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Castle Rock Felony Defense Lawyer

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Castle Rock Felony Attorney

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If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony in Castle Rock or Douglas County, you need legal help from attorneys who truly understand this complex area of criminal law.

Felony convictions bring severe consequences – years behind bars, crippling fines, and a permanent black mark on your record that destroys job prospects and reputation. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

But here’s the good news: the team at Right Law Group has the experience to stand by your side and strategically fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Our Castle Rock felony defense lawyers have represented hundreds of clients facing felony allegations in Colorado. Together, we can navigate this challenging time and achieve results that protect your future.

Felony Classifications and Penalties in Colorado

Felonies in our state fall into six classes, numbered 1 through 6. Class 1 contains the most serious felonies, while Class 6 is the least severe. Why does the class matter? It determines potential sentencing if convicted. For example, a Class 2 felony could mean 8-24 years behind bars, whereas a Class 6 felony may only involve 12-18 months imprisonment.

Here’s a breakdown of the presumptive sentencing range of six felony classes in Colorado, along with sentencing ranges and fines as defined in the Colorado Revised Statutes 18-1.3-401:

Felony Class Minimum Sentence Maximum Sentence Maximum Fine
Class 1 Life in prison Life in Prison $1,000,000
Class 2 8 years 24 years $1,000,000
Class 3 4 years 12 years $750,000
Class 4 2 years 6 years $500,000
Class 5 1 year 3 years $100,000
Class 6 1 year 18 months $100,000

To give you an idea, here are some common charges for each class:

  • Class 1: Murder, kidnapping,
  • Class 2: Manslaughter, first-degree assault
  • Class 3: Second-degree assault, aggravated robbery
  • Class 4: Arson, robbery, vehicular assault
  • Class 5: Felony theft, computer crime
  • Class 6: Forgery, criminal impersonation

Collateral Consequences

Unfortunately, it’s not just potential jail time you need to worry about. Felony convictions also bring many additional collateral consequences that can negatively impact your life for years to come.

Some examples:

  • Loss of civil rights like voting, serving on a jury, or possessing a firearm.
  • Potential disqualification from public housing benefits, military service, government assistance programs, or professional licenses.
  • Difficulty finding future employment or rental housing.
  • Deportation issues if not a U.S. citizen.

Our goal is to keep these far-reaching collateral consequences out of your future.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

Navigating the Complex Felony Process

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Once you’re charged with a felony, it sets off a multi-step criminal justice process – including a felony arraignment, preliminary hearing, and various pre-trial motions we can file:

  1. Initial Appearance – This is when you are formally informed of the charges against you and advised of your rights. Bail will be set at this hearing if you are in custody.
  2. Filing of Charges – Within a few days of your arrest, the district attorney will file a complaint formally charging you with a felony offense. We will get a copy of this complaint and start strategizing your defense.
  3. Felony Arraignment – At your arraignment several weeks later, you will enter a plea before the judge – not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Our attorney will be there to advise you and enter the plea on your behalf. This starts the clock for filing pre-trial motions.
  4. Pre-Trial Motions – There are many motions an attorney commonly files at this stage to advocate for you – including motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or disqualify a biased juror. Filing the right motions can profoundly impact your case outcome.
  5. Preliminary Hearing – At this hearing, the judge determines if there is enough evidence for the case to move forward to trial. If the evidence seems weak, we can argue for the charges to be dismissed at this stage.
  6. Plea Negotiations – Up until trial, we will actively negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dismissed entirely through plea agreements. Taking a plea may be the best option, depending on the circumstances.
  7. Trial – If a plea deal cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial before a judge or jury. We will aggressively defend your rights and fight to get an acquittal on all charges.
  8. Sentencing – If found guilty at trial, we will advocate for the lightest sentence allowed by law based on any mitigating factors.

As your defense attorneys, we leverage every phase of this process to advocate for you and work to mitigate or even dismiss the charges.

In your case, we’ll craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific charges you’re facing. We don’t use cookie-cutter approaches – that’s not in your best interest.

