Category Archives: Criminal Defense
Can Police Search Your Vehicle Because They See A Firearm?
Seeing a firearm in a vehicle does not always give police the right to search the entire vehicle in Colorado. The answer depends on where the firearm was located, whether the stop was lawful, whether the officer had a safety concern, whether the firearm appeared illegal, and whether other facts suggested criminal activity. A… Read More »
What Are The Penalties For Possessing A Firearm During A Drug Crime?
Possessing a firearm during a Colorado drug crime can turn an already serious case into a much more dangerous criminal prosecution. A drug case may start as a possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking allegation, but the presence of a gun can change how police, prosecutors, and courts view the facts. Even if the firearm… Read More »
What Happens If Police Find A Gun During A Traffic Stop?
A traffic stop can become much more serious when police find a gun in the vehicle. What began as a stop for speeding, a lane change, expired tags, or a broken taillight may turn into a criminal investigation within minutes. In Colorado, not every firearm in a vehicle is illegal, but the facts matter…. Read More »
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 »
