Greeley Violent Crime Lawyer

Nothing terrifies the public like violent crime. Unfortunately, these crimes are increasing in Colorado. From 2017 to 2021, these crimes jumped from around 23,500 to 30,700. That is nearly a 30% increase.

Consequently, the Colorado criminal justice system takes violent crimes very seriously. These crimes tend to carry the harshest sentences, and those convicted might spend years behind bars.

Trying to defend yourself from violent crime charges is difficult, but the legal team at Bruno Lilly Legal can help. Our Greeley violent crime attorney has represented many men and women accused of crimes like assault, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Please contact us today to learn more.

Murder

Various statutes criminalize the unlawful killing of another person. Colorado has five categories of homicide:

• First-degree murder, CRS 18-3-102. Killing someone in a premeditated manner or during a violent felony.
• Second-degree murder, CRS 18-3-103. Killing someone knowingly.
• Vehicular homicide, CRS 18-3-106. Killing someone in a fatal car accident caused by DUI or reckless driving.
• Manslaughter, CRS 18-3-104. Recklessly killing someone in an unintentional manner.
• Criminally negligent homicide, CRS 18-3-105. Unintentionally killing someone with careless behavior.

The punishment will depend on the specific charges. Criminally negligent homicide is a Class 5 felony, which can net the accused 1-3 years in prison, $1,000-$100,000 in fines, and parole. By contrast, first-degree murder can send the accused to prison for life.

Assault

Assault consists of unlawfully injuring another person. Typically, it involves touching another person without their consent, such as punching, slapping, or hitting them. Particularly violent assaults can include intentional attacks with weapons.

Under Colorado law, assault can be a misdemeanor or felony:

• First-degree assault, CRS 18-3-202. Seriously injuring someone with a deadly weapon, like a gun. This is a Class 3 felony, with a maximum penalty of 32 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.
• Second-degree assault, CRS 18-3-203. Seriously injuring someone without a deadly weapon.  This is a Class 4 felony, with penalties of 5-16 years in prison and $2,000-$500,000 fines.
• Third-degree assault, CRS 18-3-204. Injuring someone negligently with a deadly weapon. This is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a maximum of 18 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Domestic Violence

Colorado laws prohibit any threats or acts of violence against someone you have had an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can enhance the punishment a person faces if they commit certain crimes like:

• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Harassment
• Menacing
• False imprisonment

The accused will also be subject to a protection order which will limit their ability to contact the alleged victim. Any violation of this order is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can send you to jail.

Kidnapping

Imprisoning someone against their will is a crime in Colorado and can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. For example, kidnapping someone by using a deadly weapon is a felony that can lead to life in prison if a person was injured or 48 years if they were not harmed.

By contrast, carrying someone to a different location without their consent or legal justification is usually a second-degree kidnapping charge, CRS 18-3-302. At a minimum, this is a Class 4 felony, with 2-8 years in prison and a $2,000-5,000 fine.

Sexual Assault

Any forced or non-consensual sexual penetration is sexual assault in Colorado, more commonly known as rape. The penalties under CRS 18-3-402 will depend on whether the accused used force:

• If no force, then the maximum penalties are 8 years in prison and/or $500,000 in fines. The accused also must register as a sex offender.
• If force was used, or the alleged victim was drugged, then it is a Class 3 felony with maximum penalties of up to 16 years in prison and a $750,000 fine, along with sex offender registration.

Aggravated Robbery

Stealing money or items from a person is robbery. If committed with violence, then under CRS 18-4-302 the accused can face aggravated robbery charges. Common examples include wounding the alleged victim during the robbery or using a deadly weapon during the act.

This is usually a Class 3 felony charge. Penalties include:

• 4-16 years in prison, including mandatory 5 years of parole
• Maximum $750,000 fine

If the accused actually inflicts injury with a deadly weapon, then the time in prison can double.

Defending the Accused

Attorney Bruno Lilly can defend anyone facing violent crime allegations. These are hard cases to defend. Many of them draw media attention, and juries tend to show little sympathy for the accused.

Nevertheless, certain defenses are available:

• Self-defense
• Lack of intent
• Reasonable doubt
• Mistaken identity

Furthermore, we can argue that some evidence is unreliable. For example, if a person is robbed with a gun, the alleged victim tends to focus on the gun and not the robber’s face. This fact can undermine any positive identification.

Contact Our Greeley Violent Crime Attorney Today

Don’t face a district attorney and judge without an experienced lawyer and proven success in defending those accused of or charged with a violent crime in Colorado.

We offer a free initial consultation and can meet you anywhere to review the charges against you. Contact Bruno Lilly Legal today to find out more.