Colorado’s Express Consent Law
November 29, 2013

It is important for any driver to understand Colorado’s Express Consent Law.  This statute states that whenever a driver is suspected of driving while impaired due to alcohol or drugs or both, a police officer can request that a driver consent to a chemical test, either a Breathalyzer or blood test, to determine whether there […]

The Insanity Defense in Colorado
November 7, 2013

The insanity defense appears frequently in news stories and popular culture. The application of the defense is not as cut and dry as most people believe. Different states use different tests for insanity. Someone who is insane under Colorado Law is not necessarily insane under Wyoming Law or someone insane under Wyoming Law is not […]

The key differences between a private attorney and a public defender
November 1, 2013

Private attorneys and public defenders are both certified attorneys who have graduated from accredited law schools (received a J.D.) and have passed the bar exam for the state in which they practice (Colorado Bar). So, why hire a private attorney? Here are some of the differences between a private attorney and a public defender: Low […]

Police Searches I: Searches of the Home
October 31, 2013

Protection from overbroad police searches is a found principle of American society; it is codified in thefourth amendment which reads: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonablesearches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath […]

Change in Colorado Drug Crime Classifications
October 25, 2013

Colorado changed the way it classifies drug crimes on October 1, 2013. Prior to October 1, Colorado sentencing guidelines did not separate drug crimes from other crimes. For example, possession of more than 2 grams of Methamphetamine and 2nd degree assault were both Class 4 felonies sentenced under the same guidelines. Under the new classifications non-drug […]

New Colorado DUI Laws in Effect January 2014
October 17, 2013

New laws go in to effect January 1, 2014 effecting Colorado driver’s license revocations following drug or alcohol stops. Currently, and prior to January 1, 2014 any refusal or a subsequent offense (2nd and above) of suspected DUI will lead to a minimum of one full year with no driving privileges.  After January 1, 2014 the […]

Potential Penalties if Convicted of DUI or DWAI
July 15, 2013

What is the difference between a DWAI and DUI? Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) both indicate that a driver was driving while impaired by alcohol.  The difference between the two is the degree of impairment with DUI indicating a driver was more impaired than a DWAI.  The delineation most […]

Frequently Asked Questions about Ignition Interlock Devices
July 1, 2013

What is Interlock? Interlock is an ignition  device that is installed on a motor vehicle which prohibits operation of the vehicle while the driver is under the influence of alcohol. How does Interlock work? Interlock requires the driver to provide a breath sample before the car is allowed to start, if elevated alcohol levels are […]

Supreme Court decides that people under arrest can have their cheeks swabbed for DNA
June 11, 2013

The Supreme Court has recently ruled that police can collect DNA samples from people who are arrested but not yet convicted, in a split 5-4 decision. Justice Samuel Alito described the event as “the most important criminal procedure case that this court has heard in decades.” (Link) Twenty-six states already have laws that allow for […]

Potential Consequences of DUI Conviction in Colorado
April 2, 2013

Here are some of the potential consequences of a DUI Conviction in Colorado: Insurance Increases – The DUI or DWAI conviction will appear on your driving records. Your driving record is used by insurance company when assessing your insurance application or renewal. Your DUI conviction may lead your insurance company to consider you a high […]