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...
Year: 2021
Colorado gun laws changed in 2021
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...
Mandatory sentencing run amok in Colorado
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...
There are collateral consequences in a conviction
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...
What are minors in possession charges?
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...
Supreme Court provides guidance on use of computers and fraud
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...
Proper courtroom etiquette is important
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...
Police do not always need a warrant
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....
Drivers facing felony DUI charges still have options
Most driving under the influence charges in Colorado are misdemeanors, but prosecutors may pursue felony charges. This will happen to so-called “four-strikes offenders,” repeat offenders or those with complicated circumstances surrounding their arrest. It can mean...
State to reevaluate hair sample evidence
Fifty-one people currently serving sentences in Colorado are having their cases reviewed due to concerns over hair samples. Similar to using DNA to overturn or confirm convictions, a collaboration between the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and law professors at the...