Criminal arrests can happen anywhere. They might result from an honest mistake or be the culmination of a months-long investigation. In any scenario, it is crucial to rely on a skilled defense attorney to protect your rights.

If you have been arrested, there is no time to delay. A Denver County criminal defense lawyer could help you protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to get you the best chance of a favorable outcome in your case. Contact Petrash Law today.

Common Offenses

A Denver County criminal defense attorney could assist with a wide range of cases. The state aggressively pursues convictions in everything from drunk driving to violent assaults. In any of these cases, the consequences of a conviction are serious.

Incarceration is always a possibility when someone is found guilty of a crime. This is particularly true for felonies, which can result in a life-changing sentence. Each offense also has the potential for steep monetary fines that could haunt a defendant for years to come. Some of the charges that often lead to these penalties include:

  • Theft
  • Rape
  • Murder
  • Assault
  • Robbery
  • Drug crimes
  • Domestic violence
  • Driving under the influence

These charges may be serious, but that does not mean a conviction is guaranteed. The right legal professional could negotiate a reasonable plea or fight back at trial.

What are Collateral Consequences?

In addition to jail time or monetary fines, a criminal conviction can also lead to collateral consequences. These are side effects of being found guilty of a crime that is not part of the statutory penalties. For example, having a criminal record can make it difficult to find a job or secure reasonable housing. Felony convictions can even cost someone their constitutional rights to own a firearm and vote.

Defense Options

Each criminal offense is unique, so there is no uniform way for a defense lawyer in Denver County to fight back. Some strategies work with certain crimes but are nonviable when it comes to others. Finding the right strategy starts with a careful review of the facts. Some of the most common approaches include the following:

Self-Defense and Defense of Others

When it comes to violent crimes, many defendants claim that they were acting in defense of themselves or others. A person is entitled to use reasonable force to defend themselves when they reasonably believe they are facing imminent harm. This defense also applies when shielding someone else.

Lack of Evidence

Prosecutors face a high burden of proof, and highlighting their inability to meet it is a common approach.

Constitutional Violations

Many arrests and convictions are built on evidence discovered through police searches. Whether they occur in a home or a vehicle, these searches must be authorized in some way. An attorney could file a motion to exclude any evidence that was found during an unlawful search.

Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Denver County Today

If you have been charged with a crime, it can feel as if your only option is to accept responsibility and plead guilty. While negotiating a plea might be a viable option in some cases, you have the right to fight these charges with the help of a Denver County criminal defense lawyer. Call today to learn more.