Being charged with any criminal offense is a serious matter. If you’ve never found yourself in the criminal justice system before, it can be difficult to know where to turn and what to do. How can you defend yourself? Will you lose your job or go to jail? These are the types of questions that are likely keeping you up at night.
At Colorado Lawyer Team, we fight for the rights and freedoms of those arrested in Fort Collins and the surrounding area (as well as much of the rest of the state). Whether you’ve been charged with assault after a bar fight or accused of a sex crime, we’re here to provide you with experience-driven and results-proven representation. Call us today and find out why so many clients have trusted our Fort Collins criminal defense lawyers with their futures.
Why Hire Colorado Lawyer Team For Your Criminal Charges in Fort Collins?
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need legal representation that’s thorough, responsive, and grounded in experience. At Colorado Lawyer Team, our experienced attorneys are committed to giving you a defense that’s organized, informed, and built for the circumstances you’re facing.
Here’s how we approach criminal defense cases in Fort Collins and the surrounding area:
- Strong and Strategic Planning: When you hire us, we thoroughly review the police reports, evidence, and charging documents to look for flaws or inconsistencies. We also examine potential defenses and discuss them with you to identify the best approach. Our goal is to reduce risk and limit long-term consequences.
- Direct and Regular Communication with Your Attorney: We keep you informed throughout your case. If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to listen and give you the answers you need to better understand what lies ahead. Our clients receive our direct calendaring links to schedule meetings and appointments with their team (including attorneys) whenever needed.
- Thorough Investigation: We examine how evidence was obtained, how interviews were conducted, and whether your rights were respected throughout the investigation. If police violated constitutional limits or failed to follow procedures, we raise those issues early and use them to challenge the case.
- We Start Right Away: Once hired, we immediately start gathering records, identifying procedural errors, and evaluating how the evidence supports or contradicts the charges. Early involvement allows us to challenge weak claims, negotiate from a stronger position, or prepare for trial if needed.
- We’re Always Prepared for Trial: When a case can’t be resolved through negotiation, we prepare for trial with the same level of attention to detail. That includes witness preparation, legal motions, evidentiary planning, and trial presentation. We take courtroom advocacy seriously and prepare you for what to expect in advance.
Our Fort Collins criminal defense lawyers are here to protect your rights and pursue the best result for your situation. If you need a defense team that will treat your case with the attention it deserves, Colorado Lawyer Team is ready to help.
Types of Criminal Charges We Handle in Fort Collins
Colorado Lawyer Team represents clients charged with a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Each case is reviewed in detail to identify legal issues, assess the evidence, and determine the best path forward. Below are the charges we most often defend in Fort Collins courts.
Sex Crimes
Allegations of sexual misconduct can carry long-term consequences, including mandatory registration and restrictions on housing and employment. We handle charges involving unlawful sexual contact, internet-related offenses, and sexual assault. These cases often turn on witness credibility, forensic evidence, and procedural errors made during the investigation, so we evaluate all of these areas carefully. In addition, our attorneys and our firm have always been tech-forward and comfortable with all manner of forensic evidence–we even teach other lawyers about technology, AI, and the latest digital advancements!
Theft and Property Offenses
We defend against misdemeanor and felony theft charges, including shoplifting, employee theft, burglary, and robbery. Our defense team already includes accounting and economic degrees, and we are very well versed in how to defend these cases (hint: we actually know how to read a P&L and know what BS stands for). These cases may involve mistaken identity, lack of intent, or disputes over ownership. Early investigation is important to preserve video footage, interview witnesses, and review financial records.
Traffic Offenses
Traffic charges in Fort Collins can lead to license suspension, fines, or jail time, depending on the severity. We represent drivers accused of reckless driving, driving under restraint, careless driving causing injury/careless driving causing death, and habitual traffic offenses. Many of these cases involve questions about probable cause, radar/lidar calibration, or the need to prove up prior convictions.
DUI and DWAI Offenses
Driving under the influence or while ability impaired carries both administrative and criminal penalties. We challenge the basis for the stop, the methods used during field sobriety tests, and the accuracy of blood or breath results. We also assist clients with DMV hearings and understanding reinstatement requirements, like ignition interlock requirements and points restrictions.
Drug Charges
We represent clients charged with possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances. That includes allegations involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and marijuana in regulated or unregulated amounts. In many cases, the outcome depends on how the search was conducted and the reliability of lab testing. We have handled several serious cases (including several DF1’s) and are familiar with most jurisdictions’ drug court programs.
Firearms and Weapons Offenses
We defend against charges involving unlawful possession, illegal discharge, and use of a weapon during the commission of another crime. Whether you are charged with menacing or possession of a weapon by a previous offender, we can certainly help. Convictions can lead to mandatory sentencing and firearm restrictions. We review whether the weapon was lawfully owned, how it was discovered, and whether sentence enhancements apply.
Assault and Violent Crimes
Charges involving physical harm or threats of harm can lead to restraining orders, incarceration, and long-term criminal records. We handle simple and aggravated assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, and domestic violence-related offenses. Defense strategies may involve self-defense, mutual combat, or misidentification by witnesses. We are very well-versed in the use of experts, including DV experts, fingerprint experts, DNA experts, and more.
What to Expect from the Criminal Court Process in Fort Collins
If you’re charged with a crime in Fort Collins or Loveland, your case will likely be handled in Larimer County Court or District Court, depending on the charge and the city where it was committed. Yes, Loveland has their own County Court Divisions–but all District Court felony cases are heard only in Fort Collins. Each stage of the court process involves strict deadlines, hearings before a judge, and decisions that can affect your future. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare and gives your criminal defense attorney more time to act on your behalf.
