Call now

Castle Rock Menacing 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 Menacing Attorney

Google Reviews
divider

Facing a felony menacing charge in Colorado can be an incredibly stressful and uncertain time. The stakes are high, with potential penalties including years in prison and substantial fines. Where do you turn for help protecting your rights and future? An experienced criminal defense lawyer should be your first call.

At Right Law Group, we know that menacing charges must be taken seriously from the very start. These allegations can turn your life upside down. Our compassionate Castle Rock menacing lawyers are committed to building an individualized defense strategy focused on your specific needs. Every case is different, and so is every solution.

What Constitutes Criminal Menacing Under Colorado Law

You may be wondering what exactly falls under the umbrella of criminal menacing here in our state. In essence, Colorado defines menacing as knowingly causing someone to fear imminent serious bodily injury through the use of a deadly weapon or physical action. The alleged victim must truly feel afraid and believe the threat is about to occur.

Menacing Becomes a Felony When a Deadly Weapon is Involved

Threatening someone without a weapon leads to misdemeanor menacing, a class 3 misdemeanor. Menacing rises to a class 5 felony charge when a deadly weapon such as a firearm or knife is involved. Verbally threatening serious harm can still result in criminal charges, even without a physical weapon.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

Common Scenarios – Brandishing Weapons and Violent Threats

divider

During our many years representing clients facing menacing allegations, some patterns have emerged. While the details always vary, typical menacing cases often involve:

  • Brandishing a firearm or knife during a heated argument
  • Pointing a gun at someone in a purported self-defense situation
  • Road rage incidents where a driver flashes or points a weapon
  • Violent threats made during volatile domestic disputes

Even if you never intended to cause harm, aggressively displaying a deadly weapon can still lead to felony menacing charges. The key is whether the alleged victim genuinely feared imminent serious injury based on your actions.

Understand the Serious Criminal Penalties You Face

In our experience defending menacing cases, the potential penalties vary based on the specific charges:

Charge Statute Penalty Fine
Misdemeanor Menacing C.R.S. 18-3-206 Up to 1 year in jail Up to $1,000
Felony Menacing C.R.S. 18-3-206 1-3 years in prison $1,000 – $100,000

Felony menacing allegations carry more severe penalties of prison time and substantial fines. However, even a misdemeanor conviction will result in jail time and a criminal record. At Right Law Group, our assertive representation has succeeded in getting charges reduced or dismissed through motions and negotiations. Don’t navigate the justice system alone.

A Dedicated Lawyer is Essential When Facing Menacing Charges

The stakes are high when facing criminal allegations like felony menacing. Having an experienced attorney guide you through the process is crucial.

If you are accused of menacing in Castle Rock, Douglas County, or elsewhere in Colorado, contact Right Law Group immediately. We will be your compassionate and strategic partner, advising you at every stage:

  • After an arrest, we protect your legal rights.
  • During plea negotiations, we work toward the best possible resolution.
  • If a trial becomes necessary, we build a vigorous defense on your behalf.
  • In the event of a conviction, we advocate for lenient sentencing.

At Right Law Group, our attorneys know the intricacies of Colorado criminal law. We have successfully defended many clients facing menacing and other serious felony charges over our history. Lean on our expertise so you can focus on your future while we fight to protect your freedom.

Legal Strategies to Challenge the Charges

Menacing allegations must be thoroughly challenged from every angle. As your attorneys, we take a proactive stance to safeguard your rights and hold the prosecution accountable. Potential strategies may include:

Seeking Dismissal Through Assertive Motions

  • Contesting improper police conduct during the investigation
  • Highlighting exceptions like self-defense that negate intent
  • Questioning the credibility of the alleged victim
  • Gathering witness statements and evidence for your defense

If we identify legal issues with the charges or police investigation tactics, we can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. However, most cases end with negotiated plea bargains or pre-trial diversions. There are always options!

Diversion Programs Provide a Second Chance

Diversification programs provide an alternative route for qualifying nonviolent offenders to avoid a permanent criminal conviction. Right Law Group frequently negotiates diversion with the DA’s office for misdemeanor menacing charges when appropriate, given the facts of the case.

Successful completion of diversion results in charges being dropped and your record sealed. While requirements vary, conditions often include restitution, counseling, community service, and probation-like supervision.

The True Cost of a Conviction Goes Far Beyond Money

Facing the legal fees for proper criminal defense representation is difficult upfront. Yet a menacing conviction’s consequences for your future are far more financially devastating over the long run.

A permanent criminal record makes rebuilding your life infinitely more challenging. Expect:

  • Loss of current and future career opportunities, as many employers avoid applicants with convictions. This affects your earning potential for years to come.
  • Extreme difficulty finding housing, as rental applications often deny applicants with a criminal history.
  • Family stress and damaged personal relationships that are difficult to repair.
  • Loss of access to federal student loans and other government benefits.

Avoiding conviction through an assertive legal defense or diversion program saves you from these substantial collateral damages.

Take Immediate Action to Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one is charged with felony or misdemeanor menacing, waiting to seek legal help won’t make it disappear. You need to act now to protect yourself:

  • Invoke your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel present. Do not talk to the police without your lawyer.
  • Avoid social media posts discussing the alleged incident. Anything you say online can and will be used against you.
  • Preserve important evidence like text messages, videos, receipts, and anything else related to your case.

The sooner you have Right Law Group by your side, the better we can position your defense strategy. Don’t leave your fate solely in the hands of the prosecution – we provide aggressive representation when you need it most. Call our office today.

Why Right Law Group Is the Right Choice for Your Defense

Our credentials speak for themselves. With decades of combined experience representing local clients against serious felony allegations, we know what it takes to protect freedom and opportunity.

Right Law Group is your compassionate legal advocate, not just another law firm. Place your trust in us. Contact our office today for a free case review, and let’s take the first step together. This situation does not define you – you deserve a second chance.

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

Can you be charged with menacing for threats made online or over text?

Yes, menacing charges can result from perceived threats made electronically or in writing. The communication medium does not matter under Colorado law.

Is it still menacing if you didn't intend to follow through on the threat?

Yes, the key factor is whether the victim legitimately feared imminent serious harm based on your words or actions. Your actual intent is less relevant.

Can aggressive hand gestures like pretending to shoot be considered menacing?

Yes, physical gestures like pointing your finger like a gun or sliding your hand across your throat can potentially lead to menacing charges.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Menacing Allegations Are Serious - You Need an Experienced Lawyer Now

divider

Facing criminal charges like felony menacing can make you feel helpless, but you still have options. The skilled attorneys at Right Law Group have the experience to guide you through the most complex legal challenges. We have resolved thousands of criminal cases across Colorado by providing relentless and zealous defense.

Our firm includes former prosecutors and district attorneys who now use their insider knowledge to safeguard our clients’ rights. We have over 500 positive reviews from past clients because we genuinely care about our role as your compassionate legal advocate.

With decades of combined legal experience and 3 convenient office locations, Right Law Group has the dedication and resources to take on your criminal allegations head-on. We know your charges seem overwhelming now, but there is still hope. You deserve the best possible outcome. Don’t wait to contact our team for a free consultation and find out how we can help.

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