated what prompted the original traffic stop, but she is now facing very severe charges
A man was shot and killed earlier this month by Colorado law enforcement after reportedly being pulled over by police. The man was allegedly stopped because of a traffic violation, but police say he ran. While the officers chased the man, they said that they believed he had a gun,
A woman from out of state was recently arrested in Denver on child pornography charges. The woman was reportedly facing 1,000 counts of child pornography related charges in another state, and it isn’t clear how she ended up in Denver, where she was arrested this month. Police allege that the
The U.S. Supreme Court this week found that police can collect DNA samples from people that they arrest. They can also hold that DNA sample and submit it to databases, which might then be used to link a person to other alleged crimes from the past or in the future.
During the last month, Denver police authorities claim to have seized $40,000 worth of hydroponic marijuana and $700 in cocaine from a Denver residence. It is claimed that the marijuana seized was the type grown in water rather than soil. Deputies also claimed to have seized a variety of prescription
A former Colorado Springs police officer admitted that she had fabricated allegations of domestic assault in order to have an ex-boyfriend jailed. The boyfriend in question had served six months in jail, faced two separate jury trials and had been fired from his job – presumably due to the false
Memorial Day weekend is known throughout the country as the unofficial start to summer. Individuals who reside in the state of Colorado take advantage of what is for many a three-day weekend and get together with friends and loved ones to socialize. In many of those cases the socialization includes
A sexual misconduct case against an Air Force Academy cadet in Colorado was recently dismissed. The commandant overseeing the court-martial proceeding stated that there simply was not enough evidence to pursue the matter. This has been the third such sexual assault case dismissed at the academy since January of 2012.
When a person faces a criminal charge, it is important that they understand their rights. Convictions for some crimes might result in consequences that exceed that of time spent in jail or a fine. Depending on the crime that a person is convicted of, they might face complications with their
Following two operations known as Xterra Range and Operation Pig Pen, Colorado law enforcement officers arrested 33 individuals. The investigation into this matter supposedly took as much as two years, and it appears that law enforcement officers were assisted by FBI agents and other federal officials. It is asserted that
A 71-year old Colorado man facing six charges of sexual assault was released after all counts were dismissed. The Loveland man was accused of having impregnated a teenage girl on nine separate occasions over the years. However, as his attorney explained in court, what was alleged was “not medically possible.”
While snow is in our forecast, spring is here, and boaters will soon be taking on what has become an annual ritual…going to the lake. Boating on Colorado lakes and rivers is part of what makes our region unique. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial opening of boating season, and
The Memorial Day holiday is just over a month away, and it will likely be the first “Heat Is On” campaign for 2013. In 2012, Colorado’s law enforcement program was responsible for hundreds of drunk driving arrests. This year, it is likely that the number of arrests will increase. A
An Englewood, Colorado teacher recently pled guilty to having sexual relations with one of her students. What’s unusual about this particular teacher’s circumstances is that she will likely receive no jail time as a result of this plea. The judge was apparently convinced that the teacher had been honest and
Even individuals charged and convicted with seemingly serious drug possession charges are not always required to serve lengthy sentences. A Colorado man was sentenced to 71 days in jail and four years of probation for allegedly having in his possession cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, psychedelic mushrooms, hashish and other drugs at
Spring time brings a number of life-changing opportunities for Colorado teens. Of course, there are spring break vacations, where teens and college students travel to warm venues (i.e. Florida, Arizona and even Mexico). Also, spring is prom season, where high school students get a chance to enjoy an evening of
A former Fort Collins, Colorado city council man that had served in Afghanistan found himself pleading guilty to drunken driving. This individual testified at court that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He claimed PTSD may have been affecting him the evening that he was charged with a DUI.
