Pueblo Criminal Defense Lawyer

Are you looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Pueblo, CO?

At Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer, we offer a confidential consultation with an experienced Pueblo criminal defense lawyer.

If you have been charged with a crime in Pueblo, the classification of the charge is a critical fact in your case. Colorado divides offenses into felonies and misdemeanors, and that classification determines which court hears the case, the range of possible penalties, and how a conviction appears on your record.

Christian A. Schwaner has practiced law in Colorado since 1997 and has handled thousands of criminal matters. Our Pueblo, CO criminal defense lawyer represents clients in misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases throughout Pueblo County, from the first court appearance through trial. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Pueblo, CO

A criminal defense attorney in Pueblo represents people who are under investigation for, arrested for, or charged with a crime. The role includes protecting the client’s constitutional rights, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, negotiating with the district attorney, and presenting a defense at trial when a case does not resolve.

Pueblo District Court received 1,409 new criminal filings in fiscal year 2024, according to the Judicial Branch statistical report. District court hears felony cases, while most misdemeanor and traffic cases proceed in county court.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Pueblo

Criminal charges in Colorado range from misdemeanors heard in county court to felonies prosecuted in district court. Our Pueblo criminal defense attorney represents adults and juveniles in the following types of cases.

• DUI. An impaired-driving charge involves both a criminal case and a separate license proceeding with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. We defend both, beginning with a review of the traffic stop and the chemical test.
• DWAI. Driving while ability impaired is a lesser impaired-driving offense that can apply below the DUI threshold. A conviction still carries possible jail time and counts as a prior offense in any later case.
• Domestic violence. In Colorado, domestic violence is a designation that can attach to many underlying offenses, and a charge generally brings a protection order. We address the protection order and the underlying charge together.
• Assault. Assault charges range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the injury alleged and whether a weapon was involved. We examine witness accounts, medical records, and any claim of self-defense.
• Theft and property crimes. The value of the property generally determines whether a theft charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. We review the evidence of intent and the method used to calculate value.
• Drug offenses. These charges often depend on how officers located and seized the substance, so we challenge unlawful searches and examine the testing.
• Weapons offenses and felony menacing. These charges may involve unlawful possession, the use of a weapon during another offense, or a threat that placed someone in fear. Because a weapon allegation can increase a sentence, we evaluate it from the beginning of the case.
• Traffic tickets. Reckless driving, driving under suspension, and other serious traffic offenses can lead to fines, points, and in some cases jail. We work to protect the client’s driving record.
• 6-point speeding tickets. Speeding well above the posted limit can add 6 points to a Colorado driving record, which moves a driver significantly closer to a license suspension. We seek reductions in both the charge and the points assessed.
• Military criminal defense. A service member charged with a civilian offense may face consequences with the command in addition to the court case. We represent active-duty personnel and veterans in Pueblo County courts.

Why Choose Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer as My Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pueblo?

A Trial Record Built in Colorado Courtrooms

Christian A. Schwaner founded our firm and has represented people charged with crimes in Colorado for more than 20 years. Before entering private defense practice, he served as a Deputy District Attorney in El Paso and Teller Counties and as a special prosecutor in Pueblo and Cañon City. During his time as a prosecutor, the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office gave him its Trial Hound recognition in 2001 and again in 2002 for trying the most cases in the office.

Trial experience shapes how a case is prepared from the beginning. When the evidence is evaluated with a jury in mind, weaknesses in the prosecution’s case become apparent earlier, and the client can respond to any plea offer from an informed position. Our founder’s record includes:

• Thousands of criminal and DUI matters handled
• Positive resolutions in difficult criminal cases
• A 6-point speeding ticket reduced to zero points

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.

Defense Across Misdemeanor, Felony, and Juvenile Cases

Trial work and past prosecutorial service give our firm a full understanding of how a criminal case develops, from the charging decision to the verdict. Our firm represents adults and juveniles facing charges at every level, and we give each client an honest evaluation of the evidence and the likely outcomes so that every decision is made with accurate information.

