Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Can An Anonymous Phone Call Give Police Reasonable Suspicion?
An anonymous phone call can prompt police to make a stop in Boulder, but it does not automatically give them reasonable suspicion. This difference is important. Someone might call in about a suspected drunk driver, drug activity, domestic violence, a weapon, a theft, or another crime, but police still need a legal reason to… Read More »
Can Police Frisk Me Every Time They Conduct A Terry Stop?
No, police are not allowed to frisk you every time they make a Terry stop. This is a key point to remember after any street stop, traffic stop, drug investigation, weapons allegation, or criminal arrest in Boulder. Even if an officer has a legal reason to stop and ask questions, that does not automatically… Read More »
Can The Police Lie When They Are Questioning Someone?
Police questioning might seem similar to a regular conversation, but it isn’t. Even before asking questions, detectives could already believe a crime has taken place and might already have a theory as to who is to blame. People often speak in order to explain themselves, to protect their reputation, or to demonstrate that they… Read More »
How To Defend Against Reckless Driving Criminal Charges In Colorado
A reckless driving charge in Boulder is more serious than a routine traffic ticket. Many people are surprised to learn that reckless driving is a criminal traffic offense, not just a minor moving violation. A conviction can affect your license, insurance, job, criminal record, and future driving privileges. If the allegation involves an accident,… Read More »
Science Shows Innocent People Can Confess To Crimes They Did Not Commit
Many people think they would never admit to a crime they did not commit. While that belief makes sense, it does not always match reality. Police questioning can be stressful, confusing, and scary, especially if someone is tired, alone, young, impaired, afraid of jail, worried about family, or told the evidence is stronger than… Read More »
Can Hearsay Be Used Against You In A Criminal Case?
Hearsay is often one of the most confusing parts of evidence in a Colorado criminal case. Many people believe hearsay is never allowed in court, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, a judge may keep hearsay out. Other times, the prosecutor may argue that the statement is not hearsay or that it… Read More »
Can a Criminal Case Be Based on One Witness’s Testimony?
In Colorado, a criminal case can sometimes rely mostly on the testimony of just one witness. This does not mean the case is strong, fair, or impossible to challenge. Many cases start because one person calls the police, gives a statement, identifies a suspect, or reports a crime. We understand how stressful it is… Read More »
Can I Seal My Criminal Record In Colorado? Eligibility, Waiting Periods, And The Record Sealing Process
A criminal record can affect someone long after their case ends. It might show up when applying for jobs, housing, licenses, school programs, loans, or volunteer work. In Boulder, sealing your record can limit who can see it, but whether you qualify depends on your case type, outcome, offense level, waiting period, and any… Read More »
How Prosecutors Use Social Media As Evidence In Criminal Cases
Social media can be strong evidence in a Colorado criminal case. Prosecutors may use posts, messages, photos, videos, location tags, comments, or even deleted accounts to support claims about intent, identity, motive, location, relationships, threats, drug activity, weapons, violence, or contact with an alleged victim. Many people believe their private messages are safe, but… Read More »
Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed Before Trial
In Boulder, criminal charges can be dismissed before trial, but this does not happen just because someone claims innocence or feels the case is unfair. The defense needs to show a legal, factual, constitutional, or evidentiary reason for dismissal. Charges might be dropped if the prosecution cannot prove probable cause, or if evidence is… Read More »
