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Facing Criminal Charges in Colorado? What to Expect


Have you been arrested or do you have an Emergency?

Facing Criminal Charges in Colorado? What to Expect

Being charged with a crime can be shattering, but a top notch criminal defense attorney can ease the process, allay your fears, and fight for an outcome that will not impede your future.

If you are being detained on a traffic stop or other violation not requiring arrest, the police officer will write a summons for you to appear in court. You will need to show up in court on the scheduled date and time, or the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest. If you are suspected of DUI or DWAI, you will be asked to submit to a test to determine your blood alcohol content. You have the right to refuse, but if you do your license will be automatically suspended. You have seven days to request an administrative hearing regarding the suspension of your license. This is separate from and unrelated to any criminal court proceeding.

Arrest

If you've been arrested, either at the scene of a crime or pursuant to a warrant, you will be "booked" at the police department, meaning they will photograph you, take your fingerprints, and fill out required paperwork

You may be held in police custody pending a court hearing, which will usually take place within 48 hours. Make a mental note of every step the police take, because your lawyer will need to make certain proper procedure was followed and that your constitutional rights were respected.

You have the right to call a lawyer, and it is essential that you do so. Do not answer any questions of volunteer any information, even if you have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. Do not tell your side of the story. Make your call and wait until your lawyer arrives.

Court Appearances

If you have been cited or arrested for a crime that will be heard in District Court, the process begins when you appear before a judge for a "first appearance." You'll be informed of your rights. If you've been charged with a misdemeanor, you may enter a plea at your first appearance. If this occurs before you've had a chance to meet with your lawyer, your plea should always be "not guilty."

If your case will be heard in a county and municipal court, you will usually enter your plea at the first hearing.

If your charge is a misdemeanor, the judge will set bail or release you on your own recognizance.

If the charge is a felony, you will not enter a plea at your first appearance. You are entitled to a preliminary hearing where a judge will review the evidence to ascertain that there is probable cause for a charge to be filed.

You will then are formally charged at an arraignment. This is where the formal charges will be read to you and you will enter your plea. Bail is set by the court to ensure your appearance at further proceedings. If you can't come up with the amount of the bail, you will need to contact a bail bondsman. You will put 10 percent down, which is not refundable, and the bondsman will post the balance. If you don't have assets worth 10 percent of the total, you will have to stay in jail until your case is resolved.

Discovery And Preparation

After the preliminaries, you and your attorney will learn the evidence against you in the discovery phase, where information is exchanged between the defense and the prosecution. Your lawyer will examine the prosecution's evidence minutely and conduct a thorough investigation to determine the best defense for you.

This adversarial process requires a defense attorney with a thorough understanding of the law, a quick mind, and often, the ability to think outside the box to ferret out weaknesses in the prosecution's case. In addition, your lawyer will develop a plausible alternative theory that may cast doubt upon the State's conclusions and ultimately lead to dismissal of charges, a favorable plea bargain, or acquittal at trial.

In some cases, a plea agreement or deferred sentence may be in your best interest, but it is not to be entered into lightly, because both involve a guilty plea. Discuss all the ramifications with your lawyer.

An Innovative Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Can Think Outside The Box

If you have been detained, questioned, arrested, or charged with a crime, there is no better choice in a lawyer for your defense than Steven Rodemer, a rising star in the Colorado Springs legal community. A former prosecutor with an intimate knowledge of Colorado's criminal court system, Steve is highly respected by judges, clients, and legal colleagues for his intelligence, skill, and commitment to the rights of the accused.

Before you answer any questions or making any statement to authorities, call Steven Rodemer to protect your constitutional rights and to advocate for the best possible outcome for you.

A Word from Our Clients

Would Emphatically Recommend

I would emphatically recommend Steve. My case came out so much better than I ever would have guessed. On my first meeting with him, prior to having my alcohol level, he laid out various scenarios about what we would do in differing situations. Sure enough, he did exactly what he said he would, only better. He lived up to every expectation. What really solidified my opinion was one morning in Court. I arrived about 30 minutes early and watched what was happening in to every other case. It seemed like everyone got the same deal regardless of the attorney, even other attorneys I had interviewed were just parading their clients up to the front and pleading guilty. Steve got to court and the Judge promptly called my case. Steve commanded the courtroom, explaining for the prosecutor why my DUI case was being pled down to a simple speeding ticket. The Judge didn't bat an eye and accepted the plea (which I found out later is not normally allowed). After we were done as we were walking away, the Judge asked Steve about his baby, it was very clear to me that Steve is well liked and very well respected by everyone at the courthouse. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who would listen.

