Traffic stops can be scary. When a police officer asks us to do something, most of us are inclined to do it automatically. However, there are times when granting a request can have serious negative consequences.Saying “no” to a police officer can be intimidating....
Month: March 2020
When Can A Police Officer Use Force?
As agents of the law, police officers can use physical force to restrain suspects. However, there are limits to the amount of force that they can use. Furthermore, officers must have a legitimate reason to apply any force whatsoever.While officers, may not always...
Spotlighting CO vehicular assault and vehicular homicide charges
Traffic-tied criminal charges in Colorado run a broad and varied gamut, with consequences that can range from the relatively inconsequential to, well, something else.That “something else” encompasses penalties that feature at the extreme margins of potentially harsh...
Can I have my ignition interlock device removed early?
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...
Social distancing’s effect on speedy trials
In April, a murder trial involving a Colorado Springs man was put on hold. This delay has the prosecution worried that the case's decision may eventually be appealed because the defendant was not given a speedy trial.The man in question was charged for a violent crime...
Colorado meth case reveals split in judicial opinion
Criminal law cases often revolve around assessments concerning legal principles that can vary materially from case to case. Moreover, what might seem unreasonable to one person can seem flatly right to another. In short, many legal standards are more fluid than firm....
Should sexual assault statutes of limitations be removed?
Over the last few years, accusations and charges of sexual assault have become more public and robustly reported in the media. Lately, states have been considering potential changes to their statute of limitations laws. A statute of limitations refers to the maximum...
What does it mean that Colorado de-felonized drug possession charges?
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...
Considerations, answers surrounding Colorado’s varied assault laws
Facts matter.Proven defense attorneys know that. They especially appreciate that parsing out "what really happened" concerning a client's criminal charge is critically important when a matter is inherently complex.As assault charges often are. Indeed, the realm of...
How serious is a reckless driving charge?
Because of how often we drive, the road can be one of the easiest places to get in trouble with the law. Even the safest driver can get pulled over, if they drive every day.However, not every ticket is created equal. Reckless driving is a serious charge with...