Attempted First-Degree Murder – Felony Deferred Judgment With Probation

Our client was charged with attempted first-degree murder after becoming entangled in a conflict between a friend and the friend’s business associates. He accompanied his friend to what he believed would be a tense but manageable meeting, but was ambushed by a group armed with guns and metal pipes. His friend was shot and injured. Despite being the one who was attacked, our client was charged with attempting to murder the people who had fired first.

He faced up to 24 years in prison. He could not comprehend how he had gone from being a victim of circumstance to a defendant in a major felony case. Krizman Law immediately dismantled the prosecution’s theory. We emphasized the chaotic, reactionary nature of the encounter and the aggressive conduct of the so-called victims.

We made clear to the Arapahoe District Attorney’s Office that we were prepared for a fight at trial, making extensive pretrial filings and chipping away at the police investigation. We forced a full re-evaluation of the case and the DA finally agreed to a deferred judgment to a felony, with probation. Our client avoided prison and the lifelong consequences of a conviction.

The judge initially hesitated to approve the deal, but our presentation at sentencing made clear that this was a frightened man who made a split-second decision in a life-or-death moment. The court approved the agreement.

Our client walked out of court with his freedom intact. Krizman Law’s relentless advocacy and human-centered approach once again turned what could have been a 24-year nightmare into a second chance.