Our Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyers have years of experience in getting our clients’ criminal charges reduced to minor offenses or dropped completely. Our goal is to keep you out of custody and save your driver’s license so you can get back to your life as soon as possible.
Can my charges get dismissed?
Our Colorado Springs defense lawyers fight to get your charges dismissed or lessened to low-level misdemeanors or infractions.
For violent crime charges, we can argue that you acted in lawful self-defense or that the incident was an accident. For sex crime charges, we could claim that the victim consented or falsely accused you. For fraud or theft charges, we would show that you had no intent to deceive or steal. And for drunk driving or drug charges, we may be able to get the charges thrown out based solely on police misconduct.
Our Colorado Springs defense attorneys craft the best possible defense by:
- searching for all the favorable evidence in your case that the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) law enforcement officers failed to find (or purposely ignored);
- scrutinizing all the prosecution’s evidence for discrepancies and inaccuracies;
- hiring an expert witness if necessary to go over your case and provide testimony in your favor;
- holding aggressive settlement talks with the prosecutors to show that we refuse to accept any low-ball plea deals; and
- file court motions asking the court to disregard any of the state’s evidence that the police found through an illegal search.
Through strategic investigation, negotiation, and litigation, we show the District Attorney that their case fails to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. And the D.A. will usually agree to a very favorable resolution without us having to go to trial.
Most Colorado Springs criminal cases can get reduced or dismissed, especially for first time defendants.
Can I remain free on bail?
Most people booked at the El Paso County Jail are released on bail or their own recognizance for the duration of their case. In more serious cases, judges may insist on defendants staying home on house arrest with electronic monitoring.
How long do prosecutors have to file charges?
The more serious the criminal offense, the longer the D.A. has to file charges.
| Colorado offense | Criminal statutes of limitations |
| 6 months | |
| 1 year |
| 18 months |
| 3 years |
| 20 years |
| No limit |
In theft or fraud charges, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the theft or fraud is discovered – not when it allegedly occurred.1
Where do I go to court?
People cited for traffic violation tickets, petty offenses, or misdemeanors within the incorporated area of Colorado Springs have their cases in the Colorado Springs Municipal Court, located at 224 E. Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
Otherwise, defendants have their cases in the El Paso County Judicial Building. It is located at 270 S Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Note that felony charges which fail to resolve in El Paso County Court get bound over to the Fourth Judicial District Court in the same building.
Depending on the case, our Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys may be able to appear on your behalf without you there.
Will my criminal record be affected?
Every arrest and citation goes on your criminal record.
If your case is ultimately dismissed, our Colorado Springs defense lawyers can petition the court to seal your arrest record right away. But if you are convicted, there is a waiting period before our legal team can seal it.
| Colorado conviction | Waiting period to petition for record seal in Colorado |
|---|---|
| Petty offense or petty drug offense | 1 year after the case ends |
| Class 2 misdemeanor or drug misdemeanor | 2 years after the last case ends |
| Class 4 felony, class 5 felony, class 6 felony, level 3 drug felony, level 4 drug felony, or class 1 misdemeanor | 3 years after the case ends |
| Level 2 drug felony or any other eligible offense | 5 years after the case ends |
| All other offenses, including domestic violence, driving under the influence, and sex crimes. | Can never be sealed2 |
Many prosecutors agree to charge drug crimes (including drug possession) as misdemeanors rather than felonies.
Arrested by police officers in Colorado Springs? Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have a long track record of getting charges reduced or dismissed with no jail time or jury trial.
Many of our trial lawyers are former prosecutors who now use their insider knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal system to craft effective criminal defense representation and achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
For an initial consultation and to discuss retaining legal representation, call our criminal defense law firm today.
Our DWAI/DUI defense and criminal law attorneys provide legal help and legal advice throughout the state of Colorado, including Denver, Pueblo, Greeley. Our legal counsel’s practice areas also include personal injury and employment law in addition to criminal defense cases.
Legal References
- CRS 16-5-401 CRS. See, for example, People v. Summers (Colo. 2009) 208 P.3d 251.
- CRS 24-72-701-708. See, for example, C.B. v. People, (Colo. App. 2005) 122 P.3d 1065.