ASSAULT & CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS ATTORNEYS IN BOULDER, CO
Assaults and other crimes against persons have varying degrees of severity, often depending on the injury to the victim(s).
Assault
There are several levels of assault in Colorado, with the distinction being related to the degree of injury caused, the state of mind of the perpetrator, the status of the victim, and whether a weapon was used. Depending on the exact charges, a prison sentence can be mandatory if a person is convicted of a felony assault. While first-degree assault and second-degree assault are felony-level offenses (meaning incarceration in a state prison is a possible punishment), third-degree assault is generally a misdemeanor, unless committed against an “at-risk” person. When defending against such charges, it is important to determine the actual injuries suffered by the alleged victim. It is also important for the lawyer handling the case to understand all aspects of how the physical confrontation came about. For example, is there a possible claim of “self-defense” to the charge?
Vehicular assault is a type of assault that involves a person driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resulting in the serious injury of another person. This type of assault is normally charged as a felony offense, even if many would consider it just an accident. It is important that the lawyer you hire closely examine at all the surrounding circumstances to adequately represent you in this type of case. If you are charged with any form of assault or crime against a person, it is essential that you hire a lawyer experienced in defending you against these types of allegations. Your lawyer should be contacted as early as possible and, if at all possible, prior to charges being filed. That way, the witnesses’ memories will be fresh and a proper investigation and analysis of the case can be conducted.
The seasoned lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have over 25 years of experience handling cases involving assault, vehicular assault, and other crimes against persons.
Child Abuse
Child abuse charges do not always have to involve actual injury to a child. There are several child abuse categories and the general statute merely calls for these charges to be filed if a person unreasonably places a child in a position that could threaten the child’s life or cause injury to the child’s health. Obviously, many day-to-day activities of parenting could be seen as meeting this standard, but charges are not normally filed unless the situation is unusual or poses a great risk to the child.
If you are charged with child abuse, it is important to get a lawyer involved early in the process, as there are often ramifications beyond the ones that can occur in court, such as being listed on a “child abuse registry” or having an impact on divorce proceedings, to name a few.
The lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have handled many child abuse cases in the more than 25 years they have practiced law and can defend you against these charges.
Harassment and Stalking
Harassment takes many different forms in Colorado. A person can be charged for harassing another person if he or she strikes, pushes, kicks, shoves, or touches another person with the intent to annoy, harass, or alarm that person. However, a person can also be charged with harassment for repeatedly calling another person, making an obscene gesture towards another person, etc., if the intent is to annoy, harass, or alarm that person.
Harassment can develop into a felony offense if it includes stalking, which normally means repeatedly contacting or following another person, thereby causing that person emotional distress.
It is always important to get a lawyer involved when you are charged with a harassment offense, and the lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have vast experience with these types of cases.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is a crime that involves seizing another person and moving that person from one place to another. Sometimes it can involve a demand for money or other stipulations.
It is always important to get a lawyer involved when you are charged with kidnapping, and the lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have extensive experience with these types of cases.
Menacing
Menacing is charged when there is an allegation that a person was in fear of imminent and serious bodily injury by another person’s threat or physical action. Menacing is a felony if it involved a real or simulated weapon. In Colorado, almost anything can be considered a weapon depending on how it was used (even a person’s hand can be considered a weapon).
It is always important to get a lawyer involved when you are charged with a menacing offense, and the lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have wide-ranging experience with these types of cases.
Robbery and Burglary
Robbery is generally defined as taking anything of value from a person by the use of force, threats, or intimidation. Robbery is a more serious offense when committed against an “at-risk” victim.
Burglary is normally charged when the allegation is that someone took something belonging to another person from their home, or entered their home to commit some other crime.
It is always important to get a lawyer involved when you are charged with a robbery or burglary offense, and the lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have extensive experience with these types of cases.
Weapons Offenses
A person can be charged with possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon. If a person has a prior felony conviction, possessing a firearm or other deadly weapon can be against the law.
It is always important to get a lawyer involved when you are charged with a weapons offense, and the lawyers at Miller & Harrison, LLC have extensive experience with these types of cases.