You were in an accident, or maybe you got pulled over, and now you are staring at a citation that says “careless driving.” You are probably wondering whether this is just a traffic ticket you pay and move on from, or something that could follow you in ways you did not expect. The answer depends...
No Contact Order vs. Restraining Order in Colorado
You got served, or maybe you got the call, and now you are sitting with a document that feels like it rewrote your entire life in a single page. You might not even be sure what kind of order it is or what it prohibits you from doing. That uncertainty sits on top of everything...
DUI vs. Reckless Driving Charges in Colorado
Watching red and blue lights flash in your rearview mirror can trigger an immediate sense of panic. You might be heading home from dinner, only to realize that a single misunderstanding with an officer could suddenly threaten your career, license, and reputation. The fear of jail is isolating, and you likely worry the legal system...
What Are the Defenses of the Defendant in an Action for Trespassing?
Note: This article has been refreshed and revised as of February 28, 2024, to ensure the information remains current and accurate. In Colorado, trespass is a serious offense that can result in both civil and criminal liability. Trespass is the unauthorized entry onto another person’s property. It can take many forms, including physical intrusion onto...
What Happens to Habitual Offenders in Colorado?
Colorado has some of the harshest penalties for repeat offenders. In fact, the state’s habitual traffic offender law comes with harsh penalties, some of which include mandatory prison time. However, being notorious for running stop lights once a week and receiving a ticket does not classify you as a “habitual” offender. Instead, the law requires...
C.R.S. Sec 18-13-122—Minor in Possession (or Consumption) of Alcohol – Summary, Punishment, Defenses
You’re heading home from a college party with friends when you get pulled over. The officer smells alcohol and asks who has been drinking, even though no one’s visibly intoxicated. Minutes later, you’re handed a citation for underage possession under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 18-13-122, just for admitting you had one beer. It’s more...
How Smoking & Vaping Can Affect Your Breathalyzer Test Results
Key Takeaways Smoking cigarettes produces acetaldehyde, a compound that breathalyzers can mistake for ethanol alcohol. Vaping with e-cigarettes can also introduce interfering substances and mouth alcohol that skew BAC readings. Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 42-4-1301), a BAC of 0.08% or higher triggers a DUI charge — even a small false elevation matters. A 15-minute...
How to Uncover Flaws in Probable Cause for DUI Stops
Probable cause for DUI stops in Colorado is a crucial legal standard designed to protect individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, many people arrested following a DUI stop have been subject to probable cause flaws. Identifying flaws in DUI stops is critical to preserving individual rights, maintaining public trust, and promoting...
What Happens in an Identity Theft Investigation?
Rates of identity theft have significantly increased over the past three years, and Colorado has seen it grow more than the national average. Reports indicate that Colorado ranks 27th for identity theft reports and 8th for fraud and other related offenses. Given these statistics, Colorado law enforcement and consumer protection agencies have taken a hardline...
How Do Credit Card Companies Investigate Fraud?
Note: This article has been refreshed and revised as of February 28, 2024, to ensure the information remains current and accurate. In the ever-evolving battle against credit card fraud, understanding the investigative processes of credit card companies is crucial for both prevention and resolution. Key Takeaways Mastering the Legal Nuances of Credit Card Fraud Detection...