As the dangers of smoking become ever so obvious (through television and radio commercials) the danger behind marijuana smoke has been less than evident. Health advocates are even more concerned after the passage of Amendment 64 which legalized the recreational use of marijuana in Colorado. They believe that the law
Domestic violence is a crime generally associated with male partners is a relationship, but occasionally women can be charged with the crime as well. In a nationally publicized story, domestic violence and assault charges were recently dismissed against a woman that was accused of punching and biting a former college
A young man who spent part of his boyhood in Denver lived with mother addicted to crack and never met his father. It appears that any crimes he was accused of as a juvenile were minor in nature. He ran away from home when he was 16-years old and a
The son of Hollywood icon Clark Gable was recently arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Malibu. According to reports by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 52 year-old John Clark Gable allegedly hit a car near the Malibu Pier before crashing into six parked cars on the Pacific Coast
Two University of Colorado students are facing felony drug charges over a purported transaction that involved the sale of a prescription pill for $5. One student allegedly offered the prescription pill to another student, the other student supposedly purchased the pill, and a campus employee claims to have seen the
The United States Supreme Court just ruled that police cannot bring drug-sniffing dogs onto one’s property without first obtaining a search warrant. Though many have argued that this would not technically be considered a search, there is likely little other reason that law enforcement officers would have the dogs on
Drunk driving is a common, yet serious crime. A DUI arrest becomes headline news when professional athletes and celebrities are involved, and political scandals in Colorado can arise when high powered politicians are charged with a crime. However, America embraces contrition, and this strategy played out well for a young
Though the study comes out of England, the consequences of false rape allegations are applicable to Colorado residents as well. The study in question found that such false allegations are rare, but the results can be devastating. One 21-year old man accused of rape was then assaulted by someone that
It is alleged that a motorcycle rider was traveling at speeds of up to 130 miles per hour before entering into the state of Colorado. A police pursuit of the rider eventually led to the motorcyclist being pulled over north of Fort Collins. However, nobody was injured while the chase
Wrongful accusations of sexual assault harm more than just the individual that is accused. Those accused have family members and friends that can be badly harmed as well. One woman told about the experience of having her husband accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year old girl. It appears that evidence
A bill is making its way through the Colorado legislature that would provide compensation for individuals that have been wrongfully convicted of crimes. This proposal would allow those deemed to have been wrongfully convicted to collect up to $60,000 annually for each year that they were in prison. This legislation
The Aurora, Colorado Police Department has been under scrutiny for practices that are said not to comply with federal standards. In particular, Aurora’s policy of what is called the prosecuting of false complaints is deemed as a method to stifle all criticism of the police department’s actions. Aurora City Code
The Colorado State Patrol has announced that it arrested 421 individuals for DUI over Super Bowl weekend. This is close to 150 arrests more than occurred during Super Bowl weekend in 2012. The highest number of arrests in Colorado occurred in the Denver area, and a large number of arrests
So far, following guilty plea and convictions regarding an alleged drug ring in Colorado, there have been 33 indictments, 23 guilty pleas, one conviction at trial, another 7 cases pending and at least one deportation to Mexico. There has also been one case dismissed. It is claimed that this is
We encourage people to seek designated drivers or use taxi cabs (instead of driving) when they are out on the town. It is the easiest way to avoid being arrested for DUI or DWAI in Colorado. At Colorado State University, students may take advantage of RamRide, a service dedicated to
A woman has been charged with a variety of violations regarding an alleged traffic chase that ended with her supposedly crashing a vehicle in a Denver suburb. It is claimed that a high speed chase actually involved two separate vehicles with one of the vehicles eluding the authorities. After the
The death of Dallas Cowboys practice squad member Jerry Brown was a stark and humbling reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving. Less than two months later another Cowboys player has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff was taken into custody after he was
A Colorado man was convicted of sexual assault based upon a confession that he made. However, this individual’s confession was overturned by an appeals court because prosecutors will unable to prove that his confession was trustworthy. The Colorado Supreme Court refused to reverse the court of appeals ruling. This conviction
