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Approximately 44 million people in the United States suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. A large percentage of that number comprises our nation’s service members. Many of our nation’s veterans return from service with either symptoms of or full-fledged diagnoses of PTSD. The result? These soldiers end up in the criminal justice system due to crimes committed relating to their anxiety, depression, self-destructive behavior, hostility or sometimes due to reactions from a flashback they cannot control. DUI is just one of the symptoms of PTSD, as one may drink to excess to quell the horrific memories of seeing comrades shot. Many with this traumatic disorder drink to forget. Then, they drive. Then they get a DUI. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics can also experience PTSD, as can survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.
PTSD defense attorney, Alexis Austin, is knowledgeable in PTSD-related legal concerns, having researched it extensively and studied the effects of PTSD as part of her undergraduate education. She knows how PTSD factors into criminal arrests. Working with veterans, her defense strategy handles each case optimally, providing peace of mind.
We handle these and other criminal charges relating to PTSD:
At the Colorado Springs law firm of Right Law Group, we offer aggressive defense for crimes committed while suffering from the effects of PTSD. Crimes include drinking and driving due to serious alcohol abuse and assault arrests, including those relating to domestic violence. A special veteran trauma court in Colorado can be petitioned to handle these cases. This court is designed for customized veteran help and uses a holistic approach to managing cases involving veterans with PTSD. It is administered by veterans and overseen by a judge who is a veteran. Service-related mental health issues are looked at more compassionately, often resulting in plea offers or reduced sentences. We understand that PTSD is not your fault and appreciate your service. We will stand by you.
When you work with Right Law Group, rest assured we will strive for your case’s best possible outcome. We will protect your rights.
Nick was very knowledgeable and friendly when I asked him about a traffic ticket. He answered all of my questions in a timely manner. Right Law Group is an excellent criminal defense law firm and the attorneys are top notch. 10/10 will recommend to family and friends.
I called Right Law group to ask about a speeding ticket. I spoke with a lady named Rachelle. She was very helpful with answering my questions. At the end of our conversation I felt she understood how I was feeling. I appreciated her willingness and the time she spent with me. Thank you.
I can’t stress enough how helpful and professional the staff were. Nanette was stellar! She exceeded all of my expectations. Thank you for helping me and for getting back to me so quickly.
Chelle was great meeting. Even though we did not end up needing to work with her. We were super impressed with her knowledge and professionalism. If we ever have the need she will be my first call.
The thing that's impressing about Alexis and her team is nothing's sugar coated. She and her law firm is very straight forward. They will tell you what to expect each step of the way. They care about their clients, very exceptional!
I called in and spoke to Rachelle about a speeding ticket I got a few months back. She was super helpful and helped me thoroughly understand the process of what will happen. She was very helpful and very knowledgeable. Thanks Right Law Group and thank you Rachelle!
Excellent customer service. I worked with Mailyn and she was so polite and nice to work with. Definitely knows her business. Will continue to use this company. I would recommend right law group to anyone that needs legal help.
Very responsive and professional in all communications. I would highly recommend this firm and their services.
So far this law group has been fantastic. I get updates on my case all the time. They keep me informed, which makes me feel better. Extremely nice personnel who are very helpful and answer all your questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our compassion and experience with Colorado law mean we can review your specific circumstances with an open mind and offer legal options. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.
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