When criminal charges disrupt your life in Aurora, Colorado, having an Aurora criminal defense lawyer who fights aggressively on your behalf can make all the difference. Whether you are facing a DUI charge after being pulled over near Alameda Parkway, a domestic violence accusation, or a drug possession allegation, the consequences are serious, and the stakes are high. A conviction can mean jail time, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your career and relationships.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer from The Law Office of Andrew Bryant will stand beside you at every stage, working to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Why Choose the Law Office of Andrew Bryant for Your Criminal Defense?
Facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through, and choosing who will represent you is a decision that can shape the rest of your life. The Law Office of Andrew Bryant brings a track record of recognition and a reputation for going the extra mile for every client.
- Recognized by the community. Named to The Gazette’s Best of the Springs list six of the last eight years and recognized by Expertise.com as one of the best criminal defense and DUI attorneys in Colorado Springs.
- Relationships that matter. Strong working relationships with judges, prosecutors, and other legal professionals throughout the Colorado court system help move your case toward resolution as efficiently as possible.
- A partnership approach. Your attorney should never make all the decisions for you. At this firm, you set the goals, and your legal team works alongside you to find solutions that match what matters most to you.
- Compassion paired with aggressive advocacy. Many people dealing with criminal charges have never been through anything like this before. You deserve an attorney who treats you with patience and understanding while fighting hard to protect what is at stake.
When your freedom and future are on the line, you need a defense team that takes your case personally and works tirelessly to get the job done.
Criminal Charges in Aurora, Colorado
Aurora is the third most populous city in Colorado, spanning parts of Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas Counties. Because of this unique geography, criminal cases in Aurora can be heard in different courts depending on the nature of the charge and the location of the alleged offense.
Municipal offenses such as disorderly conduct, minor traffic violations, and certain misdemeanors are typically handled at the Aurora Municipal Court, located at 14999 E. Alameda Parkway. More serious misdemeanor and felony charges may be prosecuted by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and heard at the Arapahoe County Justice Center. Understanding which court your case falls under and how prosecutors in that jurisdiction tend to handle certain charges is a critical part of building an effective defense.
Colorado criminal law is primarily governed by Title 18 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, which defines criminal offenses, the mental states required for conviction, and the range of penalties for each crime. Having a criminal defense lawyer who understands these statutes inside and out, and who knows how they are applied in Aurora’s courts, gives you a meaningful advantage.
DUI Defense for Aurora Residents
Driving under the influence charges are among the most common criminal cases in Aurora, and they carry penalties that can affect nearly every area of your life. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
Colorado law sets the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit at 0.08% for a standard DUI charge and recognizes a separate offense called Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) at a BAC of 0.05%.
Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Colorado
The consequences of a DUI depend on whether it is a first offense or a repeat charge. Here is a general overview of what you could face:
- First offense. Potential jail time of up to one year, fines up to $1,000, license revocation for up to nine months, up to 96 hours of community service, and mandatory alcohol education classes.
- Second offense. Mandatory jail time of 10 days to one year, fines up to $1,500, license revocation for one year, and required alcohol treatment programs.
- Third or subsequent offense. Increased jail time, higher fines, extended license revocation, longer interlock requirements, and the possibility of felony charges if you have three or more prior alcohol-related driving convictions.
These penalties can ripple through your daily life, affecting your ability to get to work, maintain housing, and care for your family. A strong defense strategy may be able to challenge the traffic stop itself, the field sobriety tests, or the chemical testing procedures used in your case.
Colorado’s Express Consent Law
One important detail that many people do not understand is Colorado’s Express Consent Law, found at C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.1. Under this law, any person who drives on Colorado roads is considered to have given consent to a chemical test of their blood or breath if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe they were driving under the influence.
Refusing the test triggers its own set of consequences, including an automatic license revocation that is separate from any criminal penalties.
Understanding how express consent works and how it interacts with your criminal case is something a knowledgeable Aurora criminal defense attorney can explain in the context of your specific situation.
Domestic Violence Charges in Aurora
Domestic violence cases in Colorado carry unique legal consequences that go beyond the underlying criminal charge. Colorado treats domestic violence not as a standalone crime but as a sentencing enhancer. This means that if the alleged offense involved an intimate partner, former partner, or someone you share a child with, a domestic violence designation is added to the charge, bringing additional penalties and restrictions.
If a law enforcement officer believes an act of domestic violence has occurred, Colorado law requires a mandatory arrest. This means that even if the other person involved does not want to press charges, the case can still move forward. Once charges are filed, the alleged victim cannot simply “drop” them. The decision to pursue or dismiss the case rests with the district attorney.
What a Domestic Violence Designation Can Mean
A domestic violence conviction can lead to consequences that extend far beyond fines and jail time:
- Mandatory completion of domestic violence treatment programs, with a minimum of 36 weeks of counseling
- Issuance of a protection order that may prevent you from returning to your home
- Loss of your right to own or possess firearms under both Colorado and federal law
- Potential immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation
- A permanent mark on your criminal record that cannot be sealed
These are life-altering consequences, and they highlight why having a criminal defense lawyer who takes an aggressive, detail-oriented approach is so important. Every piece of evidence, every witness statement, and every procedural step matters.