There have been a variety of programs created throughout the country to assist veterans that are struggling with various drug abuse or alcohol dependency issues. The goal of special courts for these veterans that are popping up throughout the United States is in part an effort to try to get
In our prior post, we discussed the possibility of breathalyzer kiosks showing up in Colorado bars sometime in the future, and how it may result in fewer drunk driving arrests. It appears that Coloradans may not need them, as there were not many DUI arrests during New Year’s weekend according
A class action lawsuit has been filed in another western state concerning individuals that claim to have been falsely accused of drinking while driving. Though the state patrol officer in question has since been fired, it is believed that hundreds of individuals were wrongfully accused of DUI. A number of
In our last post we discussed how people stopped for DUI (or DWAI) in Colorado should handle themselves. With the Broncos hosting a playoff game next weekend, taking steps to avoid drunk driving arrests is critical. With the potential for fatal accidents looming large, law enforcement agencies will be out
A government official was charged regarding a domestic dispute situation, but the charges have since been dropped. The simple assault and harassment charges against the 33-year old man were dropped after the purported victim refused to testify at a preliminary hearing. However, though the charges were dropped, the arrest did
When viewing the local police reports in Colorado localities, one is struck by the number of traffic offenses that individuals can be charged with. Not only might it be difficult for a driver to understand all of the possible ways that they can be charged, the offenses are often dependent
A reporter recently has taken the media to task for rushing to judgment when reporting about serious crimes. He cites a number of recent instances where the suspect was either misidentified, or when facts surrounding the crime turned out to be untrue. This reporter was not reassured when media members
For some people, even the hint of impropriety is enough to end their careers. These jobs typically are in the public eye or are in positions of influence. Teachers are prime examples of Coloradoans who are especially sensitive to bad press. Even when there is little to no evidence of
While some residents celebrate Colorado State Amendment 64, Colorado law enforcement and government officials still raise some concerns. The amendment was passed by a majority vote during the most recent election and removed most of Colorado’s legal penalties when it comes to possession of a small amount of marijuana. However,
All drivers on Colorado roads are required to follow the law when it comes to drinking and driving, even police officers. That is why it is a sad irony when police officers are actually arrested and charged with DUI. According to a DenverPost.com report, the Boulder Police Department has had
A jury recently found a doctor accused of domestic violence and sexual assault by his wife not guilty. However, the charges have not come without a cost. The doctor has had his medical license suspended, and he is currently involved in a divorce and child custody proceeding with his wife.
A Colorado homeowner’s association has taken it upon itself to issue speeding tickets to individuals that are allegedly caught driving more than 30 miles per hour while within the community gates. If the driver happens to be a visitor to the community, the individual they are there to visit will
A sting was conducted by Colorado law enforcement authorities over Halloween, and this resulted in 72 arrests for DUI in the Denver area and over 500 arrests statewide. The Colorado authorities have reported that there were more arrests this year than occurred around Halloween in 2011. Another crackdown is in
In light of Amendment 64 being passed in Colorado, the district attorney for Boulder is expected to dismiss all pending cases regarding possession of marijuana when the amount in question weighed less than an ounce. This will be the first of county district attorneys to dismiss such cases, but there
A Zumba dance instructor is now being charged with soliciting more than 100 individuals as a part of a prostitution ring. Apparently, she was also an honors student in high school, provided dance classes for local parks and recreation programs, hosted charity events and was praised as being a good
As the holidays get closer, the drumbeat of anti-drunk driving campaigns will get louder and law enforcement agencies will implement more patrols to keep drunk drivers off the road. Universally, society does not want dangerous drivers on the road. At the same time, judges don’t want to put people in
Apparently, the city of Denver is making a great deal of money off of handing out parking tickets throughout the city. While in 2006, the city made a little over $15 million in revenue, in 2011 it had made close to $28 million – a 76 percent increase in just
Hall of Fame catcher, Carlton Fisk, was recently arrested for DUI after police reportedly found him passed out in his pickup truck in a corn field. Police stated that the engine of the truck was still running when they found the former baseball star. When police awoke Fisk, he was
