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...
Criminal Defense
How is sexual misconduct involving children defined?
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...
Cybercrimes people face in Colorado
Computers and technology make our lives easier, whether it is doing our job in an office or driving a semi-truck. They also make it easier for people who get into trouble with the law. Despite recent generations growing up using this gear, knowing when people cross...
People convicted of some felonies may see shorter sentences
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...
How the state defines date rape
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...
Some valuable tips for spring breakers
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...
A pathway is clearing for easier DNA testing
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...
Kleptomania is a disorder
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...
The police need someone’s permission to enter
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...
Should you let the police look inside your car?
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...