Being charged with assault can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand how the legal system works. The consequences of an assault charge can vary depending on whether the case goes through municipal or state court. Knowing these differences can help...
Crimes of Violence
Brandishing a weapon can land you in prison
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....
Common misconceptions about misdemeanor assault charges
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...
Can you get a life sentence for being present during a murder?
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...
Understanding the three elements of assault
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...
What do you need to prove self-defense in court?
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...
When does a fight become assault?
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...
What does menacing mean?
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...
Identifying and addressing cyberbullying crimes
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...
Issuance of a restraining order merits close attention
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...