Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Longmont, CO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Longmont, Colorado?

  For non-emergency concerns, you can reach the Longmont Police Services Division at 303-651-8555 or the Patrol Operations at 303-651-8510.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Longmont, Colorado?

  You can get a copy of an incident report in multiple ways:

  • In-person: go to the Longmont Department of Public Safety Records Unit at 1st floor, Safety and Justice Building, 225 Kimbark St., Longmont, CO. They will check if the report is available, provide you with a requests form, and inform you of the total cost for the document.

  • By mail: First, call (303) 651-8502 to check the availability of the report you need and the fee. Print and fill out a Request for Criminal Justice Records form from the link below. Please indicate in the form whether you would like to receive the report via mail or email. Mail the completed form to the Longmont Department of Public Safety, Records Unit, 225 Kimbark St., Longmont, CO 80501.

  Request for Criminal Justice Records form: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/32115/637284381980530000

• What is negligent homicide, and how is it penalized in Longmont, CO?

  According to Colorado Revised Statutes 18-3-105, negligent homicide is causing another person's death by an act of criminal negligence. The important factor is criminal negligence, which is a gross departure from the level of caution that a normal person would take. This is a Class 5 Felony which gets penalized in Longmont with a fine of up to $100,000 and incarceration of up to three years. An example of negligent homicide is firing a gun in the air.

• How is a felony differentiated from a misdemeanor in Longmont, CO?

  Felonies are serious criminal offenses punishable with more than one year of incarceration, usually in state prison. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that may result in incarceration of up to one year, usually in Longmont jail or in Boulder and Weld County jails. There are certain offenses like theft that can be raised from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the criminal act’s severity.

• Can you have a criminal record removed in Longmont, CO?

  Yes. In Longmont, juvenile criminal records can be expunged, while adult criminal records can only be sealed. Expungement means the total destruction of the criminal record, as if there was never a charge or conviction. Sealing is making the criminal record unavailable to public access and view, but still available to certain entities like prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. Speak with a criminal defense attorney to see if you qualify for an expungement or sealing.

• Can you have your probation in Longmont terminated early?

  It is possible. You can request an early termination if you have successfully completed your probation’s active conditions and you have been in good compliance during the probation. However, it is at the judge’s discretion to grant early termination. A Longmont criminal defense attorney can guide you on how to improve your odds of getting early termination.

• Do you get your bail back after your case in Longmont is closed?

  Yes. Bail acts as a guarantee to the court in Longmont that you will return and face the charges. If you attended your court dates and regardless of your case’s outcome, your bail will be returned to you. However, if you did not appear in court as you guaranteed, your bail will be forfeited.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.