Alleged Victim (AV) and Client were in a relationship and got into a verbal argument. AV made a statement to the police that Client choked them during this argument. Client was then charged with third degree assault. Two days later Client drove to a hotel to speak to...
Blog
CARELESS DRIVING w/INJURY
Client was driving with their children when they made a left turn and accidentally hit an elderly pedestrian. Client was charged with violating Colorado's Vulnerable Road User and Careless Driving statutes amounting to so many potential points against their license...
SEX ASSAULT INVESTIGATION (FBI) – NO CHARGES FILED
While Client was dating their partner, they went on a cruise together. After the cruise, the couple suffered an unamicable breakup. Subsequently, Client was accused of sexual assault by their former partner. This accusation triggered an FBI investigation because the...
Colorado’s Clean Slate Act (SB22-099) Automatic Record Sealing
SB22-099: automatic sealing of records for nonviolent crimes On May 31, 2022, Colorado passed a law requiring records for nonviolent crimes to be automatically sealed. Before this, only certain drug offenses were automatically sealed. This law prevents employers,...
CHILD ABUSE – 9 MONTH DEFERRED JUDGMENT
Client returned to town from working in the mountains around midnight and went to pick up food at a restaurant. Client had their child with them in the vehicle. Client arrived at the restaurant and parked directly next to the storefront. Client asked the child if they...
THIRD DEGREE ASSAULT (DV) – DISMISSED, RECORD SEALED
Client got into a verbal argument with their partner and ultimately called law enforcement after being pushed. When law enforcement arrived, the officers erroneously determined that Client was the aggressor that evening. Client was charged with Domestic Violence and...
FAQ: What Is a Victim’s Rights Attorney?
In my earlier blog post, I wrote about what a criminal defense attorney does. So what might the opposite of that be? Meaning, if I represent people who are charged with crimes, who represents the victims? While it’s not a true legal term, what people are looking for...
FAQ: What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
As a criminal defense attorney, sometimes I get requests from prospective clients who seem a bit confused about what kind of law I practice. For example, I’ll occasionally get calls from people who say something like: “I was sexually assaulted. Can you help me go...
FAQ: How Do I Know if I’m Being Charged With a Crime?
Sometimes I get phone calls from people who contact me because they’re afraid they’re in trouble with the law, and if I ask them “Are you facing criminal charges?” they answer “I’m not sure.” While it might sound ridiculous to even ask the question, it is worth...
THIRD DEGREE ASSAULT (DV) – CASE DISMISSED
Client was drinking at their residence with their spouse. Client and spouse got into a verbal argument, and spouse got in Client's face. Client slapped their spouse in self-defense and stuck a vape pen in their ear. Client called the cops as a result of the incident,...
Unlawful Distribution & Child Abuse – DF4 Plea, No Jail
Client was pulled over for multiple instances of "weaving." When pulled over, the officer asked Client and passenger to exit the car. The officer called for backup on scene. Officers then requested permission for a car search to which Client declined. Conveniently, a...
Disorderly Conduct & Illegal Weapon – Deferred Judgment
Client got into a fight on school grounds which resulted in expulsion. Client had brass knuckles in their car which was searched by the authorities. Client was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct and possession of an illegal weapon. Mr. Krizman reviewed the...
People v. Rainey – Colorado Supreme Court Ruling
Everyone is entitled to an attorney when accused of a crime. It says so in the Sixth Amendment. If you can’t afford one, the state will appoint one for you. Now, in Colorado, a public defender can be swapped out with a warm body on the eve of your trial if the judge...
What Happens in My Office Stays… With One Exception
When a client meets with me, I want them to "tell me where the bodies are buried." Tell me everything – good, bad, and embarrassing – because I need that to develop your best defense. In nearly all cases, our conversations cannot be revealed to others – your family,...
Video Hearings Are Rare Gain for the Defense
When you’re accused of a crime, you face expenses and time away from work and family even before your case has been resolved. The court system typically doesn’t care. But the pandemic showed us that the legal process does not have to completely disrupt your life....