If you have been charged with a crime, you may feel scared and alone. You might not know what to expect or what your options are. But it is important to remember that a criminal charge is not a conviction, and help is available. An experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights to ensure you have the best chance at getting your charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed.
At Andrew Bryant Criminal Defense, protecting your rights is always our top priority. Our skilled team of legal professionals understands exactly what it takes to craft the strongest possible defense strategy for you.
One reason Andrew Bryant Criminal Defense has built such a successful career as a criminal lawyer in Colorado is that he has done this job from the other side of the aisle. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Bryant knows how the opposition thinks. He understands what goes into building a criminal case against someone to secure a conviction.
How does this help you? Because he can anticipate the tactics and arguments your prosecutor is likely to use and preemptively craft a strategy designed to poke holes in those arguments. Additionally, his time as a prosecutor means that he has preexisting relationships with judges and prosecutors. This means that he both understands their tendencies and which kinds of arguments work best on them, and that they may be more willing to cut deals with him if you decide to plea bargain.
Depending on which charge you or your loved one is up against, there are differences in the criminal process that you might face. However, there are certain things that are common with almost every charge.
The criminal process in Colorado Springs generally goes as follows:
You will be arrested. If the police have probable cause to believe you have committed a crime, they can arrest you without a warrant.
You will be booked. After you are arrested, you will be “booked” into jail. This means the police will search you and take your fingerprints before putting you in a cell for holding.
You will be advised of your charges. You are legally required to be advised of your arrest charges and set your bail if it has not previously been set. Bail is money that you have to pay to the court in order to be released from jail while awaiting trial. The amount of bail will depend on the severity of the crime you are charged with and other factors.
You will have an opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor. Before the actual trial begins, both sides will have time to craft their strategies, gather evidence, and negotiate with each other for a plea deal that will effectively end the case if a bargain is reached. An experienced attorney can help to negotiate a better plea deal instead of you trying to negotiate yourself.
What is a plea deal? Most criminal cases never go to trial. Instead, the prosecutor will offer a lesser charge or reduced penalties if the accused agrees to plead guilty.
Plea bargains can be an effective way to have a win-win for both sides without having to go through the stressful and often lengthy process of a trial. However, defendants should always be careful about entering into plea deals – always consult with your Colorado Springs defense attorney before doing so.
You will go to trial. If you do not plead guilty or strike a plea deal, your case will go to trial. At trial, the District Attorney will have to prove that committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A judge or jury will decide whether or not you are guilty of the crime.
If you are found not guilty, it is over, and you can start trying to return to your regular life. If, however, you are found guilty, the next step is sentencing.
You will be sentenced. If you are found guilty of a crime, the judge will sentence you according to Colorado law. Some sentences can be relatively minor, while others will literally impact your life for years or decades.
However, it is essential to remember that even convictions with “light” sentences are still convictions – you will have a criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. This is why it is so essential to craft a strategy that gives you the best chance at avoiding conviction.
You can appeal: If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal your conviction.
You will have a criminal record. Even if you are found not guilty, or your charges are dismissed, if you are arrested for a crime, it will go on your criminal record. The difference is that avoiding conviction gives you the option to have your record sealed.
One of the biggest mistakes that people in Colorado Springs make after being charged with a crime is doing nothing. Some people feel that they were unjustly charged and that the system will make sure justice is served. Others may believe that the evidence against them is too strong and there is no point in fighting.
First off, trusting the legal system to “make things right” is a mistake. Law enforcement officials and the criminal justice system can and do get things wrong all the time. The only way to truly protect your rights is to make sure you have a knowledgeable legal professional fighting for them.
Both of these attitudes are a mistake. Colorado criminal law is complicated and vast – there is a reason that people study for years in order to become lawyers. No matter what your situation is, the attorneys at The Law Office of Andrew Bryant can help.
As for thinking there is no way you can avoid conviction? Again, the law is complicated. There are all kinds of rules and regulations that prosecutors and law enforcement officials must follow, and their road to securing your conviction is a narrow one with lots of opportunities for a skilled Colorado Springs lawyer to rip their argument apart.
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Contact The Law Office of Andrew Bryant today for a free consultation concerning your criminal or family law case. You are just a click away from a top-rated and respected team with the experience and tenacity to ensure you get the best legal services offered in Colorado Springs – call or email now.
805 South Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Phone: 719-634-7353
