Sawyer Legal Group LLCFindLaw IM Template2024-03-18T15:56:33Zhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400176/2021/12/cropped-favicon-logo-32x32.pngby Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=634092024-03-06T19:47:13Z2024-03-06T19:35:13Z
White collar crimes, often associated with deceit, manipulation, and financial fraud, can bring about serious legal consequences for those accused. In Colorado, navigating the complex landscape of white collar criminal defense requires a strategic approach and deep understanding of state laws. From embezzlement to securities fraud, individuals facing allegations of white collar crimes must secure the best legal representation to safeguard their rights and mount a vigorous defense.
1st Step to White Collar Crime Defense in Colorado
The first step in white collar criminal defense in Colorado involves thorough case assessment and investigation. Experienced defense attorneys meticulously review the evidence presented by prosecutors, identifying any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the government's case. In many instances, white collar crimes involve complex financial transactions and voluminous documentation, making it essential for defense teams to enlist the expertise of forensic accountants and other specialists to uncover exculpatory evidence and challenge the prosecution's narrative.
Negotiation in White Collar Crime Defense
Strategic negotiation with prosecutors is often a crucial aspect of white collar criminal defense in Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. Defense attorneys may seek to engage in plea bargaining to secure reduced charges or sentencing for their clients. Alternatively, they may pursue pre-trial diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements, allowing individuals to avoid formal criminal charges altogether by meeting certain conditions, such as:
restitution payments,
or participation in rehabilitative programs
However, negotiations must be conducted skillfully to ensure that clients receive the most favorable outcomes possible.
Going to Trial in a Colorado White Collar Crime
In cases where trial becomes inevitable, defense attorneys must be prepared to mount a vigorous defense in court. This may involve:
challenging the admissibility of evidence,
cross-examining prosecution witnesses,
and presenting expert testimony to refute allegations of wrongdoing
Building a strong defense requires attention to detail, effective courtroom advocacy, and the ability to communicate complex legal and financial concepts to judges and jurors. Throughout the trial process, defense attorneys must tirelessly advocate for their clients' rights and interests, seeking to achieve acquittal or favorable verdicts.
Consequences of White Collar Crime in Denver
Even after trial or plea negotiations, the consequences of a white collar criminal conviction can be severe, including:
lengthy prison sentences,
substantial fines,
and reputational damage
By partnering with Denver's best criminal defense attorney and actively participating in your defense, individuals accused of white collar crimes in Colorado can pursue the best possible outcomes and move forward with their lives.
Contact our office today for a free consultation regarding your white collar criminal charges. We have decades of combined experience successfully navigating these cases in Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, and Jefferson County. Your best possible outcome is our top priority.
Don't talk to police about white collar crimes - talk to us. 303-731-0719
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio]]>On Behalf of Sawyer Legal Group, LLChttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=479552024-03-18T15:56:33Z2024-03-05T15:51:00ZHit and run charges in Adams County, Colorado can result when a motorist leaves the scene of an accident. Whether the damage was minimal or someone was seriously injured, Colorado drivers are required to remain at the site of the crash. Failing to do so in Thornton, Commerce City, or Brighton can lead to a wide range of criminal penalties. An accusation of leaving the scene of an accident requires consulting an experienced hit and run attorney as soon as possible.
Things to Know About Colorado's Hit and Run Laws
It is essential that drivers in Adams County are aware of their duties after a car accident. These items are addressed in CRS 42-4-1601 through CRS 42-4-1606. While you can move your vehicle a short distance to avoid obstructing traffic, most other movement away from the crash site is unlawful. The only exceptions include:
leaving to report the accident to law enforcement,
hitting an unoccupied vehicle (still required to seek the owner or leave a note),
leaving to receive medical attention due to your own injuries
Even when drivers hit property or a car with no one in it, reporting the accident to police is a required step. Consequences for a hit and run in Thornton, Commerce City, or Brighton usually come down to the amount of damage done and the level of injuries.
Can You Go to Jail for a Hit and Run in Colorado?
Ramifications of conviction for leaving the scene of an accident depend on several different factors. Leaving the scene and not providing notice after hitting an unoccupied vehicle or damaging property is a class 2 traffic misdemeanor. Adams County drivers can face:
up to 90 days in county jail,
fines of $150 - $300
However, penalties increase when other people are involved. If someone experiences non-serious injuries, consequences can include up to a year in county jail and as much as $1,000 in fines. Furthermore, an accident involving serious injury coupled with fleeing the scene is a class 4 felony. This can mean years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and six-figure fines.