Instead, we’ll determine the most effective ways to counter the allegations, such as:

  • Establishing an iron-clad alibi
  • Proving you lacked criminal intent
  • Exposing holes in the prosecution’s evidence
  • Demonstrating valid self-defense arguments
  • Getting illegally obtained evidence excluded
  • Questioning the credibility of witnesses

We’ve successfully achieved dismissals of charges like theft, domestic violence, and drug crimes by piecing together air-tight defense strategies on behalf of our clients.

Why Work with a Local Castle Rock Criminal Attorney?

There are big advantages to partnering with a firm like ours that focuses solely on criminal defense in the Castle Rock area. First, we have intimate familiarity with the local courts, judges, and district attorneys. We know their tendencies and can advise how they might respond.

Additionally, we’ve built strong relationships with court staff over the years practicing in the area – that insider knowledge benefits our clients. And having an office close to the courthouse provides convenience if you need us quickly.

The Team You Want By Your Side

At Right Law Group, we have a passion for protecting our clients’ futures. We will go above and beyond by thoroughly investigating your case, aggressively defending your rights in court, and remaining by your side from arrest to acquittal.

We devote ample time and resources toward achieving the best possible outcome – that’s why we’ve successfully defended thousands of clients against criminal allegations over the years. If you or someone you care about is charged with a felony in Castle Rock, turn to us for experienced, dedicated representation.

If you’re under investigation or have felony charges in Castle Rock, please take advantage of a complimentary case evaluation.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • We’ll review your charges and provide an honest assessment.
  • You can ask me anything – we’ll answer all your most pressing legal questions.
  • We’ll discuss your goals and explore potential options.
  • We’ll explain the legal process and what to expect next.
  • You’ll gain insights from the decades we’ve spent handling cases like yours.

The bottom line? You don’t have to endure this alone. As an experienced Castle Rock felony defense lawyer, We’re here to support you and be your ally during this difficult time. Call our office to schedule your free consultation today. We’re ready to help.

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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What happens at a felony arraignment in Colorado?

A felony arraignment happens within a few weeks of being charged. At this hearing, you will appear before a judge and enter a formal plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This starts the timeline for filing pre-trial motions. An attorney can advise you on the smartest plea to enter at your arraignment.

What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Colorado?

Beyond potential jail time, felony convictions also carry consequences like loss of civil rights, barriers to employment and housing, professional license suspension, deportation issues, and more. These collateral consequences can negatively impact your life for years.

What types of crimes are felonies in Colorado?

Common felonies in Colorado include theft, burglary, robbery, assault, vehicular homicide, arson, kidnapping, domestic violence, sex crimes, drug offenses, fraud, and more. The details of the crime dictate the felony class level.

Will my felony case go to trial?

Most felony criminal cases are resolved before trial through plea agreements or dismissals. However, if no plea deal is reached and you wish to fight the charges, then your case will proceed to a trial before a judge or jury. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can advise if going to trial is the right strategic choice based on the evidence and potential sentencing exposure. Factors like your prior record and the severity of charges impact the likelihood of a case going to trial versus reaching a settlement. Your attorney will counsel you on the pros and cons of going to trial versus accepting a plea offer.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing Felony Charges in Castle Rock, CO? Make it Right With Right Law Group.

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Right now, your reputation, freedom, and future hang in the balance. The threat of years behind bars or a stained criminal record looms heavily. Where do you turn for help?

Look no further than Right Law Group – Colorado’s premier team of tenacious felony defense attorneys. Backed by over 500 glowing reviews and decades of combined courtroom experience, we possess the shrewd legal skills to tackle your charges head-on. Our record shows it: charges reduced or dismissed for thousands of satisfied clients over the past 20+ years.

We will immediately leverage our insider knowledge of prosecutors, judges, and the local courts to expose flaws in the State’s case against you. With meticulous case prep and hard-hitting negotiation tactics, we can mitigate sentences or have charges dropped entirely. Don’t leave your life in the hands of an overworked public defender. The stakes are too high.
Contact Right Law Group today for aggressive felony representation.

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