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During an investigation of alleged assault, the police have a significant amount of resources and legal leeway available to them even if they do not make an immediate arrest at the scene. Because of this, what you do while you are under investigation for this kind of criminal offense can affect the outcome of your ensuing criminal case as much as the defense you present at trial can.
Understanding in advance how assault investigations in Denver unfold could be very helpful when preparing yourself legally and emotionally for an experience such as this. Seeking help from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer will almost always be the most important step to take if you want to effectively contest assault allegations and minimize the long-term repercussions that this type of charge could have for you.
Under Colorado state law, you commit the criminal act of assault if you unlawfully cause someone else to sustain a bodily injury; the severity of the ensuing assault charge will depend on how bad the injury was and how exactly it was caused. With that in mind, law enforcement authorities conducting assault investigations in Denver will typically look for evidence to establish two things: whether the defendant inadvertently or intentionally caused harm, and what specific type of harm occurred because of their actions.
In addition to conducting interviews with both the defendant and the person or people they allegedly assaulted, police will generally also speak with medical professionals who treated the parties involved as well as witnesses who saw the alleged act of assault and even family and community members who can establish the characters of the parties involved. They may additionally try to determine whether the alleged assault occurred in the “heat of passion,” as this could sometimes affect what penalties the defendant may face in the event of a conviction.
If you are being investigated for assault, you are not required to speak with the police and if you refuse to speak with the police that refusal cannot be used against you in court. Police will often speak with all of the witnesses before approaching the suspect for an interview. At this point, the police have typically decided whether or not they are going to charge the suspect, and nothing that the suspect says will change that decision. As such, if the police request to interview you about an assault, you should say that you don’t want to make a statement and you should call a lawyer immediately.
No matter how the allegation arose, it is important to stay proactive when facing assault investigations in Denver. This means knowing what to expect from the legal process in general, and, more significantly, seeking guidance from a skilled legal professional as early as possible in that process.
A defense lawyer with experience working as a prosecutor and prior success in handling similar cases could be the partner you need to achieve a favorable case result. Call today for a consultation.