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Criminal Defense Attorney in Grand Junction, Colorado

Practice Areas

DWI
DUI

DWAI

Getting arrested and facing criminal charges is a terrifying experience, no matter the circumstances. Your freedom is not the only thing at stake; your reputation and future can also suffer significant consequences.

If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to know what steps you should take to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

That's where Le Fleur Law LLC steps in. Based in Grand Junction, Colorado, and serving clients across Mesa County, Delta County, and Montrose County, Attorney Annie Le Fleur offers a wealth of knowledge and dedication to those facing criminal charges. With her client-centered approach, she provides guidance that focuses on future implications and securing the best legal outcomes possible.

Don't wait to get legal help. And don't face this storm alone. For compassionate and skilled representation, reach out to Le Fleur Law LLC today.

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Understanding Criminal Charges in Colorado

In Colorado, criminal charges generally fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Understanding these classifications is crucial when facing criminal charges.

Misdemeanor Charges in Colorado

A misdemeanor, within the realm of criminal law, is a type of offense that is considered less severe than a felony. This classification of crime, which can include charges such as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) tends to carry lighter penalties, which can include fines, probation, community service, or a jail sentence that usually does not exceed one year.

Misdemeanors, while known to be less serious than felonies, can still carry life-changing consequences. They're divided into three classes based on severity:

Class 1 misdemeanors, such as third-degree assault, first-offense DUI, or theft of property valued between $750 and $2,000, are considered the most serious. Penalties for Class 1 misdemeanors generally include a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 18 months in jail.
Class 2 misdemeanors, like second-degree forgery or unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, are slightly less severe. The penalties for these offenses generally include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a potential jail sentence of 3 to 12 months.
Class 3 misdemeanors, which include offenses such as third-degree trespassing or criminal mischief causing less than $300 in damage, are the least serious. The penalties for these crimes typically include a fine of up to $750 and/or up to 6 months in jail.

Felony Charges in Colorado

Felony charges are more severe and carry harsher penalties. These are classified into six categories, with Class 1 being the most severe:

A Class 1 felony, like first-degree murder, can result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Class 2 felonies, such as second-degree murder or kidnapping, can lead to a prison sentence of 8 to 24 years, and fines up to $1,000,000.
For Class 3 felonies, which include second-degree assault or robbery, the potential penalties are 4 to 12 years in prison, and fines up to $750,000.
A Class 4 felony, like manslaughter or second-degree burglary, might result in 2 to 6 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.
Class 5 felonies, such as criminal negligence causing death or third-degree burglary, carry penalties of 1 to 3 years in prison, and fines up to $100,000.
Lastly, Class 6 felonies, like theft of property valued between $2,000 and $5,000, can see 1 to 1.5 years in prison, and fines up to $100,000.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and actual penalties can vary depending on the specifics of the case. Attorney Annie Le Fleur is equipped to handle all types of felony charges, providing comprehensive legal defense to clients throughout Mesa County, Delta County, and Montrose County. Schedule a consultation today to share your story and learn about your options.

The Colorado Criminal Court Process

If you're facing criminal charges in Colorado, you need to know what to expect during the criminal court process. The following is a brief and general overview:

First, an arrest is made based on probable cause. Following this, a defendant may be released or detained until their initial appearance before a judge. This is where charges are formally read, and bail is considered.

Next, comes the preliminary hearing for certain felony cases. Here, the prosecution must present enough evidence to convince the judge that a trial is warranted. If the case proceeds, it moves to the arraignment stage, where defendants enter their plea.

If a plea agreement isn't reached, the case proceeds to trial.

The trial includes opening statements, presentation of evidence, cross-examinations, closing arguments, and jury deliberation.

If the verdict is guilty, sentencing follows.

Finally, if there are legal grounds for doing so, the convicted individual has the right to appeal the verdict or sentence.

Remember, this is a simplified summary of the state's criminal procedure. The actual process can be more complicated and varies depending on the specifics of each case.

Navigating the Appeals Process

The appeals process allows individuals convicted of a crime to challenge the verdict or sentence. It involves filing an appeal with a higher court and presenting legal arguments to demonstrate errors or violations of constitutional rights that occurred during the trial.

The focus is on reviewing the trial proceedings rather than reevaluating the evidence or conducting a new trial. The outcome of an appeal can result in:

a conviction getting overturned,
a new trial is ordered, or
a modification of the sentence.

At Le Fleur Law LLC, Attorney Annie Le Fleur stands ready to guide clients through these challenging processes with knowledge, compassion, and dedication to achieving the most favorable outcomes.