Call now

Castle Rock Serious Bodily Injury 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 Serious Bodily Injury Attorney

Google Reviews
divider

Finding yourself facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming. Your reputation, freedom, and future are on the line. Where do you turn for help? For residents of Castle Rock, Colorado, and the surrounding communities, our firm is here to provide experienced legal guidance during this difficult time.

As your dedicated Castle Rock serious bodily injury lawyers, we know that serious bodily injury allegations bring some of the most severe penalties in Colorado criminal law. But we also know every case is unique, with important nuances that could mean the difference between prison time and exoneration.

What Constitutes Serious Bodily Injury in Colorado?

Serious bodily injury involves substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of function. Typically, broken bones and severe burns fall under Serious bodily injury. . Compare this to simple “bodily injury,” which refers to physical pain, illness, or any impairment, however minor.

The threshold for serious bodily injury is high. Not all grave harm meets this statutory definition. Our Castle Rock criminal defense lawyers can carefully analyze the injuries involved to determine whether they actually qualify.

Some common serious bodily injuries we see in Castle Rock assault cases include:

  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Head trauma like a traumatic brain injury
  • Damage to organs and internal systems
  • Significant lacerations or blood loss

The degree of injury involved has a major impact on the criminal charges and penalties you face.

Degrees of Bodily Injury Charges in Colorado

Colorado law categorizes serious bodily injury crimes into three classes based on the degree of intent and negligence involved. The presumptive sentencing ranges for a few examples are:

  • 1st Degree Assault: Intentionally caused serious bodily injury, often using a deadly weapon. This severe felony can mean 5-16 years in prison.
  • 2nd Degree Assault: Recklessly caused serious bodily injury to another. Punishable by 2-6 years imprisonment.
  • 3rd Degree Assault: Criminal negligence resulting in bodily injury. Penalties can include up to 18 months.

As experienced Castle Rock criminal defense lawyers, we don’t just accept the charges at face value. The facts surrounding each case matter. From motive to self-defense claims to the viability of proof for the prosecution’s version of events – many factors can change the landscape of a case.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

How a Castle Rock Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

divider

Serious bodily injury charges should never be faced alone. As your defense counsel, we can provide a detailed investigation of the circumstances along with strategic advocacy at every stage, including:

  • Investigating Physical Evidence & Witness Accounts: We independently gather evidence to build the strongest counter-narrative to the prosecution’s claims. This can reveal flaws in the charges.
  • Advocating for Charge Reductions: If the injury doesn’t meet the “serious” threshold or intent is unclear, we can push for reduced charges.
  • Negotiating Plea Deals: Plea deals provide the ability to minimize penalties and avoid trial risk. We negotiate firmly to get probation, rehabilitation, and record sealing.
  • Providing an Aggressive Trial Defense: In cases where a settlement isn’t favorable, we aren’t afraid to take our fight into the courtroom for an acquittal. Our thorough preparation and trial experience gives our Castle Rock clients the greatest chance for a not-guilty verdict.

When freedom and reputation are at stake, you need strong advocacy.

Possible Castle Rock Serious Bodily Injury Defenses

While serious bodily injury charges can seem daunting, there are often strong defenses our attorneys pursue. Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, we may be able to argue:

  • Self-Defense: If you were protecting yourself from harm, the use of force may have been legally justified.
  • Lack of Intent: If your actions were an accident vs intentional, it could reduce charges.
  • Misidentification: Eyewitnesses can be mistaken. We scrutinize identification methods.
  • Unlawful Police Conduct: We look for issues with evidence collection or interrogation methods.
  • Defense of Others: Use of force to protect someone else from harm may be permitted.
  • Insanity/Diminished Mental Capacity: Mental deficiencies may show the accused did not act purposefully.
  • Consent: For contact sports injuries, consent may nullify assault claims.

An experienced Douglas County law firm can uncover and develop these defenses during our independent investigation of your charges.

Why Work With a Local Castle Rock Law Firm?

In cases involving complex criminal statutes and fact-intensive investigations like serious bodily injury allegations, local knowledge and connections can make a pivotal difference.

As your dedicated Castle Rock defense firm, here’s why our deep roots in this community translate to strategic advantages for your case:

  • Legal Insights: Over decades of practice focused on Castle Rock, we’ve cultivated an intimate understanding of local prosecutors, judges, and criminal statutes. We leverage this experience to build winning case strategies.
  • Reputation & Relationships: Our firm and attorneys are well-known and respected by prosecutors and judges in the jurisdiction. This credibility enhances our negotiation leverage.
  • Responsiveness & Accessibility: Located in Castle Rock, we’re able to meet in person and provide responsive, personalized attention to each case. Out-of-town lawyers can’t match this critical accessibility.

When your freedom is at stake, turn to the firm with proven experience and local roots to be your trusted ally – Right Law Group. Our team of dedicated Castle Rock criminal defense attorneys has the strategic criminal defense insights to build your strongest case.

Start Building Your Strongest Defense Strategy Today

Don’t leave your fate in the hands of the public defender or out-of-town attorneys detached from our community. The experienced Castle Rock serious bodily injury lawyers at Right Law Group are ready to aggressively defend you.

Contact our firm for a free case evaluation and start building an ironclad defense strategy with guidance from our award-winning attorneys. Together, we can fight for the charges to be dismissed, minimized, or beaten at trial.

With your freedom hanging in the balance, put our localized experience and strategic criminal defense counsel to work for you. Contact us online to get started today. The sooner we begin building your defense, the better.

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 I face the charges if the victim hits me first?

Yes, you can still face “serious bodily injury” charges even if the victim initiated physical contact first. Self-defense would need to be proven to fight the accusations.

Can I still be charged if the victim "eggs me on"?

Yes, even if the victim’s behavior helped provoke or escalate the situation, you can still face charges for causing injury. But this context can help mitigate punishment.

Does the injury need to be permanent to qualify as "serious"?

No, even temporary injuries like concussions or bone fractures can meet the “serious bodily injury” threshold under Colorado law if they involve a substantial risk of death or extended loss of function.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Protect Your Future With the Legal Team You Can Trust

divider

Facing serious criminal allegations can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The dedicated Castle Rock serious bodily injury defense attorneys at Right Law Group understand the complexity of these charges and how to strategically protect your rights.

With decades of combined experience successfully resolving thousands of cases in Colorado, our relentless attorneys have the shrewd defense insights only former prosecutors like ourselves possess.

The sooner you contact Right Law Group, the quicker we can start investigating every angle of your case and building an ironclad defense strategy. With over 500 rave reviews from satisfied clients we’ve defended, you can trust our firm to aggressively fight for the best possible outcome.

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