Assault Defense Attorney Durango
Assault charges in Durango, Colorado can result in serious criminal penalties and long-term consequences, making it essential to retain an experienced assault defense attorney who can protect your rights and freedom.
Types of Assault Charges in Colorado
Third-degree assault is a common charge in La Plata County, involving minor bodily injury that typically stems from disputes and confrontations.
Second-degree assault becomes a felony when serious bodily injury or weapons are involved. First-degree assault involves serious bodily injury when the intent of the act was to cause the serious bodily injury.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
Third-degree assault convictions can result in up to 364 days in county jail and fines reaching $5,000.
Second-degree assault carries potential prison sentences of two to eight years but often there are sentence enhancers that mean it carries a mandatory 4 to 16 years in prison First-degree assault represents a class 3 felony with sentences ranging from 10 to 32 after mandatory sentence enhancers years in state prison. Professional licenses face suspension following assault convictions, particularly affecting healthcare workers in Durango.
According to Colorado Department of Public Safety data, approximately 28% of assault cases in rural counties result in plea agreements.
Effective Assault Defense Strategies
Self-defense claims provide powerful protection when you acted to protect yourself or others from imminent threat.
Colorado's "Make My Day" law provides legal protections for homeowners defending their property against intruders. Defense of others applies when protecting someone else from assault. Lack of intent challenges prosecution claims that you meant to cause harm, particularly relevant in accidents.
Mistaken identity defenses work when witnesses incorrectly identify the perpetrator.
Protecting Your Rights During Investigation
You have the right to remain silent when questioned by police officers investigating assault allegations. Anything you say can be used against you, even statements intended to express concern for alleged victims. Request an attorney immediately before answering questions. Police often pressure suspects into making admissions that seem helpful but actually strengthen prosecution cases.
Avoid discussing the case with friends, family members, or on social media platforms. in Durango. Anything you say can be used against you, even statements intended to express concern for alleged victims.
Request an attorney immediately before answering any questions about the incident.
Police often pressure suspects into making admissions that seem helpful but actually strengthen prosecution cases. Avoid discussing the case with friends, family members, or on social media platforms where prosecutors can access your statements.
Building Your Assault Defense Case
We begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest and examining all available evidence.
Witness interviews often reveal important details that support self-defense claims or challenge prosecution narratives. Medical records review helps establish the true extent of any injuries. Video surveillance from nearby businesses along Main Avenue may capture the incident.
Early plea negotiations may result in reduced charges or dismissal when evidence doesn't support prosecution claims. We understand that facing assault charges feels overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate this difficult time alone.