Arrest and Charging
A case may begin with an arrest based on a warrant, a traffic stop, or a report made to law enforcement. In other situations, you may receive a summons with a court date instead of being taken into custody. After the arrest or citation, the district attorney reviews the reports and decides which charges to officially file if it’s a felony. If it’s a misdemeanor or lower-level offense, the DA may choose to amend counts early, but they can do so up until the day of trial. Typo’s in your summons or charging documents are generally not defensible unless they are material in nature.
Bond and First Appearance
If you’re taken into custody rather than given a summons or ticket, you’ll appear before a judge for a bond hearing shortly after arrest. The judge decides if you can be released and under what conditions. We advocate for personal recognizance bonds when possible and work to keep conditions reasonable and affordable.
Arraignment and Pretrial Hearings
At arraignment, you’re formally advised of the charges and given the opportunity to enter a plea. The court will also set future hearing dates. Pretrial conferences follow, during which both sides negotiate potential resolutions. This is where early preparation and insight into your case can have the most impact. Preliminary hearings are limited to determining whether probable cause exists for your arrest, and a PH is usually available to you only if you are in custody or charged with a serious or sexual offense.
Case Resolution or Trial
If an agreement can be reached, the case may end with a plea deal or entry into a diversion program. If not, it proceeds to trial. We prepare our clients for each step ofthe trial, including jury selection, witness testimony, and presentation of evidence. We also handle sentencing if there’s a conviction, and advise on post-trial options such as selecting appellate counsel.
FAQs About Criminal Defense in Fort Collins
What Should You Do After an Arrest?
If you’re arrested, stay calm and don’t resist, even if you believe the arrest is unjustified. Arguing with officers or trying to explain your side on the spot can backfire and may be used against you later. Instead, listen to what’s being said, ask for legal representation, and avoid volunteering any information.
You have the right to remain silent. Law enforcement may ask questions about where you’ve been, who you were with, or what happened. You’re not required to answer, and it’s safer not to try. Politely but clearly say, “I want to speak with an attorney,” and then stop talking. Officers are trained to keep questioning you, but once you request a lawyer, they must stop unless you agree to continue.
Avoid making calls or sending messages about your case from the jail. Phone lines are usually recorded, and even innocent-sounding comments can be misinterpreted. The same goes for conversations with friends, family, or cellmates. Wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney before discussing any part of the arrest or charges.
Can You Get Charges Dropped or Reduced?
In some cases, yes. Charges may be reduced or dismissed if the evidence is weak, your rights were violated during the investigation, or new facts come to light that support your defense. Prosecutors have discretion in how they charge a case, and they may agree to negotiate when they believe the risks of trial outweigh the likelihood of conviction.
We start by reviewing the evidence in detail. That includes police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, lab results, and any available recordings. If the case relies on unreliable testimony, flawed identification, or improperly obtained evidence, we raise those issues early. Prosecutors often respond to legal challenges or defense motions by offering a plea to a lesser charge or dismissing counts that can’t be supported.
Your background also plays a role. If this is your first time being charged or if you’ve taken steps to address the situation, such as attending counseling, enrolling in treatment, or making restitution, they may be advantages during negotiations. Each case is different, but our goal is to create as many opportunities as possible for a better outcome.
Will You Go to Jail for a First Offense?
In many cases, first-time offenders avoid jail, especially if the charge is non-violent and doesn’t involve weapons or injury. Judges and prosecutors may consider alternative sentencing options when the defendant has no prior criminal record and shows a willingness to address the issue. These options may include probation, community service, treatment programs, work release, electronic home monitoring (in-home detention/house-arrest), or deferred sentencing agreements.
That said, jail is still possible, even for a first offense, depending on the charge and how the case is handled. Some offenses (such as DUI, assault, or firearm-related crimes) carry mandatory jail time under Colorado law or may trigger stricter sentencing policies in Larimer County. The judge also considers aggravating factors, such as the presence of minors, repeat conduct, or harm caused to others. And, yes, it is possible the judge can sentence you to a short jail sentence and then probation after release, for most offenses.
We work to keep jail off the table by showing that you’re taking the charges seriously and that you’re not likely to reoffend. This may involve providing evidence of your employment, community ties, or participation in counseling or classes. In many cases, early legal intervention makes the difference between serving time and resolving the case through a non-custodial sentence.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?
Yes. A misdemeanor may seem minor compared to a felony, but it still carries real legal and personal consequences. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, probation, loss of a driver’s license, or restrictions on firearm ownership. Some misdemeanors, such as domestic violence, DUI, or theft, can affect your job, housing, or immigration status, even if the sentence is relatively short.
Without legal representation, you may not fully understand what you’re giving up by accepting a plea deal or missing a deadline. Many people plead guilty just to “get it over with,” only to find out later that the conviction disqualifies them from jobs, leads to license suspensions, or creates long-term problems they didn’t expect. A lawyer can help you understand your options, request evidence, negotiate with the prosecutor, and identify any legal issues in the case.
We treat misdemeanor charges with the same level of preparation and care as felony cases. Even if jail time isn’t likely, your record and reputation are still at stake. Having a lawyer ensures that you make decisions based on a full review of your rights and the available alternatives.
Contact a Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you’re facing criminal charges in Fort Collins, it’s important to act fast. Waiting too long to get legal advice may limit your ability to challenge evidence, negotiate favorable terms, or avoid court-imposed restrictions.
Colorado Lawyer Team offers confidential consultations to help you understand where you stand and what defenses may be available to you. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or a felony, we’ll help you make the right decisions for your future. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with our legal team, call (970) 344-9401 or contact our law firm online today.