Facing a felony charge in Colorado can be a challenging and terrifying experience. Not only do these charges carry severe consequences that include lengthy prison sentences, but they can also affect many other parts of your life. As a criminal defendant, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the legal process and understand your rights. For help, contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC For Your Felony Case?
When you choose The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC for your felony case, you can expect:
- A free initial consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your options
- Timely updates and communication about the progress of your case
- Representation from a firm that has more than a decade of experience in the legal field
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Felony Charge
As soon as you become aware of a felony charge against you, it’s vital to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who specializes in criminal law. Here are a few reasons why you should enlist your attorney’s help:
- Building a strong defense: A skilled attorney can evaluate the evidence against you and develop a robust legal defense strategy that highlights weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating with the prosecution: A criminal attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to secure a favorable plea deal or even convince them to drop the charges altogether.
- Representing you in court: If your case goes to trial, a capable attorney can represent your best interests, cross-examine witnesses, and make persuasive arguments on your behalf.
It’s essential to remember that having an experienced attorney on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Common Felony Charges
Felony charges in Colorado can be classified into six different categories known as classes. Classes 1-2 are considered the most severe cases, carrying penalties of up to life imprisonment. Classes 3-6 involve lesser punishment, including varying prison terms and monetary fines. Some of the most common felony charges include the following:
- First-degree murder (also referred to as premeditated murder)
- First-degree kidnapping
- Second-degree murder (intent without premeditation)
- Sexual assault
- Vehicular homicide
- Aggravated robbery
- Manslaughter (unintentional homicide)
- Criminal trespass
- Sexual exploitation of a child
Common Legal Defenses to Felonies
There are various legal defenses that may be applicable when facing felony charges, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Some of the most common ones include the following:
Self-Defense
If you found yourself charged with a violent crime, such as assault or murder, you may argue that your actions were taken in self-defense:
“ …a person is justified in using physical force upon another person in order to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.
(2) Deadly physical force may be used only if a person reasonably believes a lesser degree of force is inadequate and:
(a) The actor has reasonable ground to believe, and does believe, that he or another person is in imminent danger of being killed or of receiving great bodily injury…”
Alibi
An alibi defense may be used to argue that you were not present during the commission of the crime and, therefore, could not have been responsible. For a successful alibi defense, you’ll need to provide substantial evidence, such as surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony, to support your claim.
Unreasonable search and seizure
Under the Fourth Amendment, individuals are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. If the evidence against the defendant was obtained unlawfully, it may be deemed inadmissible in court.
Insufficient Evidence
Proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is required in criminal cases. Insufficient evidence occurs when the prosecution fails to meet this standard, and the charges against the defendant may be dismissed or result in a not-guilty verdict. Some factors that could lead to insufficient evidence include:
- Lack of physical evidence: If there is no direct evidence linking the defendant to the crime, such as DNA or fingerprints, it may be difficult for the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Inconsistent or unreliable witness testimony: If the testimony of key witnesses is inconsistent or contradicted by other evidence, the case for the prosecution may be weakened.
Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC To Schedule a Free Consultation
Facing felony charges can be an overwhelming experience, and it’s essential to understand your rights and options in the legal system. If you find yourself in this situation, we’re here to help. Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.