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Colorado Springs Homicide Lawyer

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Being accused of homicide in Colorado Springs can be an incredibly frightening and stressful experience. Homicide charges carry some of the most harsh penalties under Colorado law, including lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty.

If you or a loved one are facing accusations of homicide, speak with a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

At Right Law Group, our seasoned defense lawyers have extensive experience handling homicide charges and other violent crimes. We understand how terrifying and overwhelming these allegations can be.

Our Colorado Springs homicide lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, build a strong defense on your behalf, and ensure your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Homicide Charges in Colorado Springs

Homicide refers to the killing of one human being by another. However, not all homicides are criminal acts. For example, killings committed in self-defense may be legally justified.

On the other hand, taking another person’s life through criminal means exposes you to some of the harshest punishments under Colorado criminal law.

There are several degrees and types of criminal homicide charges in Colorado:

  • First-degree murder – When someone intentionally and with premeditation unlawfully kills another person. This is a Class 1 felony punishable by life in prison.
  • Second-degree murder – When someone knowingly causes the death of another person. This is a Class 2 felony punishable by 16 to 48 years in prison.
  • Manslaughter – When someone recklessly or negligently causes another person’s death. This can be charged as a Class 4 felony punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison.
  • Vehicular homicide – When someone operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes a death. This is a Class 3 felony punishable by 4 to 12 years in prison.
  • Criminally negligent homicide – When someone causes a death through conduct amounting to criminal negligence. This is a Class 5 felony punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison.

The specific homicide charge you face depends on the circumstances and details surrounding the alleged crime. A Colorado Springs criminal defense Lawyer from Right Law Group can carefully examine the evidence and work to get the most serious charges reduced or dismissed.

What is the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?

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While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, murder and manslaughter are legally distinct homicide charges under Colorado criminal law:

  • Murder involves the intentional and unlawful killing of another person. First and second-degree murder charges require
  • Prosecutors to prove the accused acted with intent and malice. Premeditation must be proven for a first-degree murder conviction.
  • Manslaughter does not involve intentional homicide. Voluntary manslaughter involves knowingly causing a death due to provocation or heat of passion. Involuntary manslaughter stems from a reckless or negligent act leading to an accidental death.
  • Murder is a more serious felony charge than manslaughter.
  • Manslaughter does not require proof of malice or premeditation.
  • Manslaughter can result from accidental deaths, while murder cannot.
  • Manslaughter convictions result in shorter prison sentences than murder.

Because the stakes are so high, working with an attorney who understands these distinctions is critical when facing homicide allegations. The defense lawyers at Right Law Group can challenge a murder charge and work to get manslaughter charges if appropriate based on the circumstances.

Have You Been Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Colorado Springs?

A specific type of homicide charge that our firm frequently defends against is vehicular homicide. Under C.R.S. 18-3-106, you may face criminal charges if you cause the death of another person while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, engaging in reckless driving, participating in a drag race on a highway, or eluding or attempting to elude police.

There are often defenses in vehicular homicide cases that an experienced DUI lawyer can raise on your behalf:

  • The accident was not your fault, and you were not reckless. For example, weather or road conditions contributed.
  • There are doubts about whether drugs or alcohol impairment caused the accident.
  • Procedural errors occurred, such as a lack of probable cause for blood testing.
  • You were not the driver, and misidentification occurred.

The defense lawyers at Right Law Group have successfully defended numerous vehicular homicide charges by carefully examining the evidence and building a strong defense. If you face such charges, do not leave your fate to chance. Contact our Colorado Springs law offices immediately to schedule your free case evaluation.

What to Do if You Are Questioned or Arrested for Homicide in Colorado Springs

If questioned by police about a homicide or arrested on homicide charges, we recommend the following:

  1. Remain silent and politely decline to answer any questions. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you.
  2. Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately. Do not say anything more or sign any documents without counsel present.
  3. Do not try to explain what happened or make excuses. Wait to tell your side of the story to your attorney once retained.
  4. Cooperate with the booking process and avoid resisting officers.
  5. If released on bond, follow all instructions from the court to avoid additional charges or bail revocation.
  6. Immediately contact our Colorado Springs criminal defense law firm to schedule a free consultation.

The homicide defense lawyers at Right Law Group understand how to protect your rights during a homicide investigation and trial. Do not say anything to the police before first speaking with a defense lawyer. We will handle communications with investigators to avoid any damaging statements.

How a Skilled Colorado Springs Homicide Attorney Can Defend Your Rights

Facing any type of homicide charge in Colorado can feel terrifying. However, an aggressive criminal defense lawyer can analyze the prosecution’s case, identify weaknesses, and build a strong defense to either get charges reduced or dismissed.

A dedicated homicide attorney will:

  • Thoroughly examine all evidence, from D.N.A. and blood samples to witness testimony and police reports. Weaknesses in the prosecution’s physical evidence or witness accounts can be exploited.
  • Work to get certain evidence or testimony excluded from trial. Violations of your rights or sloppy police work can make evidence inadmissible.
  • Develop alternative theories for what occurred. Question eyewitness reliability. Highlight reasonable doubt.
  • Engage in discussions with the prosecutor to seek charge reductions when deemed suitable. For example, a voluntary manslaughter charge may be negotiated down to involuntary manslaughter.
  • Prepare necessary expert testimony. Expert witnesses can weaken the prosecution’s version of events.
  • Advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain or take your case to trial. An experienced attorney will know which route is likely to produce a favorable outcome.

The right legal advocacy can mean the difference between a long prison sentence and your charges being dismissed or reduced. Hiring a Colorado Springs homicide lawyer with specific experience defending these complex cases is key.

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.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trust an Aggressive Homicide Defense from Right Law Group

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The stakes could not be higher when facing homicide charges in Colorado. These allegations must be taken seriously, and a criminal defense attorney is essential.

Right Law Group has successfully defended clients against homicide and vehicular homicide charges throughout El Paso County. Our team has the skills to investigate the allegations thoroughly, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, negotiate with the DA for reduced charges if appropriate, and build a strong defense for trial.

If you or a loved one have been accused of any degree of homicide in the Colorado Springs area, be sure to get in touch with Right Law Group immediately for trusted legal representation. Contact us for a free case review today.

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