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in conjunction with the Colorado State Patrol, recently announced that their Halloween “Heat Is On” campaign will be in effect this week. The latest DUI enforcement initiative is take on the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” safety campaign, and is
There is controversy as to whether a large number of false rape claims are being made on many college campuses. One non-profit group claims this is increasingly occurring in a number of colleges (presumably including colleges in the Colorado area as well). It has been alleged by an assistant doctor
A Colorado Springs high school student could be facing criminal charges after allegedly pulling a prank in the school cafeteria. According to a KDOR-13.com report, police cited the student with reckless endangerment and interference with staff, faculty or students of an educational institution. Both charges are class 3 misdemeanors, which
A Colorado Springs high school student could be facing criminal charges after allegedly pulling a prank in the school cafeteria. According to a KDOR-13.com report, police cited the student with reckless endangerment and interference with staff, faculty or students of an educational institution. Both charges are class 3 misdemeanors, which
A Colorado real estate broker had four sexual assault charges dismissed against him more than a year ago, but this individual continues to fight to have the arrest and court records made confidential. The attention that comes along with being considered a “sex offender” generally outweighs any news that the
High-profile DUI arrests or accidents often lead to calls for changes in the potential penalties that are in place for those who are convicted. Even first-time DUI offenders know that they are facing some serious consequences, which may include jail time. When a person is injured or killed in a
Smartphones allow users to have a wealth of information right at their fingertips. People can go online to check the weather, or make a reservation at a busy restaurant. If in an unfamiliar city, the phones can be used to provide directions or help determine how close people might be
A Denver driving gained the attention of the Federal Highway Administration after receiving a traffic ticket and then complaining about how the construction zone signs were not visible or posted correctly. It appears that some of these portable signs were kept up beyond federal guideline standards, but drivers were continually
Undoubtedly, accusations of rape need to be taken seriously. There has long been criticism of the way rape and sexual assault trials have been tried in that the victim is sometimes made to feel like the one actually on trial. But though we need to tread carefully in the handling
The rate of drunken driving arrests in Colorado is up more than 40 percent from what it was last summer. Obviously, this isn’t because more individuals are drinking and driving. Instead, what it does mean is that law enforcement is cracking down on drunk driving. Colorado law enforcement authorities held
Nearly every person has some type of social media account. Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites made it much easier to communicate with one another. Photos get posted online, and status updates let everyone we know what we are doing at any given time. However, what happens when this
A man out east was charged with a number of crimes, but it now appears that a home security surveillance system may exonerate him from these serious charges. The domestic violence charges range from aggravated assault, terroristic threats and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The former girlfriend
Walk on almost any college campus in nearly any college town and it will be very obvious that there will be several places for students to go when they want to have a drink. Many of these establishments spend extra time getting ready for each school year, because if the
It’s the same every year for Denver police this time of year. Drivers are constantly being pulled over for traffic violations involving exceeding the speed limit for school zones. “We don’t give warnings in school zones,” said one police officer. “We have a zero tolerance policy.” The fines for exceeding
There have been many reports discussing sobriety checkpoints throughout the Denver metro area during the Labor Day weekend. As law enforcement winds down its summer DUI enforcement campaigns, those who are facing charges may have questions about what will happen next. Often, a DUI is the first time that a
No one should ever downplay the seriousness of domestic violence. However, a wrongful conviction for domestic violence can lead to irreversible damage to a person’s reputation that will likely have lasting consequences in all areas of that person’s life. An out-of-state politician had been charged with domestic violence, but he
The Labor Day weekend is soon approaching, which means the summer is nearly over. Kids go back to school, and people start preparing for the upcoming fall and winter. For law enforcement, Labor Day weekend marks the end of the “100 Days of Heat” DUI crackdown that they kicked off
In a typical case, people facing drug charges might be hoping the charges against them will be dropped for lack of evidence. In an interesting twist, a judge recently dropped federal drug trafficking charges alleged against a man because there was actually too much evidence compiled against him. At first
