Highlands Ranch Felony Lawyer

Felony Attorney in Highlands Ranch, CO

Felony charges can result in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and a permanent criminal record. With your freedom and future at stake, defending against a felony charge is of the utmost importance. A Highlands Ranch felony lawyer can work to achieve the optimal outcome for your case.

Why Work With Fuller & Ahern, P.C?

The attorneys at Fuller & Ahern, P.C. have over 75 years of combined experience defending against felony charges. Our knowledge of Colorado’s felony laws and our ability to scrutinize evidence and arguments are used to build a vigorous defense against any felony charge.

Types of Felony Cases

Felony cases are the most serious criminal offenses. Felonies can cover a variety of crimes, from murder to large drug trafficking operations. In Colorado, there are more than  25,000 violent crimes each year, many of which are felonies and can face higher penalties compared to non-violent offenses.

Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Colorado

Felony offenses are categorized into classes depending on the severity and type of offense. Class 1 contains the most serious felony offenses, while Class 6 is the least severe class. Within the penalties for each class, there are variations for violent crimes and crimes with an extraordinary risk of harm. Felony drug offenses have a separate sentencing scheme from other felonies.

The sentencing scheme for felony offenses is:

• Class 1 crimes have a minimum sentence of life imprisonment
• Class 2 crimes are punishable by 8-24 years in prison
• Class 3 crimes are punishable by 4-12 years in prison
• Class 4 crimes are punishable by 2-6 years in prison
• Class 5 crimes are punishable by 1-3 years in prison
• Class 6 crimes are punishable by 1 year to 18 months

This excludes hefty fines that increase with each class of severity. Even when a sentence has been served, a felony’s effect on your life continues. A felony leaves behind a permanent mark on your criminal record, which can impact employment, restrictions on professional licenses, housing opportunities, and the right to own or use a firearm.

Why You Should Hire a Felony Lawyer

Navigating felony charges on your own can be daunting, increasing the risk of an error or a weak defense. A Highlands Ranch felony lawyer can help you by:

• Safeguarding your rights. After an arrest and throughout a felony case, law enforcement may gather evidence by conducting a search and seizure or interrogating you about an offense. A lawyer can defend your right against unreasonable searches and seizures and your right against self-incrimination.
• Examining evidence. The ability to scrutinize evidence is key to defending against felony charges. A lawyer can identify weak evidence, such as mishandled DNA evidence or unreliable witness testimony. They can also spot illegally-obtained evidence and file a motion to suppress it. By preventing certain evidence from being used against you, a lawyer can challenge whether there is enough evidence for a conviction.
• Identifying police misconduct. Police follow strict laws surrounding arrests, investigations, and evidence. A lawyer can base their defense on police misconduct if an officer violated these rules. Examples could include if an arresting officer did not have probable cause for an arrest, falsified reports, or coerced a confession.
• Explaining the felony laws and penalties. Felony laws are extremely complex, with variations for each offense, penalty, and specific case details. A lawyer can help you understand your charges and adapt your defense strategy to meet the needs of your case.
• Advocating for favorable case outcomes. A lawyer is dedicated to defending your future. If you hire a felony lawyer, their tireless advocacy and negotiations can achieve outcomes including reduced charges, lighter penalties, and even dismissed charges.

FAQs

What Are the Financial Consequences of a Felony Conviction?

There are multiple financial penalties and consequences associated with a felony conviction. Beyond fines ranging from $1,000 to $1,000,000, the court can require you to pay restitution to the victims to make up for the traumatic experience and damages they suffered. There are also legal fees, the cost of rehabilitative treatment, and parole or probation fees. These expenses can be especially difficult to navigate, as a criminal conviction may limit your employment.

What Are the Penalties for a Felony Drug Offense in Colorado?

Drug offenses have a sentencing scheme for penalties different from most felonies. Drug offenses are divided into levels 1-4. Level 1 felonies are punishable by 8-32 years in prison and $5,000-$1,000,000. Level 2 is punishable by 4-8 years in prison and $3,000-$750,000. Level 3 is punishable by 2-4 years in prison and $2,000-$500,000. Level 4 is punishable by 6 months to 1 year in prison and $1,000-$100,000.

Can Diversion Programs Be Used in a Felony Case to Dismiss Charges?

A felony diversion program can be used to dismiss charges, though it is unlikely. Many felony charges are not eligible for a diversion program, since these programs are designed for non-violent, first-time offenders. In Highlands Ranch, the 23rd Judicial District Attorney has the discretion to allow or deny participation in a diversion program. If you can participate, your charges can be dismissed upon completing your program.

Can a Felony Charge Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

Yes, a felony charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor. This is not possible in all felony cases, but it is more common for lower-level felonies, such as Class 4-6. A Highlands Ranch felony attorney can negotiate a plea bargain in which you plead guilty to lesser charges and receive a lighter sentence. Some offenses, called wobbler offenses, can be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Many drug offenses are wobblers and can be reduced to a misdemeanor.

Learn How a Highlands Ranch Felony Attorney Can Help

Skilled defense is extremely important when it comes to a felony charge. By guiding you through an investigation, building a legal strategy, and negotiating for favorable outcomes in court, a Highlands Rach felony attorney can reduce the effect of a felony on your future. Contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C. for a free case consultation for your felony case.