Our founder earned his undergraduate degrees from Miami University in 1992 and his law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1997. He has been a member of the Colorado Bar Association since 1997 and of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar (CCDB) since 2004.

Understanding Criminal Defense Cases

Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies for Criminal Defense Cases

A criminal defense lawyer in Pueblo, CO builds a defense around the charge, the potential penalties, and the prosecution’s evidence.

• Felonies and misdemeanors. Colorado assigns most crimes to a numbered class, and the class sets the sentencing range. The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony also determines which court hears the case.
• Sentence enhancers. Certain facts, such as the use or possession of a weapon, can result in extra prison time beyond the standard range.
• Constitutional defenses. Evidence obtained in violation of Fourth Amendment rights may be suppressed, which can weaken or end a prosecution.
• Factual defenses. Claims of self-protection, mistaken identity, or lack of intent challenge whether the prosecution can prove each element of the offense.
• Negotiated resolutions. Prosecutors may reduce or drop criminal charges when the evidence is weak or when the defense presents mitigating information.

What Is the Criminal Defense Case Timeline?

Most Colorado criminal cases follow the same general sequence, although felony cases include additional stages.

• Arrest and release. The process of booking and bail determines whether a person is released before the first court date and under what conditions.
• First appearance. The court advises the defendant of the charges and the conditions of release.
• Preliminary hearing. In certain felony cases, a judge decides whether there is probable cause for the case to proceed.
• Discovery and motions. The defense reviews reports, recordings, and witness statements and moves to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
• Plea negotiations or trial. At trial, cross-examination can include witness impeachment when testimony is inconsistent or unreliable.
• After the case. Eligibility to have a criminal record sealed depends on the case type and outcome, and the Colorado Judicial Branch publishes a record sealing guide with the required forms.

What Are Important Aspects of a Criminal Defense Case?

Several factors shape a criminal case from the outset, and a Pueblo criminal defense lawyer evaluates each one before advising a client.

• Statements to police. Anything said during questioning may be used as evidence, and the right to remain silent applies before and after an arrest.
• Bond conditions. Release conditions can restrict contact, travel, or firearm possession, and a violation can result in new charges.
• Prior record. Previous convictions can increase the potential sentence and affect plea offers.
• Collateral consequences. A conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, housing, firearm rights, and immigration status.

What Should You Bring to Your Criminal Defense Consultation?

The paperwork you received from law enforcement or the court identifies the charges, the case number, and the next court date, so it is the starting point for a criminal defense attorney in Pueblo.

• The summons, complaint, or other charging documents
• Bond paperwork and any protection order
• Names and contact information for potential witnesses
• Information about any prior criminal cases

The consultation is free and confidential. We will explain the charges and possible penalties, identify the key issues, and outline the next steps.

Pueblo Courthouses and Local Criminal Justice Resources

• Pueblo bond hearing schedule. Bond hearings for Pueblo County are held in Division 101 of the Dennis Maes Pueblo Judicial Building, 501 N. Elizabeth Street, and are livestreamed.
• Pueblo Probation Department. Located at 501 N. Elizabeth Street, Suite 205, the department supervises adults and juveniles placed on probation and prepares presentence investigations.
• Pueblo Public Defender office. Located at Union Depot, 132 W. B Street, Suite 200, Pueblo, CO 81003, (719) 546-0004, the Colorado State Public Defender represents eligible defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

Our firm is not affiliated with these offices, and this list does not constitute an endorsement. Contact each office to confirm its hours.

Reach Out to Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer to Schedule a Consultation

Early legal advice can affect bond conditions, the preservation of evidence, and the options available before formal charges are filed. The consultation is free, and we will review the charges with you and explain the possible paths forward. Our office is open Monday through Friday. Contact us to schedule your consultation.