Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pueblo, CO

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Pueblo Police Department is 719-553-2502.

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

  You may get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case at the Records Section of the Pueblo Police Department, located at 1 City Hall Place. You may also access the report online at https://police.pueblo.us/p2c/Summary.aspx

• What is the criminal process in Pueblo?

  After arrest, criminal defendants in Pueblo are booked and held at the Pueblo County Jail. They are then allowed to post bail in cash or through a bail bondsman. For traffic violation infractions, misdemeanors, and other petty offenses, the case is settled in the Pueblo Municipal Court. More serious charges are handled at the Pueblo Combined Court or the Tenth Judicial District Court.

• What are the possible defenses for criminal charges in Pueblo?

  For DUI cases in Pueblo, the defendant’s attorney may argue for the faultiness of the breath-testing and blood-testing equipment or that the field sobriety tests were improperly conducted. Meanwhile, in cases of violent crimes, one possible defense is that the defendant was merely acting in self-defense. Finally, defendants facing fraud charges may claim that they had no intent to defraud.

• What are Pueblo’s marijuana laws?

  While marijuana use is legal in Pueblo for individuals aged 21 and above, purchasing or possessing more than one ounce of the substance at a time is illegal. Marijuana use in any form is also prohibited in public spaces such as parks, forests, and airports. Additionally, driving under the influence of marijuana is grounds for arrest.

• What are Pueblo’s domestic violence laws?

  In Pueblo, domestic violence is defined as violence against someone the defendant has an intimate relationship with, including dating partners, current and former spouses, and one’s own children. Under Colorado’s “no-drop policy” for domestic violence cases, even if the victim does not wish to press charges, the offense must still be prosecuted.

• How is parole eligibility calculated in Pueblo?

  According to the Colorado Revised Statute 17-22.5403, individuals in Pueblo who have been sentenced for class 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 felonies are allowed to calculate for parole eligibility after 75% of their prison sentence has been served. Criminal offenses that fall under this category include 2nd-degree murder, 1st-degree and 2nd-degree sexual assault, 1st-degree assault, 1st-degree kidnapping, 1st-degree arson, and aggravated robbery.

• 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.