In addition to these criminal penalties, the DMV adds 12 points to your driving record if convicted of hit and run in Adams County. This can revoke your driver's license, leading to many other complications.
Adams County Lawyer for Hit and Run Charges
A great deal of emotions run through a person's head immediately after a car accident. Panic, frustration, and even anger may have got the best of you causing you to leave the scene. Fortunately, the skilled traffic attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC have decades of experience representing clients facing the same allegations.
Don't let police findings and a hungry prosecutor force you into an unfavorable plea deal. Instead, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing charges throughout Colorado.
Don't talk to police about hit and run allegations - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by Per Loov]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=479852024-02-29T20:12:28Z2024-02-29T19:09:00Z
Animal cruelty is a crime in El Paso County, Colorado that covers quite a bit of actions involving the harm of animals. Abandoning a pet, such as a dog or cat, can also lead to criminal charges in Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Manitou Springs.
Jail time, fines, and mandatory courses are all potential ramifications of conviction for cruelty to animals in Colorado. Consulting an experienced animal cruelty attorney is essential if police have contacted you or charged you for cruelty to animals.
Colorado's Cruelty to Animals Law
CRS 18-9-202 offers a complex description / definition of Colorado's cruelty to animals law. Someone commits this offense in Colorado Springs if they:
intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently,
torture, overwork, torment, beat, or abandon an animal,
or deprive them of necessary sustenance or shelter
Cruelty to animals can also be charged in scenarios where law enforcement believes you've recklessly carried or confined an animal in a vehicle. Driving on the interstate at 65+ mph with your dog freely roaming about the open bed of your truck could be considered a danger to the safety of the animal and others.
The law surrounding animal cruelty in El Paso, Teller, and Lincoln County is particularly broad and complex, increasing the need for skilled legal assistance from a reputable defense attorney.
Can You Go to Jail for Cruelty to Animals in El Paso County?
An animal cruelty charge in Colorado Springs can range from a class 1 misdemeanor up to class 5 felony. Below is a brief outline of the potential consequences of conviction:
1st Cruelty to Animals offense = class 1 misdemeanor (up to 364 days in county jail, $500 - $1,000 in fines, possible treatment program),
2nd Cruelty to Animals offense or 1st Aggravated Cruelty to Animals offense = class 6 felony (up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections, $1,000 - $100,000 in fines, treatment program),
2nd Aggravated Cruelty to Animals offense = class 5 felony (1 - 3 years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, treatment program)
A strategic defense attorney can sometimes mitigate these consequences depending on facts of the case and prior criminal history.
El Paso County Animal Cruelty Attorney
There are defenses to cruelty to animals charges that may apply to your specific case. Sometimes genuine accidents happen involving animals. Innocent people shouldn't face significant criminal penalties in these scenarios.
Perhaps you didn't cause any harm to the animal, the animal was sick or injured and your attempt at care caused further injury, or there was police misconduct. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your animal cruelty case and suggest next steps, all while prioritizing the best possible outcome.
Don't talk to police about animal cruelty allegations - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by Tadeusz Lakota]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=479922024-02-23T22:47:18Z2024-02-22T17:18:00Z
Stalking charges in Adams County, Colorado can result from threats coupled with repeated behavior that places someone in fear. Relationships can be complicated at times and those who get angry, scared, or vengeful can say or do things they later regret.
With so many actions that can be considered stalking, criminal charges are closer than you might think. Whether you're under investigation for stalking or have been charged, contacting a strategic criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible is a critical step.
Colorado's Stalking Law
The elements of stalking are defined in CRS 18-3-602 and include:
"A person commits stalking if directly, or indirectly through another person, the person knowingly:
makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, or places under surveillance that person, a member of that person's immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship; or
makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person, a member of that person's immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship, regardless of whether a conversation ensues; or
repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, places under surveillance, or makes any form of communication with another person, a member of that person's immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress and does cause that person, a member of that person's immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship to suffer serious emotional distress. For purposes of this paragraph (c), a victim need not show that he or she received professional treatment or counseling to show that he or she suffered serious emotional distress."
A tricky element of this definition is the fact that an alleged victim doesn't have to prove that they're suffering "serious emotional distress." They simply must make a claim, which could be encouraged by prosecutors and victim's advocates.
Is Stalking a Felony in Adams County?
