Depending on the gravity of the offense charged, a person convicted of a crime in Colorado can be fined, put on probation, sent to jail, or even incarcerated. There are, however, additional fines that apply outside the courtroom. Regrettably, this is only the beginning. Additional repercussions can include losing the right to vote, the purchase and possession of weapons, and even work ineligibility.

It may be difficult, sometimes impossible, to recover your rights after they have been stripped away by the courts or by collateral effects. The best way to ensure that your interests, both immediate and collateral, are protected is to employ a Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer with the expertise and knowledge to do so.

Crimes in Fort Collins

Individuals in Fort Collins can face criminal charges for a variety of crimes. Many criminals offenses are punishable by fines, prison time, or both. Some of the most common criminal offenses include:

  • Sex crimes
  • Theft
  • Burglary
  • Robbery
  • Traffic offenses
  • DUI offenses
  • Murder
  • Assault
  • Drug crimes
  • Firearm and weapons offenses

Receiving a charge for any of these crimes makes it crucial that a person seek legal counsel from a competent Fort Collins crime lawyer immediately to potentially mitigate the associated negative consequences.

Understanding Theft Charges

Theft is defined under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) §18-4-401 as either misdemeanor theft or felony theft, depending on the value of an item. An individual commits theft when they obtain anything of value from another person without permission by way of threat or force. Additionally, theft occurs if a person disposes of anything of value of another person and knows or should know that the thing of value has been obtained under unlawful means.

What is Considered a Sexual Offense?

Certain sex crimes, such as solicitation or prostitution, are misdemeanors under Colorado law. Sexual assault and child molestation are felony sex crimes, which include prison time and registration with the Colorado Sex Offender Registry.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Or Alcohol

Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1301(1)(a), any person who operates an automobile under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or some combination of the two, is committing driving under the influence. There is no separate statute for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). Colorado’s DUI law covers both alcohol and drugs under a combined statute, as a Fort Collins DUI lawyer could further explain.

Drug Crimes in Fort Collins

Our Fort Collins attorneys can assist in defending against possession and distribution of drugs, violations of marijuana laws, as well as felony drug trafficking laws.

What is Considered as a Dangerous Weapon?

Weapons and firearms possession laws are covered under C.R.S. § 18-12-102. The laws define two weapons categories: dangerous weapons and illegal weapons. In Fort Collins, it is a felony to have dangerous weapons such as guns with silencers, ballistic knives, and machine guns. Illegal weapons are defined as weapons that include metallic knuckles or gas guns.

Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Several regulations have been enacted in Fort Collins to deter illegal activity. These crimes may be serious or minor, but the consequences are almost severe if an individual is convicted. If you are facing criminal charges in Fort Collins, you should speak with a skilled Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Call today to get started on your case.