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Castle Rock Check Fraud Lawyer

2022 Winner - Best of the Springs
Lawyer of the Year - American Institute of Legal Professionals
Colorado Bar Association
Top 40 The National Trial Lawyers
Top 100 The National Trial Lawyers
AVVO 10.0 Superb Top Attorney Criminal Defense

Castle Rock Check Fraud Attorney

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Are you facing check fraud charges in Castle Rock? Don’t go it alone. We’ve helped many clients fight back against fraudulent check accusations. As experienced Castle Rock criminal defense attorneys, we know Colorado’s fraudulent check laws inside and out. We’ll craft an aggressive defense to protect your future.

We’ve walked many frightened clients just like you through this process. More times than not, we’ve won dismissal or acquittal. Other times, we’ve limited the damage with plea bargains to probation or diversion.

So let us shoulder this burden with you. Call today for a free case review from our Castle Rock check fraud defense team.

What Is Check Fraud in Colorado?

Let’s break down exactly what you’re up against with check fraud allegations in Castle Rock and Douglas County.

In simplest terms, check fraud involves deceiving someone through the use of bad checks. Depending on the circumstances, prosecutors may hit you with charges like forgery, identity theft, or straight-up theft.

Some common scenarios include:

  • Purposely writing a bad check from an account you know has insufficient funds.
  • Forging someone else’s signature on a stolen check and trying to cash it.
  • Opening a bank account under a fake name and writing fraudulent checks.

These acts violate Colorado’s check fraud laws. Prosecutors typically charge them as either class 6 felonies or class 2 misdemeanors.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

The Severe Penalties You Face for Check Fraud Charges

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Make no mistake – check fraud allegations in Colorado should be taken very seriously. Prosecutors typically charge cases as either misdemeanors or felonies, with stark differences in sentencing between the two.

For a misdemeanor check fraud conviction, you face up to 120 days in county jail and hefty court fines up to $750. Probation may also be handed down, requiring strict supervision for up to 2 years. Restitution is also mandated, forcing you to repay all debts to victims.

With a felony conviction, you face 12-18 months in state prison per offense. The potential fines shoot up to an astronomical $100,000. This can close doors for future housing, employment, professional licensing, and education opportunities. Your ability to secure loans and credit lines may be damaged for years to come. And if you ever find yourself charged with another crime later on, your prior felony conviction will severely enhance the penalties you face.

Simply put, a felony check fraud conviction alters the entire trajectory of your life. The consequences echo long after your sentence is served. A skilled Castle Rock check fraud lawyer can help you avoid this devastating outcome.

Common Defenses Against Allegations

When facing criminal allegations, your defense attorney’s priority is poking holes in the prosecution’s case. Skilled Colorado check fraud lawyers leverage procedural mistakes and weaknesses in the state’s evidence to protect clients.

Some potential defenses we may use include:

  • Lack of intent – Prosecutors must establish you knowingly and intentionally meant to defraud with the bad check. If you made an honest mistake or error in judgment, that’s a defense.
  • Procedural violations – If police or prosecutors failed to follow proper procedures in your case, that may render some evidence inadmissible. Any constitutional violations could lead to dismissals.
  • Insufficient funds – If the bad check was due to a bank error or funds that legitimately should have been available, you may not have meant to commit fraud.
  • Undelivered goods or services – If you wrote a check for goods or services that were ultimately never delivered, that could undermine the prosecution’s argument that you intended to defraud.
  • Bookkeeping errors – If a clerk, accountant, or other third party made a clerical error that caused the check to bounce, we can argue you lacked criminal intent.
  • Contesting the amount owed – We may argue that the alleged victim is improperly inflating the value of bounced checks. With a lower total, charges may be reduced.

The key is acting quickly to preserve defense options before the trial date approaches. An aggressive lawyer will apply pressure on prosecutors from day one, seeking leverage for reduced charges or a favorable plea bargain. With the stakes so high, you need counsel advocating for your best interests.

Why Hire an Experienced Castle Rock Criminal Defense Lawyer?

We immediately investigate your case and build an aggressive strategy focused on the best possible outcome. Whether that means getting charges reduced or dismissed or taking your case to trial for a not-guilty verdict, we’ll craft a defense tailored to your situation.
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Our firm has represented clients facing criminal allegations across Douglas County. Now, we’re ready to fight for you, too. Don’t leave your future to chance.

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Colorado criminal procedure

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  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I be charged even if I didn't mean to bounce the check?

Yes, Colorado has strict liability laws regarding bad checks. Prosecutors only have to prove you knew the check would bounce, not that you specifically intended to defraud the recipient.

What other consequences might I face beyond criminal penalties?

In addition to fines and jail time, if convicted, restitution is mandatory. The victim can still pursue civil action against you for damages.

How does my criminal record affect potential check fraud charges?

If you have prior convictions for theft, fraud, or financial crimes, new check fraud charges may count as a felony, even if the bad check was for a small amount.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Finding the Right Criminal Defense Law Firm to Handle Your Colorado Fraud Charges

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Facing check fraud accusations in Castle Rock can disrupt your life and forever alter your future. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Right Law Group has helped thousands resolve criminal charges across Colorado – and we’re relentless when it comes to defending our clients’ freedom and reputations.
Our team of former prosecutors and District Attorneys brings decades of combined experience, an intimate understanding of Colorado law, and a proven track record of achieving dismissals, acquittals, and favorable outcomes in check fraud cases. We know what it takes to protect your rights, expose flaws in the state’s case, and craft an ironclad defense on your behalf.

Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. Right Law Group has your back. With 3 locations to serve you, our dedicated lawyers are ready to fight for the best possible result in your case. Don’t wait – contact Right Law Group online for a free consultation today. Our team is standing by 24/7 – because your future is on the line.

Areas Served

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El Paso County

Douglas County

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Arapahoe County

  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Cherry Hills Village
  • Foxfield
  • Sheridan
  • Columbine Valley
  • Byers
  • Southglenn
  • Castlewood
  • Peoria

Pueblo County

Teller County

Fremont County

  • Coaldale
  • Cotopaxi
  • Hillside
  • Howard
  • Texas Creek
  • Wellsville