Criminal Process
What happens after an arrest in Colorado?
The criminal process is essentially a road which can take you in one of two opposite directions. You can either end up being fined, imprisoned and given a criminal record which may follow you for the rest of your life, or you may escape a conviction and be able to walk away from this situation with little or no damage to your reputation and your career.
The direction that you take depends on what you do right here and now, in the immediate aftermath of your arrest. It is important to understand what you're facing and to know what you can do to defend yourself against the life-changing consequences you face.
Advisement and Bond Hearing
The first time that a criminal suspect will be taken into court after an arrest is the advisement. This normally occurs within a day or so after the arrest. The judge reads the charges against the suspect, and asks how the defendant chooses to plead (i.e. guilty or not guilty). The advisement will also normally include the bond hearing, during which the judge sets the amount for bail. In cases involving serious felony offenses this can range into the tens of thousands of dollars, but for less serious misdemeanors the defendant may be released on "own recognizance," also referred to as "OR." An OR release does not require a posting of bail, only an agreement to appear in court for the next hearing.
Preliminary Hearing
The next time you will appear in court is at the preliminary hearing, during which the District Attorney has the task of presenting sufficient evidence that there is probable cause to believe that you are guilty of the charges. Your defense attorney can prepare for this hearing by reviewing the arrest report and any other available evidence, but the preliminary hearing is where more of the evidence will be revealed.
One option at this stage of the case is to negotiate a plea bargain, such as reducing the charge to a less serious crime or avoiding time in jail or prison in exchange for a guilty plea. The prosecutor has limited time and resources, and will often be willing to offer leniency if it means being able to close the case quickly. If, however, the D.A. will not agree to a fair deal, we will not hesitate to carry the case forward to a trial.
Trial
If your case goes to a trial, it will be heard by a jury of 6 or 12 members, and it will be necessary to engage in exhaustive preparation to ensure the best possible chances of success. Both sides will have the opportunity to introduce physical evidence and witnesses, as well as to cross-examine the evidence of the other side. There are many proven strategies to use to challenge different types of cases, whether you are charged with DUI, a sex crime, or assault.
Your case may or may not require a trial, and it may be possible to resolve the situation as early as the preliminary hearing. The key to success is to hire a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Having proven legal representation by your side can make an enormous difference at every stage of the case, beginning at the advisement or even before the arrest, if at all possible.
Contact us at Clawson & Clawson, LLP now for a confidential consultation to review the situation and to allow us to begin working on a strategy for defending your rights!
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At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"A+++"
It’s hard to find good people like the Clawson firm these days. A+++
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"Mr. Clawson gets the job done."
Mr. Clawson at Clawson & Clawson was professional, helpful, kind, and considerate. He helped me understand the legalities of this lengthy process and helped me through it every step of the way.
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Steven and Andrea always made me feel like their number one priority, always professional, and explained everything to me so I knew exactly what was going on and what the cost upfront would entail.
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Brenda and Mike kept me informed every step of the way, patiently answered all my questions, and made sure I truly understood the process. Every person I interacted with was kind and genuinely caring.
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I worked with Clawson & Clawson during my divorce, and I’m genuinely thankful for the way they handled my case during one of the most stressful seasons of my life.
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They were beyond patient, answered every question, followed up with all requests, and listened to our needs and wants. Brenda and Mike were both professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
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"Will certainly use again if ever needed."
So kind, patient, knowledgeable, caring, thorough, and truly just do the best to help their clients!! Will certainly use ...
- Cody A.