Experienced Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers

Being charged with a crime can turn your life upside down. If you’re convicted, you could face anything from probation to fines and jail time. A conviction could also affect your ability to secure future employment or could reduce your standing in a custody battle.

If you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor in the state of Colorado, our Denver criminal defense attorneys can defend your rights and take aggressive steps to mitigate potential negative consequences. They know how to analyze police procedures to challenge potential missteps and build evidence to support getting your charges reduced or possibly even dismissed. At The Law Offices of Rodger C. Daley and Associates, our lawyers have provided effective defense strategies to people accused of criminal activity for more than 35 years.

Defending Against A Variety Of Criminal Charges

Whether you are a juvenile or an adult or have been charged with a minor or felony offense in Colorado, our attorneys are here to help. Our experienced lawyers represent clients accused of crimes of all types, including the following:

• Drug possession: Defending against charges for controlled substance possession by challenging search and seizure procedures
• Drug possession with intent to distribute: Representing clients facing enhanced penalties for alleged drug distribution activities
• Drug trafficking: Handling complex federal and state cases involving large-scale drug transportation and distribution allegations
• DUI/DWAI: Challenging breath test results, field sobriety tests and procedural violations in impaired driving cases
• Domestic violence: Defending against assault charges involving family members or intimate partners
• Traffic violations: Representing clients facing serious moving violations that threaten driving privileges and insurance rates
• Driving under suspension: Addressing charges for operating vehicles without valid licenses due to previous violations or suspensions
• White collar crimes: Defending professionals against fraud, embezzlement and financial crime allegations requiring complex legal strategies
• Theft: Representing clients accused of shoplifting, burglary and property crimes with varying degrees of severity

Our attorneys take the time to listen to the details of each case and provide our criminal defense clients with straightforward counsel about their chances of achieving a range of outcomes. They help our clients through the legal process, taking care, at each step, to defend their rights and reputations.

Our lawyers understand that facing a criminal charge can be an overwhelming and confusing experience, and they will do everything in their power to get your charges reduced or dismissed, achieving the best result possible to protect your future.

How Colorado Felony Classes Affect Cases

Colorado separates most felonies into six classes, with Class 1 felonies treated as the most serious and Class 6 felonies carrying lower presumptive penalties. These ranges are only a starting point. Drug felonies, sex offenses, crimes of violence and cases with aggravating facts may follow different sentencing rules. Still, knowing the general class of the charge can help you understand what may be at stake before our team begins building your defense.

The general felony classes are as follows:

• Class 1 felony: Life imprisonment, with no mandatory parole period under the general sentencing table
• Class 2 felony: Eight to 24 years in prison, with three years of parole unless the offense is a crime of violence, which carries five years of parole
• Class 3 felony: Four to 12 years in prison, with three years of mandatory parole
• Class 4 felony: Two to six years in prison, with three years of mandatory parole
• Class 5 felony: One to three years in prison, with two years of mandatory parole
• Class 6 felony: One year to 18 months in prison, with one year of mandatory parole

A felony charge can affect more than your immediate freedom. It can threaten your job, housing, professional license, parenting rights and reputation. Our attorneys examine the facts, police conduct, available evidence and possible defenses so they can look for ways to challenge the charge, negotiate when possible and prepare for court if needed.

How Long Do Prosecutors Have To File Charges In Colorado?

In Colorado, the statute of limitations controls how long prosecutors have to begin a criminal case. Some serious offenses, including murder, kidnapping, treason, forgery and any sex offense against a child, have no time limit. Other felonies usually have a three-year filing period, while misdemeanors usually have an 18-month period. Class 1 and 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses generally have a one-year period, and petty offenses and civil infractions usually have a six-month period.

These deadlines can change based on the charge, the victim’s age, DNA evidence or other legal exceptions. If you have been arrested, contacted by police or told that you are under investigation, do not wait for court deadlines. Early action can help protect evidence, preserve defenses and limit avoidable mistakes before your case moves further through the system.

Aggressive Strategies, Experienced Lawyers For Any Criminal Defense

Our lawyers will execute an independent investigation of your case. If they discover that police did not follow the law or that their actions were unconstitutional, our attorneys will challenge their evidence and negotiate to reduce or dismiss the charges, when possible.

If your case goes to trial, our lawyers will represent you in state or federal court. They have extensive knowledge of sentencing guidelines for courts at both levels and will keep you informed during the process as to what you may be facing. Our attorneys have tried hundreds of criminal cases and will provide you with effective and committed representation both in and out of the courtroom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense

Our clients often have urgent questions about their cases and the legal process ahead. Understanding these basics helps you make informed decisions about your defense strategy.

What happens after a person is arrested in Colorado?

Following arrest, you will be booked into jail and may have bail set depending on the charges. You have the right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. The prosecution must file formal charges within a specific time frame, and you will appear before a judge for an initial hearing in which charges will be read and bail will be addressed.

Can criminal charges be sealed?

Colorado allows certain criminal records to be sealed under specific circumstances. Successful completion of probation, dismissal of charges or acquittal may qualify for record sealing. The process varies based on the type of offense and your criminal history, with some felonies and most misdemeanors potentially eligible for sealing after waiting periods.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

Felonies are serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, while misdemeanors carry maximum sentences of up to one year in jail. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights and firearm ownership, while misdemeanor consequences are generally less severe. The classification (seriousness of the alleged crime) affects sentencing options, employment opportunities and long-term legal consequences for defendants.

Don’t Give Up Hope. Reach Out To Us.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s important that you not speak with anybody about the details of your case until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Contact us to set up your appointment with one of our experienced Denver lawyers. Early intervention increases your chances of success in and out of court. We offer free consultations for criminal defense cases. You can also call our office at 720-773-5708.