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Being accused of a crime can be unnerving, especially when you have done nothing wrong. While facing these charges can feel hopeless, you might be surprised at your chances of avoiding a conviction. A Douglas County criminal defense lawyer could help you every step of the way.
If you have been charged with a crime or are under investigation by the police, now is the time to seek legal counsel. Experienced defense attorney and former prosecutor Mike Petrash could assist you with everything from investigating the allegations against you to developing a strong strategy.
There are three categories of crimes under Colorado law. At the highest end of the spectrum are felonies, which can lead to between 18 months and life in prison, depending on the charge. Next are misdemeanors. While they are not as serious as felonies, a conviction could still lead to 18 months in prison. Petty offenses are the lowest tier, but they still carry the risk of incarceration.
Legal professionals routinely handle an array of criminal charges in Douglas County. This includes everything from first-time offenders facing relatively minor misdemeanor charges to someone with prior convictions dealing with a felony arrest. Some common examples include:
A Douglas County criminal defense attorney could provide guidance throughout the legal process and help develop a curated defense strategy.
Getting a favorable outcome in a criminal case starts with the right defense strategy. Some approaches are viable in virtually any type of prosecution, while others are limited to a handful of specific charges.
When it comes to violent crime allegations, self-defense is a common strategy. Even if a person meets all the elements of an offense like assault, they have not committed a criminal offense if their actions were in response to an imminent threat of serious harm.
For sex crimes, consent can be a strong argument. These charges are usually based on allegations that a sex act was non-consensual, so providing evidence that both parties were willing participants can be powerful.
A seasoned defense attorney in Douglas County could review all of the evidence, weigh different strategies, and select the right approach in a given case.
No one is obligated to hire legal counsel when they have been charged with a crime. However, handling these cases without an attorney is a major mistake that can have life-altering consequences. A single error at trial could lead to an otherwise avoidable conviction.
The right defense attorney in Douglas County could provide helpful insight into what to expect from the criminal justice system, evaluate the facts, and determine the right defense strategy. Every case is unique, and an approach that works in one situation might not be helpful in another.
Part of resolving criminal charges is negotiating with the state. In cases where the evidence presented by the government is enough to secure a conviction, the best possible outcome might be obtaining a fair plea offer. In some situations, it might be possible to negotiate a deal that will not result in a criminal conviction.
Other instances require going to trial. Submitting evidence and examining witnesses are complicated matters that require experience to ensure they go smoothly. Well-practice attorney Mike Petrash has been on the prosecution and defense in over 90 trials.
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it is crucial that you seek the guidance of legal counsel right away. You are not alone. Contact Douglas County criminal defense lawyer Mike Petrash today and schedule a private consultation to discuss your legal options.