Knowing Colorado Communities
Why Local Criminal Defense is the Only Criminal Defense
Let’s be honest. There are lots of good, hard-working criminal defense lawyers in Colorado. They’re experienced, well-qualified, and they will fight for the best possible outcome in your case. That’s their job. And that’s not to say they don’t necessarily care. Many care deeply. I certainly do. But I also believe that defense work isn’t always about the law.
Mostly, it goes back to you – the client. A deep understanding of my client’s circumstances and situation helps me meet their needs, both in and out of court. After all, the outcomes and consequences of a criminal case extend far beyond the courtroom. Criminal convictions can impact all facets of a person’s life. In this sense, understanding the Colorado communities in which my clients live is so critical to effectively serving clients,
The Use of Local Knowledge in DUI/DWAI Cases
I was raised in a small town in the Northeast corner of the state. Clients in this area and those like it, face unique challenges. I fully understand that being without a driver’s license isn’t an option for you if you live in a rural area (how do you get groceries or get your kids to school–talk about walking uphill to school each way x10 miles!). I also know you’ll do anything to keep your DMV status from hurting your children. That’s why one of the first things I’ll ask you to start addressing if you’re facing a DUI or DWAI charge is the non-legal aspects of the situation.
This approach might not make sense at first. But if you think about it, actions really do speak louder than words. Getting support and help for the underlying substance use issue—from friends, family, community groups— before sentencing is one of the best ways to demonstrate that you recognize the error of your ways and are determined to change.
I also know a lot about different community resources in northeastern Colorado. Take the Level II alcohol providers, for example. Not only do I know who they are, but I also know the reputation of the clinic they’re housed in. This comes in handy when I’m helping clients who are willing to accept plea deals find the alcohol treatment programs that are best for them.
The Value of Local Knowledge in Domestic Violence Cases
Even with greater public awareness, domestic violence is still a pervasive issue throughout the United States. As a prosecutor, I witnessed the extent of the problem first hand while handling the habitual domestic violence cases for the largest District Attorney’s Office in Colorado. Over the years, my work with a Colorado-based non-profit group dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence has also provided valuable insight into this issue. Victims are wrongly charged as offenders all too often. Victims aren’t given a say in whether to press charges in Colorado. And, frankly, whether you’re a victim or an offender a domestic violence case shouldn’t ruin your life. An experienced attorney can help.
Collectively, these experiences have also shaped my approach to defending alleged offenders in domestic violence cases and provided greater understanding about the aspects of these cases that are often missed or ignored. As a result, I always discuss treatment with clients accused of domestic violence. Not only is treatment mandated in the event of a guilty verdict, but treatment for the sake of treatment (even something as simple as an anger management class) can really make a difference in a client’s life.
Although treatment in Colorado isn’t usually designed to meet individual needs, I encourage my clients to find and ask for the treatment that is best for them. Helping them through this process before settlement or trial not only promotes their personal accountability for their actions and behavior but also ensures they get the support they need to change.
If You Are Facing Criminal Charges In Colorado, I Am Here for You
For defendants in criminal cases, there is no such thing as a “minor” crime. Depending on the circumstances, your reputation, ability to earn a living, and even your freedom may be at stake. Colorado Lawyer Team Offices accepts cases throughout most of Northeastern Colorado. For exact districts, counties, and cities covered and to schedule a free consultation, contact Justie today.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not create an attorney-client relationship. It’s a blog post and not legal advice. Each case is different, and this post is meant for generalized knowledge, only. If you haven’t signed an engagement letter (or even received an engagement letter) AND issued some form of payment (peanuts do not count), then no attorney-client relationship exists. Nevertheless, we will do our best to ensure your confidentiality should you choose to contact us privately, but do not post about your case in the comments here (because reaching out for help with your case should be confidential, damn it).
If you have done both of the things mentioned earlier–signed a letter and paid us–then, and only then, you might be a client. But merely chatting with us online does not a client make. Suffice it to say, if you aren’t absolutely certain about whether or not an attorney-client relationship exists between yourself and NLO, you should probably ask for some clarity. Until then, we’ll keep your secrets but we don’t formally represent you… YET.
