Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney

Understanding Criminal Law in Colorado

The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution provides that all criminal defendants, regardless of the seriousness of the charges against them, are entitled to legal counsel. At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., we strive to provide all of our clients with the highest quality legal representation possible, both in and out of the courtroom. Our Boulder criminal defense lawyer understands that facing criminal charges, no matter the alleged offense, is an incredibly stressful and frightening experience.

Whether you have been accused of any of the following offenses, we take the time to understand your unique situation and work toward your specific goals:

• Domestic violence
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
• Driving while the ability is impaired (DWAI)
• Drug crimes
• Theft
• Assault
• Harassment

Our firm handles a wide variety of misdemeanor and felony charges, and our dedicated Boulder criminal defense lawyer has more than 40 years of legal experience. We are prepared to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.

If a loved one has been charged with a crime, call Barre M. Sakol, P.C. at (720) 999-9506 to schedule a free consultation with our Boulder criminal defense attorney in Colorado.

Navigating Colorado's Criminal Justice System

Tackling Colorado's criminal justice system can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with legal procedures and processes. It is crucial to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who can guide you through each step, from arrest to potential appeals. Understanding the basics of how the system functions improves not only your preparedness but also your confidence in legal proceedings.

In Colorado, criminal proceedings begin with an arrest, leading to arraignments where pleas are entered. Following this, preliminary hearings may occur to determine if enough evidence exists to continue. Pre-trial conferences are next, where defense and prosecution discuss evidence and possible plea bargains. Trials, if not resolved earlier, involve presenting your defense before a judge or jury. Throughout these stages, having a skilled defense lawyer in Boulder is indispensable to ensure your rights are protected and every possible advantage is leveraged in your favor.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases in Colorado

There are two main types of criminal charges in Colorado: misdemeanors and felonies. Although felonies are more serious than misdemeanor offenses, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in harsh criminal penalties.

The following are the misdemeanor classes and penalties in Colorado:

• Class 1 misdemeanors - Punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and/or a fine not exceeding $1,000
• Class 2 misdemeanors - Punishable by a jail term of up to 120 days and/or a maximum fine of $750

On the other hand, any criminal offense that is punishable by a year or more or life imprisonment is considered a felony. Rather than going to county jail, a felony conviction results in a state prison sentence.

Here are the Colorado felony classes and penalties:

• Class 1 felonies - Punishable by life imprisonment
• Class 2 felonies - Punishable by a prison sentence between 16 and 48 years (for violent crimes) or ranging from 8 to 24 years (for other crimes), as well as a fine between $5,000 and $1 million
• Class 3 felonies - Punishable by imprisonment between 10 and 32 years (for violent crimes, a prison term ranging from 4 to 16 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a sentence between 4 and 12 years (for other crimes), as well as a fine from $3,000 to $750,000
• Class 4 felonies - Punishable by a prison term from 5 to 16 years (for violent crimes), a sentence between 2 to 8 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a term from 2 to 6 years (for other crimes), as well as a fine ranging from $2,000 to $500,000
• Class 5 felonies - Punishable by imprisonment from 30 months to 8 years (for violent crimes), a prison term between 1 to 4 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a sentence ranging from 1 to 3 years, as well as a fine between $1,000 and $100,000
• Class 6 felonies - Punishable by imprisonment ranging from 18 months and 4 years, a prison sentence between 1 and 2 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a term from 12 to 18 months, as well as a fine between $1,000 and $100,000

Remember, there are separate charges and penalties for drug crimes and traffic offenses. No matter what type of criminal charge you face, one of the most important steps to take is hiring a Colorado criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and future.

With every case he takes on, Boulder criminal lawyer Barre Sakol determines his clients' primary concerns and does everything he can to address those concerns. He recognizes that each case has unique factors and that every client will have different priorities. He spends as much time as necessary in making sure that each and every client understands all aspects of his or her case, molding his representation to suit each client's individual needs.

Defending Against Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

At our firm, we understand that the legal process can be daunting, which is why we prioritize not only fighting for your rights but also ensuring you fully understand every stage of the proceedings. We'll walk you through each step, from your initial consultation to your verdict, providing the support and knowledge you need to feel confident and informed.

Our firm routinely assists clients with all aspects of their criminal defense, including:

• Conducting an initial consultation free of charge
• Working to understand your unique goals
• Thoroughly analyzing the details of your situation
• Carrying out in-depth legal investigations
• Interviewing witnesses and other relevant parties
• Working with local experts to evaluate various factors
• Building a strong defense on your behalf
• Conducting pre-trial preparation
• Providing reliable representation in court

Whenever possible, Attorney Sakol works to negotiate the best possible resolution to a client's case. If a proposed disposition is not satisfactory to the client, he is well-equipped and fully prepared to take your case to trial, aggressively advocating for your rights every step of the way.

Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney

When facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing aggressive representation in Boulder, CO. Whether you are facing charges for DUI, drug offenses, assault, or other criminal offenses, we have the knowledge to navigate the complexities of Colorado criminal law and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.

The stakes are high, but with us, you're not alone: Choosing the right criminal lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Our proficiency in local law and commitment to personal attention means you have a partner in the legal process who understands not only the legal landscape but also the personal turmoil of facing criminal charges.

Benefits of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney include:

• Expert legal advice and guidance
• Strategic defense strategies tailored to your case
• Protection of your constitutional rights
• Minimization of potential penalties and consequences
• Potential reduction or dismissal of charges

In engaging with us, you gain more than legal representation; you enlist a team that's committed to your personal and legal well-being. Our comprehensive understanding of both the procedures and nuances of Colorado’s legal system equip us to help ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected.

Your freedom is on the line—Don’t face this alone! If you're under investigation or charged with a crime, a top Boulder criminal defense attorney is ready to defend you. Schedule your consultation now by calling (720) 999-9506 or reaching out online.