Drug Crimes and Possession Charges
Colorado’s drug laws have evolved significantly in recent years, but possession and distribution of controlled substances remain serious criminal offenses. Drug crimes in Colorado are classified under Article 18 of Title 18, C.R.S., which uses a scheduling system similar to federal law to categorize controlled substances.
A drug possession charge in Aurora can range from a misdemeanor for small amounts of certain substances to a felony carrying years in prison for larger quantities or intent to distribute. The type of substance, the amount involved, and any prior criminal history all play a role in determining the severity of the charge.
Even a misdemeanor drug conviction can create barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. A criminal defense lawyer can examine whether law enforcement had probable cause for the search, whether the evidence was properly handled, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the process.
Assault and Violent Crime Charges
Assault charges in Colorado are divided into three degrees, each carrying different levels of severity. Under Colorado law, first-degree and second-degree assault are classified as felonies, while third-degree assault is typically a misdemeanor. The specific degree charged depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, whether a weapon was used, and the status of the person who was harmed.
A conviction for a violent crime in Aurora can result in significant prison time, mandatory parole, and a permanent felony record. For those who were acting in self-defense or who were wrongly accused, building a strong defense is critical. Colorado recognizes self-defense as a legal justification, but successfully raising this defense requires thorough preparation and a clear presentation of the facts.
Theft, Fraud, and White-Collar Crimes
Property crimes and fraud charges cover a wide range of offenses in Colorado, from shoplifting and petty theft to complex financial fraud schemes. The classification of a theft charge depends primarily on the value of the property or money involved. Lower-value thefts may be charged as misdemeanors, while higher-value offenses can result in felony charges with the potential for prison time.
White-collar crimes such as embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and insurance fraud are often charged as felonies and can carry lengthy sentences. These cases frequently involve complex financial records and extensive investigation, making it essential to have a criminal defense lawyer who is willing to dig into the details and challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Your Case
No matter what type of criminal charge you are facing in Aurora, a defense attorney plays a vital role at every stage of the process. From the moment you are arrested or cited, the choices you make and the legal strategy you pursue can significantly affect the outcome.
Key Ways a Defense Lawyer Protects Your Rights
- Reviewing the evidence. A thorough review of police reports, witness statements, body camera footage, and forensic evidence can reveal weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Challenging procedures. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a traffic stop, search, or arrest, evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed.
- Negotiating with prosecutors. An attorney with strong relationships in the local legal community can often negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
- Preparing for trial. If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer who is ready and willing to fight in the courtroom can make all the difference.
The goal is always to pursue the best possible outcome for your situation, whether that means a dismissal, a reduction of charges, or an acquittal at trial.
Protecting Your Record and Your Future
One aspect of a criminal charge that many people overlook is the long-term impact on their record. A criminal conviction in Colorado can follow you for years, showing up on background checks for jobs, housing applications, and professional licensing. For residents of Aurora who work in healthcare, education, commercial driving, or other regulated fields, even a misdemeanor conviction can put a career at risk.
Colorado does allow some criminal records to be sealed under certain circumstances, but the process depends on the type of offense and the outcome of the case. Working with a criminal defense lawyer from the start gives you the best chance of reaching a resolution that minimizes the long-term effects on your record and your opportunities.
Aurora Criminal Defense FAQs
Here are some common questions that Aurora residents have when facing criminal charges.
What happens after an arrest in Aurora?
After an arrest in Aurora, you will typically be booked at the Aurora Detention Center on East Alameda Parkway. Depending on the charge, you may be eligible for bond. Your first court appearance, called an advisement, will be scheduled shortly after, where you will be formally told about the charges against you and your rights.
Can I get my criminal case dismissed?
Dismissal is possible in some cases, but it depends on the specific facts and evidence involved. Common reasons for dismissal include lack of probable cause for the stop or arrest, improperly obtained evidence, unreliable witness testimony, or violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation.
Why do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Even though misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, they can still result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Having a criminal defense lawyer represent you gives you the best chance of reducing or avoiding these consequences and keeping your record as clean as possible.
What is the difference between DUI and DWAI in Colorado?
DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, applies when a driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, or when they are substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs. DWAI, or Driving While Ability Impaired, applies when a driver’s BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08% and they are impaired to the slightest degree. Both carry criminal penalties, though DWAI penalties are generally less severe for a first offense.
Will a criminal conviction affect my immigration status?
Certain criminal convictions can have serious immigration consequences, including potential deportation or ineligibility for visas and green cards. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are facing criminal charges, it is especially important to work with a defense attorney who understands how Colorado criminal law intersects with federal immigration rules.
Talk to an Aurora Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
When criminal charges threaten your freedom, your livelihood, and your family’s well-being, you deserve an attorney who will fight aggressively to protect everything that matters to you. The Law Office of Andrew Bryant has earned a reputation for compassionate, results-driven criminal defense that puts clients first.
With strong ties to the Colorado legal community and recognition for excellence from organizations like The National Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Expertise.com, this firm is ready to go the extra mile for you.
Do not wait to get the legal support you need. Contact The Law Office of Andrew Bryant today to discuss your case and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.