Stalking is a felony offense in Thornton, Brighton, and Commerce City. If it's your first stalking crime, a class 5 felony applies, potentially resulting in 1 - 5 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
However, if you commit stalking again within 7 years of a prior conviction, you face the penalties of a class 4 felony. These include 2 - 10 years in prison and $2,000 - $500,000 in fines. Additionally, stalking done in violation of a protection order or when on probation or parole is a class 4 felony as well. This can result in additional penalties due to the orders in place.
Adams County Stalking Lawyer
It is essential that anyone facing stalking charges in Colorado reach out to a top criminal defense attorney right away. We make it a priority that the prosecutor, judge, and jury hear your side of what happened and all the evidence is under consideration. Perhaps you didn't threaten anyone, you were exaggerating, or contact was only made once.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your stalking case and recommend next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing accusations in Adams County, Broomfield, and Westminster.
Don't talk to police about stalking charges - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by Etienne Boulanger]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=480592024-02-15T17:20:48Z2024-02-14T17:26:00ZPossession of a weapon by a previous offender is a criminal charge in Adams County, Colorado that involves those with a specific criminal history possessing, using, or carrying a firearm. Also known as felon with a firearm, this offense has the potential to make a difficult situation that much worse.
Any accusations or charges of unlawful weapon possession in Thornton or Brighton requires contacting a skilled criminal defense attorney right away.
Possession of a Weapon - Previous Offender in Colorado
C.R.S. 18-12-108 defines the specifics of possession of a weapon by a previous offender in the state of Colorado. Someone commits this crime in Adams County if they:
knowingly possess, use, or carry,
a firearm or any other weapon under 18-1-901(3)(h),
AND have a prior conviction of a felony, or attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony
Additionally, this applies to those adjudicated as a juvenile whose crime is considered a felony if committed by an adult. It is also important to note that any type of gun in your possession can lead to a charge as a previous offender, even if the weapon won't fire, isn't loaded, or has a broken mechanism.
Can You Go to Jail for Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender in Colorado?
Typically, possession of a weapon by a felon is a class 6 felony in Thornton, Commerce City, and Brighton. Conviction can result in:
up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
a year of parole,
fines of $1,000 - $100,000
However, if the item you're in possession of is a dangerous weapon, a class 5 felony applies. This can mean up to 3 years in prison and amplified fines at sentencing. Dangerous weapons include firearm silencers, machine guns, short rifles, short shotguns, or ballistic knives.
Adams County Possession of Weapons Defense Lawyer
Having a criminal record in Colorado creates for a risky situation in relation to weapon possession. Something as innocent as buying kitchen knives at a store and transporting them home can lead to another criminal charge.
Fortunately, Adams County's top defense attorneys are a phone call away if you find yourself in another difficult scenario. We have decades of experience defending clients facing weapon possession charges in Colorado.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps.
Don't talk police about weapons charges - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by 13smok]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=480562024-02-07T15:45:26Z2024-02-07T14:43:00Z
Obstructing a peace officer charges in El Paso County, Colorado involve intentionally disrupting a police officer or firefighter while performing their duties. Anyone who threatens or uses force or violence against a peace officer in Colorado Springs or their law enforcement animals can face a criminal charge.
Due to the potential jail time and substantial fines, accusations or charges of obstructing a peace officer require representation from a strategic defense attorney.
What is Obstructing a Peace Officer in Colorado Springs?
C.R.S. 18-8-104 describes the specific elements of obstructing a peace officer in Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Manitou Springs. Someone commits this crime if they:
use or threaten to use violence, force, or physical interference,
against a police officer, firefighter, EMT provider, or rescue specialist,
to obstruct, impair, or hinder,
enforcement of the law, the preservation of peace, abatement of a fire, or medical treatment / emergency assistance
Some common examples of obstructing peace officers include making verbal threats to hurt police, trying to stop an arrest, going beyond yellow police tape without authorization, or providing law enforcement with false information.
Even if a person believes a peace officer in Colorado Springs is acting illegally or overly harsh, interfering with them while they conduct their business is considered unlawful. Additionally, physically harming a police dog or trying to keep one from sniffing for drugs can result in obstructing police charges.
Can You Go to Jail for Obstructing Police in El Paso County?
An accusation of obstructing an officer can result in a class 2 misdemeanor charge in Colorado Springs. When a defendant is found guilty by a jury or a judge, they can be sentenced to:
up to 120 days in county jail,
a maximum fine of $750
Sometimes, a judge may grant probation based on a few key factors. They will examine the severity of the defendant's offense and any prior criminal history.