- Kourtney, a DUI client

I Just Can't Recommend Them Enough!!

Steven and James where amazing. Our son was arrested and charged with a drug offence, a felony 1. He was looking at a mandtory 8 year minnium sentence. We where very scared and didn't know what to do. He was a drug addict, but he needed help. He wasn't a criminal and it was his first offence. I can't express how panicked we where when we called Steve. He calmed us down over the phone and brought us is for a meeting. Steve and James took all the time we needed and explained all the possible outcomes. Then explained what was most likely. James was very patient with us and was always accessible. It was such a relief to have someone on our side. In the end they got our son in a drug program and probation. He has been clean and sober for 6 months and planning for a very bright future. I think this is exactly what he needed. Steve and James have both contacted us multiple times to check up on our son and see how he's been doing. I think that shows that they really care. Thinking back to that first day we learned what he was charged with I am so thankful we called Steve. I just can't recommend them enough!!

- Sean, a Criminal Defense Client

I've Finally Found An Attorney We Can Use

I hired Mr. Rodemer for my son's felony cases. Unfortunately, my son has been in trouble a number of times, and I have had to use several attorneys in town, a total of 5 before Steve. I never got the impression that any of them were doing anything for us, and yet we were paying them a ton. My son is not a bad person, but he has some mental health issues that often create problems and he finds himself in trouble. Steve was compassionate and kind, without judging my son. But what impressed me most was that he actually did what he said he was going to. If we talked over the phone and he said he was going to file something, three days later, I would get a copy of what he filed in the mail. With the other attorneys it would always be the same response - 'I changed my mind and decided that was something we wanted to file.' The outcome on his case was better than it was the first time he was in trouble (which was much less serious). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mr. Rodemer, I've finally found an attorney we can use.

- Debbie, A Criminal Defense Client

... Every Step Of The Way, He Fought

I would highly recommend Steve. I had a complicated car accident case that another firm in town initially took, then 'fired' me, because the insurance company denied liability and they realized they were going to have to do some work. Steve immediately filed a lawsuit, worked on the case, and three days before trial the insurance company offered the whole policy. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him, as every step of the way he fought to get me the best recovery he could.

- Michelle, A Car Accident Client

Steve Put Me At Ease Right Away

Highly recommended. I was scared out of my mind, Steve put me at ease right away. The outcome of my case was better than I thought it would be. He kept me I the loop the whole time and always returned my calls. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this firm.

- Robin, A DUI Client

Steve Rodemer Saved My Future

Steven Rodemer is no doubt the best way to go. He actually cares about who he represents and goes way out of his way to assure that clients are happy. I was worried about what was going to happen to my name and my future until I hired Steven. After talking to him on our first meeting I was completely at ease. You CANNOT go wrong hiring him, if you're in a situation that you need legal help, the smart move would be to hire Steven. I assure you that you will be thankful you did. He saved my name and my future! Steven went way out of his way to buy me a home surveillance system because of the issues I was having with an ex. What attorney do you know that is as professional as Steven and actually cares so much about his clients to do something like this?…. Exactly. Even a year down the road after everything blew over, Steven contacted me to make sure I was okay and everything was going smoothly for me. What a guy, such a great guy. Thanks Steven, thank you so much.

- Shelby, a Domestic Violence client 

You Can Trust This Firm

I hired this firm on a recommendation of a friend I met in alcohol classes. He told me that these guys were great attorneys and really well known in town. I worked with Josh and Steve and they were both great. They were both DAs before they were defense attorneys and that experience really showed in how they dealt with the prosecutors and handled my case. You can trust this firm to do a nice job on your case.

- Gabby, A DUI Client

He Is The Man!

Steve explained the legal aspects of my case in terms I could understand. He was thorough and displayed excellent knowledge of the law. In addition, he was knowledgeable about the local ins and outs…he kept me in the know which minimized my concerns. If you want a fair shake, he is the man to get it for you.

- Dick, A Criminal Defense Client

First Attorney I Dealt With To Actually Listen To Me

First attorney I dealt with to actually listen to me and give honest advice. It seemed like he cared about me and my case much more than other attorneys I've met with.

- A Personal Injury Client