A conviction for assault can follow a person for years. Colorado does offer a path that lets some defendants avoid a lasting conviction, if they meet strict conditions. The option is a deferred judgment. A Deferred Judgment Delays the Final Conviction Under C.R.S....
A criminal charge can hang over a person’s life for months. Colorado law doesn’t let prosecutors take unlimited time, though. The state’s speedy trial statute sets a deadline, and understanding it can change how a defendant approaches the case. Colorado Sets a...
One Fact Can Change An Entire Sentencing Range Two people can be convicted of what looks like the same underlying felony and walk away with dramatically different sentences, depending on a single fact: whether a deadly weapon was used, possessed, or threatened during...
The First Few Hours Set The Tone For Everything After An arrest in Colorado Springs starts a process that moves faster than most people expect, and decisions made in the first hours often shape what options remain later. Understanding the sequence ahead of time,...
A Classification System That Genuinely Determines Everything Colorado organizes criminal charges into specific classes, and the particular class assigned to an offense genuinely determines everything from potential prison time to whether probation actually remains an...
What Does Colorado's Self-Defense Law Actually Say? Colorado's self-defense statute, C.R.S. Section 18-1-704, allows a person to use physical force against another person when they reasonably believe that force is necessary to defend themselves, or a third person,...
How Are Colorado Crimes Classified? Colorado organizes felonies into six classes and misdemeanors into three, with class one felonies carrying the most severe penalties and class three misdemeanors carrying the least. According to a Colorado Legislative Council Staff...
Colorado Divides Assault Into Three Degrees Colorado law separates assault into three distinct degrees, each carrying its own elements and penalty range. Under C.R.S. Section 18-3-202, first-degree assault covers intentionally causing serious bodily injury with a...
Why Even an Arrest Can Cost You Your Firearms in Colorado Few areas of Colorado law collide as hard as domestic violence and gun rights. As the founder of Christian A. Schwaner, P.C., I have spent more than 20 years representing clients in Colorado Springs who never...
Why Off-Base Arrests Matter More Than You Think If you wear the uniform in Colorado Springs, your security clearance is more than a credential — it is the foundation of your career, your paycheck, and often your entire future. As the founder of Christian A. Schwaner,...
What Does It Mean to Seal Your Criminal Record in Colorado? One of the most common questions I receive at Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. is whether past criminal charges can be erased or hidden from public view. The answer, in many cases, is yes. Colorado has...
Facing Firearms Charges in Colorado Springs? Here Is What You Need to Know As a criminal defense attorney in Colorado Springs, I have seen firsthand how quickly a firearms charge can upend someone's life. Whether you are a responsible gun owner who made an honest...
If you have been charged with felony menacing in Colorado Springs, I understand the fear and confusion you are feeling right now. As a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience, I have seen firsthand how these charges can turn...
Being arrested for a DUI in Colorado Springs can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. As a Colorado Springs DUI defense lawyer with years of experience defending clients against drunk driving charges, I understand the fear and uncertainty you may be...
For many drivers in Colorado Springs, coming upon a DUI sobriety checkpoint can trigger immediate anxiety—even when they’ve done nothing wrong. Flashing lights, uniformed officers, and mandatory stops can make anyone’s heart race. And in a state where DUI enforcement...
Being charged with a DUI for the first time is often overwhelming. Many people facing this situation have never been in trouble with the law before, and suddenly they find themselves navigating Colorado’s criminal law system with fear, uncertainty, and confusion. As a...
Being charged with a DUI in Colorado Springs is more than a legal hiccup—it’s a serious event that can impact your freedom, your finances, your job, and even your future. For many, it’s their first time facing the intimidating wall of the criminal justice system. And...
Getting charged with a DUI in Colorado isn’t just a legal problem—it’s a personal crisis. The effects go far beyond fines, court dates, and license suspensions. A DUI charge can ripple through every area of your life, quietly altering how you’re seen at work, among...
When you’re seeking legal representation for a criminal offense, the best person for the job is a criminal attorney with former prosecution experience. There are many reasons why a former prosecutor makes for the best choice as your criminal defense attorney. In this...
Experienced and Compassionate Criminal Defense Attorney Serving the Accused in Colorado When there is an opposing witness testifying, litigants have the right to challenge the truthfulness of that witness. In some cases, they might even challenge their own witnesses....
Defense Attorney Discusses Public Use of Alcohol and Marijuana in Colorado's Public Parks Colorado has legalized marijuana, which means you can legally use and carry it on your person. However, that is not to say you can get out to enjoy sunshine and use marijuana or...
Experienced Attorney Defending Teens from Charges for Senior Pranks in Colorado Springs, Colorado Whether it is a fraternity prank, spring break time-waster, or a prank on a Friday night, what seems innocent can lead to lifelong consequences for young individuals...
Colorado Springs Defense Attorney Using Lack of Evidence to Reduce or Drop Criminal Charges Even if you have been charged with a crime, this does not mean that the prosecutor will take your case to trial. In some cases, the prosecutor may drop the criminal charges...
Defense Attorney Assisting Colorado Drivers Avoid IID Device Usage After a DUI in Colorado, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) as part of your driver’s license reinstatement requirements. The IID, however, has been receiving media...
Experienced Attorney Defends Colorado Drivers for Making False Statements Whether you are being questioned about a crime which you are suspected of committing or whether you are being questioned about a crime someone you know may have committed, it is in your best...