Country singer Randy Travis is in the news again, this time for allegations that he was driving drunk and that, when he was found naked, threatened to kill state troopers. The charges stem from a recent incident in Texas which Travis allegedly crashed his car. The 53-year-old country music star
When a person has been arrested for driving under the influence, he or she may be overwhelmed by the changes that will be taking place. This can be one of the first times they have ever had any legal trouble, and knowing what to expect can help reduce some of
It may be tempting for some Denver residents to think that because Colorado is a state which allows the use of medical marijuana, there are laxer laws surrounding marijuana. This is not the case. Medical marijuana is approved only for patients that suffer from an illness which causes them to
In the United States, being labeled a sex offender comes with some of the most serious, life-altering consequences of all criminal labels. There’s no stigma like that which follows a sex crime accusation and/or conviction, and now social networking sites are working to further that stigma for registered offenders in
Even though every individual supposedly criminal incident has its own back story and details, academics and the legal system like to find common threads within certain types of cases. This is true with the legal matter of domestic violence. Identifying common threads is supposed to help law enforcement and/or medical
We have all seen news stories that discuss out-of-the-ordinary drunk driving arrests. From the motorized bar stool to the riding lawn mower, drivers of unusual vehicles are often very surprised to find out that they can receive a DUI for piloting these while intoxicated. But, what about non-motorized vehicles such
Next time you are at a bar getting a drink, consider the fact that the bartender or other employees there might become part of a DUI investigation against you. If you wind up being pulled over, investigated and arrested for allegedly drunk driving, authorities might want to go to the
Most driving under the influence cases receive very little attention in the media. While it may be a major event for the person being charged, the cases are generally not high-profile in the news and usually end up resolved in due time. However, some DUIs do draw significant attention because
The world of the Internet has certainly opened up doors that, yes, make our lives easier but also lead to risk and legal complexities. A lot of people rely on the site Craigslist in order to buy and sell goods, find work, seek help, offer help and more. The posts
It might not come as a surprise to many Colorado residents. Anyone who was out on the roads over the course of the Fourth of July holiday likely noticed an increase in the presence of law enforcement and DUI traps on the roads, from Denver to Colorado Springs and more
Surprise, surprise. Former A-list actor Mel Gibson is the target of another legal attack. He’s in the limelight due to a more personal matter this time, involving his father and his stepmother. ABC News reports that the stepmom is seeking a restraining order against the star. The 78-year-old stepmom claims
When a person is killed in a drunk driving accident, often it becomes a very high-profile news story. This can put more public pressure on law enforcement to increase DUI enforcement in certain neighborhoods, meaning that police will aggressively be targeting drunk drivers. Recently, there have been an increasing number
The summer offers many Colorado residents an opportunity to experience the great outdoors. Whether heading out on the water for a day of fishing or simply taking some time to relax, boating can be a great way to spend some time away from the city. Occasionally, some boaters will have
Earlier this month, we shared a post about an out-of-state case that was being investigated as a homicide. The case is no longer being investigated, and the father at the center of it escaped criminal charges. It’s the controversial story of the father who claims that he walked in on
Drunk driving is a serious offense, and Colorado’s criminal justice system treats it as such. That reality can be scary when one understands the unreliability of the sobriety tests that the system depends on to charge and convict people of drunk driving in Colorado. In a past DUI defense post,
Anyone facing a DUI charge knows that the situation is serious. Often, it is the first time that people may have had to deal with the police, and they are unsure what to do next. They do not know what is going to happen, and may try to get their
Sometimes, an incident or criminal law matter comes up that is not directly tied to the state of Colorado but is still worth thinking about. Sex assault on a child is a crime that is taken seriously throughout the country and within the state. But it is up to the
Laws in Colorado must change with the times in order to reflect the changes that occur from year to year. New technologies develop, and new chemicals are thrown together to create a source of a high for people. A new Colorado drug law is now in effect that is a
Memorial Day weekend is already behind us. While many of us are probably still a bit exhausted or depressed now that the long weekend is behind us, others in Colorado are dealing with some more serious stress. Maybe they were pulled over on their way home from a holiday celebration
