Criminal Defense FAQs
Practicing Law In Colorado Springs
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Criminal Defense Frequently Asked Questions
Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorneys
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"They took care of my case in a very timely manner and made it feel like my traffic ticket was their number one and only priority."Caryn Adams, Stacey Sadler and the rest of the team at the Gasper law group are an amazing, courteous, compassionate, and very helpful group of talented individuals. I was in a bind and during my consultation I explained my situation and they went above and beyond my expectations. They took care of my case in a very timely manner and made it feel like my traffic ticket was their number one and only priority. I have never been treated with such respect and compassion. I definitely recommend talking to them about any of your legal needs.- Scott R.
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"Attentive and supportive"The Gasper Law Group was fantastic. They treated me well and were very open about my situation. The team was attentive and made sure I fully understood everything, supporting me all the way. I would recommend them to anyone for any situation.- Jason E.
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"Thank you so much! You helped complete our family and we are forever grateful."Christine, Kris, and Ebony are amazing and compassionate. We enjoyed every interaction. Gasper Law firm keeps appropriate communication and not in excess which keeps our cost low. We are so very grateful. Even if an unexpected turn in our guardianship hearing they remained diligent to ensure things were done in a timely manner. Thank you so much! You helped complete our family and we are forever grateful.- Misty M.
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"If you need any Legal advice or assistance reach out to the Gasper Law Group. 5 star service."Gasper Law Group is great to work with. I recently did Estate Planning and they were awesome. Explained everything thoroughly. Emily, Jack, Therese , Holly, and Emily are all very professional. If you need any Legal advice or assistance reach out to the Gasper Law Group. 5 star service.- Ruby D.
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"I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team!"I used the Gasper Law Group when I was going through my divorce and child custody case. I got the outcome I wanted, Carrie Kelly and Kimberly Lucas made my life 10x easier considering i didn’t know what I was doing. They were patient, and caring and even made me laugh a few times. I highly recommend you use them to make your life easier. I couldn’t ask for a better team! I’m now happily divorced and got my kiddo 50/50! You guys rock and if anything comes up in the future, I’ll be sure to use you guys! Thanks so much gasper law group for the fast and professional services!- Micheala E.
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"Excellent care and representation"The Gasper Law Group took great care of me throughout my legal situation and constantly kept me in the loop. Couldn't ask for better representation!- Ryan L.
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"Don’t have much hope? Leave it to Caryn she will change that."I dug myself a deep hole and didn’t have much hope or luck with the attorney I used before. I called Gasper law group and Caryn Adams was my attorney that took charge of everything. I couldn’t have asked for anything better the outcome she made possible is everything I wanted. She is great at her job and takes cases seriously … don’t have much hope leave it to Caryn she will change that. Thanks Gasper law group you’re the best!- Mike L.
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"My charges were dropped and we walked away with all parental rights/custody and a restraining order against the other party."Caryn Adams and her team are hands down the BEST. I don't think I would have made it through what I went through without her by my side. My charges were dropped and we walked away with all parental rights/custody and a restraining order against the other party.- Avarie J.
Criminal Defense
frequently asked questions
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Can I represent myself in a criminal case?
Yes. You have a Constitutional right to represent yourself. However, there is a saying in the legal business attributed to A. Lincoln: “He who represents himself has a fool for a client.” A person representing themselves cannot provide a truly dispassionate and removed analysis of the case. The attorney will provide analysis based on years of training and experience.
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Do I need to hire an attorney if I plan on pleading guilty?Even in pleading guilty, the sentences may vary greatly and the future impacts on one’s life can be substantial. In pleading guilty, a person may be giving up important or fundamental Constitutional rights.
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What are my rights?You have the right to an attorney or a Public Defender if you qualify. You have the right to testify on your own behalf or remain silent. If you choose not to testify, your silence cannot be held against you. You have the right to a jury trial or trial by the Court. You have the right to a speedy trial. (In Colorado, that is within six months). You have the right to have the prosecution prove each element of each offense beyond a reasonable doubt. You have a right to subpoena witnesses to appear on your behalf at any trial or proceeding. You have the right to cross-examine any witnesses called by the prosecution. You have a right to the presumption of innocence until you have been adjudicated guilty or pled same. Finally, you have the right to appeal your conviction to a higher court.
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I am being investigated for a crime. What do I do?Seek legal advice prior to answering any questions and assert your rights to have an attorney present during any questioning. You may contact an attorney to represent you during any pre-charge investigative process.
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What happens after an arrest?After an arrest, you have a right to a bond in all cases with the exception of capital offenses. Some charges may require you appear before a judge prior to setting bond. This means you may be held in jail for several days prior to securing a release on bond.
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Is there a difference between misdemeanors and felonies?Yes. Misdemeanors are lower level offenses which may carry lesser periods of time in jail and may have a detrimental impact on job futures. Felonies are more serious offenses which may carry prison sentences and impact future job opportunities and/or security clearances, not to mention the right to carry/own a firearm.
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Do I need a lawyer at my arraignment?Typically, arraignment is the time when the Court will set your matter for future proceedings. So, although your case will not be finally decided at your arraignment, it is to your advantage to have your lawyer on board so they may advise you regarding each step of the process.
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Will my case go to trial?The vast majority of cases do not proceed to trial. It is as important to have an attorney who is a skilled negotiator as much as an experienced trial lawyer.
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What is the difference between a dismissal and an expungement/sealing?
A dismissal means your charges have been dropped. However, even if this is the case, your record will still reflect the initial criminal charges. Expungement (juvenile) or Sealing (Adult matters) is a way to limit public access to the original charges themselves.
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State v. Federal Court: What is the difference in criminal defense issues?While the nature of your offenses may be the same, the procedures and the sentencing guidelines may be extremely different. It is important to hire an attorney who is familiar with the Federal system in handling your Federal matter.
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What do I do if there is a warrant out for my arrest?Turn yourself in! You should contact an attorney to make them aware and talk to a bonding agent to make arrangements for a bond.
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What defenses do I have for criminal charges?The most common defenses include: self-defense or defense of others, voluntary or involuntary intoxications, general denial, alibi, duress, entrapment, consent, choice of evils (that is, you needed to commit the crime to avoid a greater evil with no other viable alternatives), or insanity. Consult an attorney for other possible defenses in your matter.