In Criminal Law, What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Many people fall through the cracks of our criminal justice system. Either they can't afford to hire a private lawyer or they don't realize that they need one. Sadly, what you don't know about the law can hurt you.
At the Law Offices of Steven M. Werner, P.C. in Colorado Springs, I guide clients through every step in the criminal justice process. I defend people charged with the following types of crimes:
- Disturbing the peace
- DUI/DWI
- Drug charges
- Domestic violence
- Assault
- Sex crimes
- Juvenile proceedings
- Theft and burglary
- White-collar crimes
- Murder
Conviction of a criminal offense can have a devastating effect on your life. For example, if you are an immigrant and are charged with domestic violence, you can be deported even if you have a green card. If you work in public service, you can be fired. A criminal conviction can prevent you from renting an apartment, getting a job, or securing a loan. The only way to learn the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction is to talk to an experienced defense attorney.
In Colorado, there are three categories of substantive crimes: felony, misdemeanor and petty offenses. There are six classes of felonies, three classes of misdemeanors, and two classes of petty offenses. The penalty for a felony can include death, imprisonment for life and a fine of one hundred thousand dollars. The penalty for commission of a misdemeanor cannot exceed eighteen months imprisonment or five thousand dollars fine or both. The penalty for commission of a petty offense cannot exceed six months imprisonment or a fine of five hundred dollars or both.
Any criminal charge warrants a consultation with a defense attorney to determine whether you should plead guilty or fight the accusation. A conviction can carry far more serious consequences than jail time. A criminal record stays with you for the rest of your life.
Military criminal defense experience: I spent eight years as a prosecutor, three years as the chief criminal defense counsel for the Army in Europe, and nine years as an appellate judge on the Army's Court of Criminal Appeals.
For more information about criminal defense or to schedule an attorney consultation: Call 888-822-3390 or fill out the contact form on this Web site. My law office is located near the courthouse in Colorado Springs.