Memorial Day weekend is generally considered the first real weekend of summer. The improving weather allows people to be able to spend more time with friends and relatives. What people may not know is that police are also using this weekend to begin DUI enforcement campaigns. Law enforcement agencies throughout
If you have been arrested for drunk driving in the Denver area or another city along Colorado’s Front Range, speak to an experienced DUI/DWAI defense attorney as soon as possible. At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., we will aggressively fight to defend your rights and protect your driving privileges in
Back in December, we published a post about a celebrity drug arrest in Colorado. It seems as though Brooke Mueller, Charlie Sheen’s ex and the mother of his twins, has a hard time avoiding legal hardship when she is in the state. The previous post indicated that Mueller faced criminal
In general, we all like to think that the criminal justice system works. But the system is not perfect. It’s run by people and people make mistakes. Of course, it must be a constant goal to improve the system and reduce the likelihood that an innocent person is convicted of
Most people who admit to taking illegal drugs and then causing a car accident would face criminal charges and possible jail time. But military veterans are not most people, and Colorado has a system in place to give some veterans more effective attention when they run into legal troubles. The
Once a person becomes the suspect of a crime in Colorado, the legal process that’s ahead of him could mean that years of his life are about to be filled with stress related to investigation, trial and media hoopla. That is why it’s crucial for law enforcement and prosecutors to
Being accused of a crime or landing in Colorado’s criminal justice system is a stressful and scary situation for any adult. Imagine the fear and risk involved for a teenager who is accused of a crime and facing criminal charges. It’s a point in a young person’s life that could
St. Patrick’s Day is behind us, marking the fact that spring has sprung in Colorado. But more than good weather and fun, the festive holiday has introduced a legal struggle to many drivers throughout various Colorado counties who were arrested for drunk driving during the holiday weekend. A recent report
Crimes involving children, particularly sex-related crimes, are unsurprisingly taken extremely seriously in Colorado and throughout the United States. With the rise of the Internet, authorities have had to put a lot of effort into tracking child pornography and identifying suspects whom they believe are responsible for the trafficking of child
For most sports fans, being on a professional sports team is only a childhood fantasy that is never realized. It’s easy to only see the fame, glamour, travel and money that come with the life of a star MLB player, but there are drawbacks to the job as well. This
“You can overcome addiction, but you can never overcome a felony,” says the executive director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. This argument stems from a legislative proposal that met the state Senate this week. The proposal seeks to reduce the sentencing related to certain incidents of drug possession
On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone feels a little Irish, and for many that means a party. With St. Patrick’s Day taking place and further festivities continuing through the weekend, it’s expected that even higher than normal levels of intoxicated drivers will be on Colorado roads. Police know this, and they
An accusation of committing a DUI is enough to entirely shock and scare a person. In one moment, someone is having what he thinks is a safe number of drinks with friends. In the next moment, he is standing on the side of the road with a police officer, blowing
We’ve been tracking the Colorado sexual assault case against former Denver Bronco Perrish Cox for some time now, and the high-profile case has finally come to its end. In the most recent update about this case, we noted that a witness for the prosecution shared a supposed detail about the
What do Bradley Braxton and a Christina FourHorn of Colorado have in common? Well, among others in the area, they were wrongfully arrested. Their identities did not match those of the suspects that Denver authorities were really looking for. Braxton, a black man, was arrested with a warrant for sexual
A week after what is being touted as one of the largest, if not the largest, ever drug bust in Denver, 97 people face criminal charges and 80 people have been arrested on allegations that they participated in a large-scale drug distribution ring in Denver. After the cocaine bust, 17
Being a high-profile person comes with some benefits, but it has its downfalls as well. Being the target in a traffic stop can be stressful enough without the entire community having to hear about it. Colorado Rep. Laura Bradford and her family have lived with that stress during the past
The matter of sex crimes in the military has attracted attention up the chain of command all the way to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. In Colorado, several recent reported sexual assaults at the Air Force Academy resulted in three cadets being charged with abusive sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault and
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
