Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges? We understand you probably have many questions swirling through your mind, contributing to overwhelming anxiety and stress. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from our clients to help shed some light on how to deal with criminal charges.
Keep in mind that these are for informational purposes only. For specific advice on your case, contact a Colorado criminal defense lawyer. As your neighbors, we’re here to help. Call us at (719) 757-1182 to schedule a consultation.
What’s the Difference Between Criminal and Civil Cases?
Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or organizations. If you lose the case, the court may order you to pay money to the other party or fulfill a contractual obligation. For instance, if you injure someone in a fight, they could sue you for medical expenses. Alternatively, if you run a business and haven’t paid for a particular service, the provider could sue you for late or missed payments.
In contrast, the parties involved in criminal cases are usually individuals and the government. So, in the fight scenario above, the government could bring a criminal action for assault and battery in addition to the civil case initiated by the victim. If the court or jury finds you guilty, you may have to pay a fine, serve time, or go on probation.
I’m Facing Criminal Charges. What Should I Do and Not Do?
If you’ve been accused of a crime:
- DO contact a Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyer ASAP because time is of the essence.
- DON’T discuss your case. Never discuss the case or give statements to the police or anyone else before you’ve spoken with our criminal lawyers in Colorado Springs.
- DON’T take “opportunities” to “help yourself” or “tell your side of the story”: Police officers often use these tricks when there isn’t enough evidence against you. Politely decline and refer all questions to your lawyer.
- DON’T answer odd phone calls: Be wary of suspicious calls from people wanting to discuss the case. These calls often come from the victim or complainant. The police can record such calls to trick you into making incriminating statements.
My Friend or Family Member is in Police Custody. How Can I Help?
One way to help is to bail your loved one out. You can go to the jail and pay the total amount of the bail bond. You will typically receive a full refund after the completion of the case.
For larger bond amounts, you could contract a local bail bondsman. You pay a small fee and a percentage of the bond, and the bondsman pays the rest. The downside is that you won’t have your money back after the case is closed.
Another thing you can do is contact a Colorado criminal defense lawyer. They can review the case and explain the legal options. If your friend or family member chooses to retain the attorney, they can build a strong defense case, represent them in court, and provide support and legal advice throughout the process.
The Police Officers Didn’t Read My Miranda Rights. What Should I Do?
The Miranda warning states that you have the right to an attorney and to remain silent and that the prosecution can and will use everything you say against you.
Police officers must notify you of your Miranda rights when they take you into custody. If they don’t, that doesn’t mean you’re free, or the charges will drop. It does mean that the prosecution can’t use your statements as evidence. Tell your attorney if the arresting officers didn’t read your rights.
Do I Still Need an Attorney if I’ll Be Making a Guilty Plea?
Having legal representation can be beneficial even if you plan to plead guilty. For instance, your attorney may be able to negotiate lighter charges and/or a lesser sentence.
What Criminal Cases Do You Handle?
At The Foley Law Firm, our Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of criminal matters, including:
- Felonies, including homicide, aggravated assault, and other violent crimes
- Drug-related cases, including drug possession and drug trafficking
- Theft cases, including burglary, armed robbery, and identity theft
- Juvenile and college student crimes
- DUI cases
- Domestic violence cases
- Veterans’ trauma court cases
Is A Criminal Charge Threatening to Ruin Your Life? Contact Your Trusted Criminal Lawyers in Colorado Springs
At The Foley Law Firm, we have the knowledge and legal experience to handle a wide array of criminal matters. Our lawyers have over 30 years of criminal trial and litigation experience. As a former prosecutor, David Foley, our founder and lead attorney, understands how the other side operates, giving you a unique advantage.
As your neighbors based in Colorado Springs, CO, we represent clients along the entire Eastern Slope and Front Range. Call (719) 757-1182 or contact us online for a consultation with a Colorado criminal defense lawyer.
Copyright© 2023. The Foley Law Firm. All Rights Reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
The Foley Law Firm
222 East Costilla Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 757-1182
https://davidfoley.net/
