Call now

Castle Rock Homicide 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 Homicide Attorney

Google Reviews
divider

Being accused of homicide in Colorado is an extremely serious matter that can carry severe penalties, including life in prison or even the death penalty. The emotional weight of these criminal charges is immense for everyone involved. If you or a loved one have been arrested on homicide charges, it is critical to understand the legal landscape and start building an effective defense right away. Navigating the criminal justice system can be complex and intimidating, but obtaining knowledgeable Castle Rock homicide lawyers will put you on the right path to securing the best outcome.

Breaking Down Colorado Homicide Laws and Penalties

Colorado divides homicide charges into different degrees based on circumstances and intent. First-degree murder involves deliberate, premeditated killings. This severe charge carries a minimum sentence of life in prison without parole. Second-degree murder charges typically involve reckless killings or those committed without premeditation. There is a wide sentencing range – between 16 and 48 years in prison for adults. Criminally negligent homicide leading to death can be charged as manslaughter. Manslaughter has lower culpability than murder charges and may result in 2 to 6 years behind bars.

Self-defense, defense of others, or other legally justifiable use of force can sometimes reduce charges or even lead to acquittal. Colorado has strong “Make My Day” laws allowing force against intruders, for example. Documenting justification will be a key part of an effective legal strategy.

Colorado Homicide Sentences and Penalties

Below is a quick reference table outlining the presumptive sentencing ranges for different homicide charges in Colorado:

Charge Statute Minimum Sentence Maximum Sentence
First Degree Murder C.R.S. 18-3-102 Life imprisonment without parole Life in Prison
Second Degree Murder C.R.S. 18-3-103 16 years imprisonment 48 years imprisonment
Manslaughter C.R.S. 18-3-104 2 years imprisonment 6 years imprisonment
Criminally Negligent Homicide C.R.S. 18-3-105 1 year imprisonment 3 years imprisonment
Vehicular Homicide C.R.S. 18-3-106 4 years imprisonment 12 years imprisonment

When reviewing the homicide sentencing table, it’s important to keep the following key points in mind:

  • Sentences depend on aggravating and mitigating factors
  • Accessory charges may also apply to accomplices

The circumstances of each case play a major role in determining the final sentence upon conviction. An experienced Castle Rock criminal defense lawyer can advise on the complexities and help craft strong arguments to mitigate penalties. Consulting knowledgeable local counsel is highly recommended when facing any homicide charges.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

Executing an Effective Legal Strategy – How to Build a Robust Defense

divider

A robust defense strategy typically involves exhaustive investigation and evidence gathering, analysis of all plausible arguments, and crafting persuasive narratives to undermine the charges. Background research, forensic evidence, witness interviews, alibi confirmation, and crime scene reconstruction may all be used to contradict the prosecution’s version of events and bolster defense options.

It’s also critical to leverage any mitigating factors that could justify actions or reduce culpability in the eyes of the law. These may include lack of criminal history, mental health issues, age of the defendant, any misconduct or negligence by police or prosecutors, or disproportionate use of force by the victim. Building a persuasive narrative around mitigating factors is key.

What You Need to Know to Protect Your Rights

The Constitution provides every citizen accused of a crime with important rights, including the right to avoid self-incrimination and remain silent, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, limits on illegal searches and seizures, and the right to have an attorney present before submitting to any questioning by investigators or prosecutors.

Knowing your rights, and having an advocate to defend them proactively, is crucial following an arrest. Skilled Colorado criminal defense attorneys will intervene to prevent coercive or unconstitutional interrogation tactics. They will challenge any violations, like warrantless searches, to have illicitly obtained evidence barred from use at trial. Protecting rights leads to better case outcomes

Building a Strong Defense – Key Strategies for Acquittal or Mitigation

When facing homicide charges, an aggressive defense strategy is needed to avoid harsh consequences. Our Castle Rock criminal lawyers explore every avenue to build a robust case for acquittal or penalty mitigation:

  • Justifying Actions – We investigate whether force was used lawfully in self-defense under Colorado’s “Make My Day” laws. Establishing justification can lead to dismissed charges.
  • Proving Lack of Intent – The accident defense asserts the death was unintentional and unavoidable. We rigorously verify claims of innocence.
  • Uncovering Holes in the Prosecution’s Case – Thorough probes into evidence and witnesses may reveal fabrication, uncertainty, or mistaken assumptions undermining the charges.
  • Leveraging Psychology and Mental Capacity – Expert opinions on incompetence, insanity, or impaired mental state can support defenses.
  • Identifying Misconduct – Constitutional violations by police or prosecutors can help suppress wrongfully obtained evidence.

When charges are steep, you need aggressive advocates willing to challenge the prosecution at every step. Our relentless efforts have exposed weaknesses leading to acquittals, dropped charges, and mitigated outcomes. With expertise and determination, we fight for the best possible result.

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

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Colorado criminal procedure

divider
  • 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

divider

What is the difference between first-degree murder and second-degree murder in Colorado?

First-degree murder requires deliberate and premeditated intent to kill. Second-degree murder typically involves reckless killings or those without proven premeditation. First-degree convictions carry much harsher sentences.

Does Colorado allow the death penalty?

Yes, Colorado is one of 27 states that authorize capital punishment for certain aggravated first-degree murder convictions. However, there is currently a moratorium on executions.

Does Colorado have "stand your ground" self-defense laws?

No, there is a “duty to retreat” from public confrontations when safely possible. But Colorado does have expansive “Make My Day” laws allowing force against home intruders.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Right Law Group Is Ready to Work on Your Defense

divider

Facing homicide charges in Castle Rock is daunting, but you and your family are not alone. The dedicated criminal defense attorneys at Right Law Group have helped thousands of clients resolve serious charges throughout Colorado, including complex homicide cases, and we are ready to represent you. With former prosecutors and district attorneys on staff, we have invaluable experience on both sides of the courtroom. Our attorneys at law offer relentless and zealous defense with proven results over decades of combined expertise.

With over 500 5-star reviews and multiple offices to conveniently serve you, Right Law Group has an expansive network of connections across the state to build the most ironclad case for acquittal or mitigation. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of overwhelmed public defenders. The stakes are far too high. Call Right Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and strategic legal advisors. Together, we will leave no stone unturned in fighting for the best possible outcome for your future, freedom, and family.

Areas Served

divider

El Paso County

Douglas County

map

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