El Paso County Criminal Defense Attorney
A charge of obstructing police in El Paso County can be difficult to successfully navigate. Any crime where the alleged victim is a peace officer requires careful, strategic representation from a skilled defense lawyer. We have decades of combined experience defending clients charged with police involved crimes in Colorado.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing accusations throughout El Paso County.
Don't talk to law enforcement about obstruction accusations - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by Fred Moon]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=483492024-01-30T20:57:33Z2024-01-30T16:04:00Z
Sexual assault on a child is an offense in El Paso County, CO that involves sexual behavior between a child under the age of 15 and an actor 4 or more years older. Charges can result from either fondling a child or having a child fondle you.
The consequences of sexual assault on a child are especially harsh in Colorado Springs and can include indeterminate sentencing. If you've been accused or charged, consulting an experienced sexual assault on a child lawyer is paramount.
What is Sexual Assault on a Child in El Paso County, CO?
C.R.S. 18-3-405 defines the conduct of sexual assault on a child in Colorado. Someone commits this sex offense in Colorado Springs when they:
have sexual contact with a child 14 years or younger,
and are at least 4 years or more older than the child
The term sexual contact refers to the knowing touching of a child's breast(s), buttocks, or genitals for the purpose of sexual gratification, arousal, or abuse.
Additionally, if at the time of the sexual contact the defendant was in a position of trust in respect to the minor, sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust applies. In these instances, the age factor goes up to anyone under 18 as well. A position of trust can mean any person responsible for a child's health, education, welfare, or supervision.
Penalties for Sexual Assault on a Child in Colorado Springs
Punishments for sex crimes are harsh throughout the state of Colorado. Sexual assault on a child is usually a class 4 felony in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso, Teller, and Elbert County. Conviction can result in:
2 - 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
and fines of $2,000 - $500,000.
If force or threats are used to facilitate the sexual contact or a pattern of abuse applies, the offense can become a class 3 felony. Potential penalties include 4 - 12 years in prison and fines of $3,000 - $750,000.
In addition, convicted parties will be required to register as a sex offender, complete sex offender treatment, and follow the strict monitoring of sex offender intensive supervised probation.
El Paso County Sexual Assault on a Child Lawyer
Facing a charge of this severity may seem insurmountable. District attorneys can pursue severe punishments in these cases as a means of gaining credibility with their colleagues and improving the trajectory of their careers.
Hiring an expert criminal defense attorney is the best way to combat this and provides you with an advocate in the courtroom. Vital evidence and details exist in all cases that should be carefully analyzed by an expert defense lawyer.
Contact our office for a free consultation with a Colorado Springs sex crime attorney. They will hear your side of the situation and outline next steps to protecting your future.
Don't talk to police about allegations of sexually assaulting a child in Colorado Springs - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo Credit: Pexels - kaboompics.com]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=480622024-01-30T20:43:10Z2024-01-23T19:42:00ZDomestic violence accusations are taken seriously in Jefferson County, Colorado. This impactful sentence enhancer is often charged alongside offenses such as menacing, assault, stalking, or harassment.
However, domestic violence can be added to any criminal charge in Colorado, resulting in a mandatory arrest and restrictive protection orders. Accusations or charges surrounding acts of violence against an intimate partner requires consulting a skilled domestic violence defense attorney right away.
Colorado's Domestic Violence Law
C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 defines the specific details of domestic violence in Lakewood, Arvada, and Golden. Charges can result when someone:
performs an act of violence or threatens a violent act,
upon a person with whom they've had an intimate relationship
Crimes against a person, property, or animal can be considered domestic violence if the intent was to coerce, control, punish, intimidate, or seek revenge against an intimate partner.
Relationships that apply to domestic violence charges are typically those between spouses, former spouses, girlfriend / boyfriend, exes, parents of the same child, and anyone you've dated.
Ramifications of Domestic Violence in Jefferson County
The potential penalties of a domestic violence conviction are widespread. To begin with, Colorado is a mandatory arrest state in regards to domestic violence meaning police will arrest you even on suspicion of these acts. Additionally, a restraining order limiting contact with the alleged victim is put in place which can immediately restrict one's ability to return home.
