Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Criminal Attempt to Commit a Crime: 18-2-101

On Behalf of | Nov 21, 2012 | Attempt to Commit a Crime |

Criminal Attempt (C.R.S. 18-2-101) in Jefferson, Adams and Weld County is charged when a person has the same culpability (level of guilt) that is required to commit a crime, and the person takes a substantial step toward committing the crime even though the person does not succeed in its commission. Attempt to Commit a Crime can apply to almost any crime.

A few weeks ago a Canon City man was arrested for attempting to breaking into True Value Trailers. He was charged with Criminal Attempt for Second-degree Burglary (C.R.S. 18-4-203) along with other crimes. He was arrested after police found him in Possession of Burglary Tools (C.R.S. 18-4-205), hiding near the property. But, mere Possession of Burglary Tools does not mean a person is guilty of Attempt to Commit a Crime like Burglary. Criminal Attempt has a lot to do with the actor’s frame of mind and her intentions toward committing a crime.

In Arapahoe or Broomfield County, it is never a good idea for a person to take a plea to an Attempt charge without an experienced criminal defense lawyer’s advice. Many times, prosecutors will try to get a defendant to plead to an Attempt charge in order to gain an easier conviction. They will use scare tactics and bully a defendant (especially those without representation) to achieve another conviction. We hear stories almost every day from people that made a deal with a prosecutor after it is too late, and they are not able to get employment or housing. You owe it to yourself to talk with a criminal lawyer who will protect you before taking a plea bargain.

The defenses and elements that apply to Attempt to Commit a Crime are complicated and vary with the specific crime being charged. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help you understand all the things a prosecutor would have to prove to a jury in Denver or Douglas County to get a conviction. Your lawyer can also draw upon experience from similar cases and tell you if you have a good chance at winning in court. Our attorneys will provide solid reasons why your case may be worth fighting or why it may be in your best interest to negotiate a deal which preserves your freedom, job and contact with family.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with Attempted Murder (C.R.S. 18-3-103), or Attempted Trespassing (C.R.S. 18-4-502), or an Attempt to a petty offense, you owe it to your future to contact us before giving any statement to the police. So be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.