Arrested in Colorado: Understanding Crime and the Law

  • Post published:February 29, 2016
  • Post category:Bail Bonds
Understanding crime and the law in Colorado

 

If you have been arrested in Colorado, or if you have a loved one who has recently been charged with a crime, it is important that you have a basic understanding of the law and how it works. Understanding crime and how it is handled is important as you begin defending your criminal case, deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer, and fighting to stay out of prison or jail. Here are a few tips about the basics of the law in Colorado.

 Understanding Crime and the Law: The Basics 

 – The Arrest: When a person commits something that is against the law in Colorado, they will be arrested and booked in jail, either immediately after committing the offense, or after a police officer has gathered enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant. Either way, the police officer must have enough evidence for probable cause for the arrest.

 – Charged: There are different types of crimes in Colorado, and each one is of a different severity. For example, if a person is charged with Assault, there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Assault. The most severe is a felony offense, while the less severe is only a misdemeanor crime. Misdemeanors are sentenced much less severely – often resulting in paying a fine, doing community service, or spending some time in jail. Felony offenses are punished much more severely – often resulting in serious prison time, with the most serious offenses resulting in life in prison or the death sentence.

 – Trial: When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, a series of court dates will be set. A trial will be held where the prosecution will have the burden to prove the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. While the defendant doesn’t have to prove their innocence, working with a public defender or private defense attorney is strongly advised. There are bench trials (where the judge is the decision maker) and jury trials (where the jury comes up with a guilty or not guilty verdict), depending on the situation. At the completion of the trial, the defendant either is found not guilty, the case is dismissed, or they are found guilty and sentenced.

Plan Your Defense: Get Out of Jail Quickly

If you have a loved one in jail, it is important that you get them released quickly in order to begin planning their defense. While understanding crime and the law is helpful, consulting with a defense attorney who has years of experience is priceless. If you don’t know where to begin, give the experienced bail bondsmen at All Day All Night Bail Bonds a call – we will work to get your loved one released using Fremont County bail bonds so they can begin defending their future instead of sitting in jail. Call us 24/7 for help!