In addition to the punishment for the underlying crime, DV consequences can include lengthy evaluation and treatment and prohibit you from owning or even possessing a firearm. A fourth offense involving domestic violence is its own crime in Colorado and results in a habitual domestic violence offender label. This is a class 5 felony in Jefferson County that can result in an additional 3 years of incarceration and thousands of dollars in fines.
Jefferson County Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Forming a strong defense to domestic violence accusations is an intricate and complex process. Perhaps someone nearby misunderstood the situation and called law enforcement. Or maybe your ex is manufacturing false claims to hurt you or gain some type of advantage.
Nonetheless, contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your domestic violence case and suggest next steps, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing domestic violence accusations.
Don't talk to police about DV allegations - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by The HK Photo Company on Unsplash]]>by Kyle Sawyerhttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=478492024-01-16T19:36:56Z2024-01-16T18:30:00Z
Resisting arrest charges in Colorado Springs can result when a person interferes with law enforcement trying to take someone into custody. Refusing to exit your home or vehicle if police ask or even resituating while in uncomfortable handcuffs can lead to a charge of resisting arrest in El Paso County.
Not complying with police officers is particularly risky in Colorado. Many different laws prohibit threats or acts of violence against those in uniform. Allegations of resisting arrest require contacting an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as you can.
El Paso County Resisting Arrest Law
El Paso County's resisting arrest law makes preventing a peace officer from performing certain duties unlawful. C.R.S. 18-8-301 defines the specific violations throughout Colorado.
You commit resisting arrest in Colorado Springs, Fountain, or Manitou Springs if you:
knowingly prevent or attempt to prevent,
a police officer from placing you or another under arrest,
by threatening or using physical force or violence,
or by any other action that creates a risk of bodily injury
Complying with police directions and exercising your right to remain silent is essential during arrest situations. Even if you have no clue why you're being arrested, objecting later is best practice.
Keep in mind, interfering with law enforcement in the heat of the moment only adds to the ramifications of the underlying charge requiring arrest.
What Are the Consequences of Resisting Arrest in Colorado?
Each resisting arrest case is different. As a result, the consequences are as well. Resisting arrest is a class 2 misdemeanor throughout El Paso County, potentially resulting in:
up to 120 days in county jail,
a maximum fine of $750
This can be a lot on top of penalties for the underlying crime. Additionally, physical altercations with police can result in them experiencing pain or bodily injury, possibly leading to a felony assault charge.
Resisting Arrest Attorney in El Paso County
Consulting a skilled resisting arrest attorney early on has many benefits. Analyzing vital evidence may poke holes in the prosecutor's case and uncover some applicable defenses.
Many things happen in a short period of time when it comes to arrest and police don't always accurately report what transpired. In interviewing witnesses and using investigators we can often uncover what truly happened. Contact our office if you'd like a free consultation.
We will carefully look over your unique case and recommend next steps. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make strategic representation a reality for those facing allegations in Colorado.
Don't talk to police about resisting arrest allegations - talk to us. [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-2"]
Photo by Utility_Inc]]>On Behalf of Sawyer Legal Group, LLChttps://www.omalleylawoffice.com/?p=633632024-01-11T03:31:04Z2024-01-11T03:31:04ZEmbezzlement often involves business expenses
Worker embezzlement can take many different forms, ranging from intercepting client payments to stealing physical property from a business. However, most people think of money as the stolen object in embezzlement cases. Those accused of embezzlement may not directly take money but may still cause the organization losses.
White-collar employees often have the option of submitting certain expense receipts for reimbursement. The company may cover the cost when they take a client to lunch or stay at a hotel on their way to out-of-state training. Other times, companies may provide workers with expense cards. It is very easy for people to slide down a slippery slope with either reimbursements or expense accounts.
Sometimes, people may follow the lead of others in their department or the person who trains them. People may share the idea that they can occasionally write off a personal meal or a tank of gas with new employees and set them up in a pattern of bad habits. Other times, workers may justify such behavior because they view it as a perk of employment or as a gray area. After all, companies typically get to write off those expenses for tax purposes anyway. These people could unintentionally misuse company cards or violate reimbursement policies.
Someone accused of embezzlement might face not only the threat of incarceration but also financial penalties. A criminal record involving embezzlement could very well hold someone back from the best opportunities in life even after they serve their sentence. But, those accused of embezzlement can often defend against the charges if they review the situation carefully with an attorney and work to execute a strong defense strategy. And, ultimately, recognizing that seemingly innocent behavior could lead to embezzlement allegations might help those struggling to make sense of their current legal challenges.
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