Criminal Defense

Eagle Colorado Attorney Specializing in Criminal Defense

With a diverse list of practice areas, Eagle Law, Jim Fahrenholtz Attorney, specializes in Criminal Defense law.
We offer legal assistance and representation for the following areas of law:

FELONIES

EAGLE LAW Provides Criminal Defense of Felonies in Colorado

Most crimes committed in Colorado fall into three categories: Petty Offenses, Misdemeanors and Felonies. Felonies are the only category of crimes that expose a person to a Community Corrections or prison sentence. Community Corrections are often referred to as “Half-way Houses.” They are facilities, such as large homes, where inmates live, hold jobs in the community, and pay rent. If a Community Corrections sentence gets revoked, then the person spends the rest of his or her sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections, or prison. The amount of exposure depends upon the seriousness, and thus, the class, of felony. Felonies range from Class 1 to Class 6, with Class 6 being the least serious. While most felony convictions permit a sentencing judge to consider a probationary sentence, many do not, particularly if they are classified as a “crime of violence.” Some are not eligible for a probationary sentence due to their criminal history.

Colorado recently changed the laws surrounding drug felonies. These felonies are generally treated as less serious, and in many instances can “wobble” into a misdemeanor.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Call Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

Misdemeanors

EAGLE LAW Provides Criminal Defense of Misdemeanors in Colorado

Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, yet more serious than petty offenses. They are usually handled in County Courts, as compared to felonies, which are generally handled in District Courts. Misdemeanors fall into three classes, with Class 1 being the most serious (and hence having the most exposure to a jail sentence), and Class 3 being the least serious. Harassment and False Reporting are examples of misdemeanor crimes. Other crimes, such as Assault, Trespass and Theft, can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how serious they are alleged to be.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

PETTY OFFENSES

EAGLE LAW Provides Criminal Defense of Petty Offenses in Colorado

Petty offenses are the least serious in relation to misdemeanors and felonies. Petty offenses are the types of offenses that generally only carry a fine if convicted.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS

EAGLE LAW Provides Municipal Code Criminal Defense in Colorado

Municipal Code Violations are those crimes that involve a violation of a municipal, or town, code. For example, towns such as Vail, Avon, Breckenridge, Eagle and Glenwood Springs, all have municipal codes. They are essentially ordinances passed within a town to enforce the law. While many town ordinances are similar to county or state charges, many are unique to the town. Urinating in Public, Disorderly Conduct and Dog At Large tickets are usually the result of a municipal code violation. Such violations can result in a fine, probation, and/ or jail sentence.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

TRAFFIC OFFENSES

EAGLE LAW Provides Traffic Offense Criminal Defense in Colorado

Traffic Offenses range from speeding tickets to DUI, DUR, Hit and Run, Eluding police officers, and more. Because points are always an issue, traffic offenses can have harsh consequences on a person’s ability to drive. While many traffic offenses handled by attorneys are for the convenience of the offender, allowing them not to come to court, many offenses handled by attorneys are very serious, and can carry jail or even prison time. The lawyer at Eagle Law, will work with their clients to achieve the best results.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

INTERNET CRIMES

EAGLE LAW Provides Internet Crime Criminal Defense in Colorado

The world of technology has brought with it a host of Internet-related crimes. In addition to the hacking of computers and spread of viruses, the Internet allows people to readily share information, such as pornography. While adult pornography is legal in Colorado, the possession of child pornography is not. Another illegal use of the Internet is the attempted luring of minors to engage in sexual acts. While states have historically been able to handle in-state criminal activities, the Internet allows acts committed in a state to be shared world-wide in a matter of seconds.

Accordingly, the federal authorities are often involved in Internet crimes, particularly where the criminal act is alleged to have occurred in various states through the use of the Internet. Experts are often employed in Internet crimes, who are able to decipher through inspecting a person’s hard drive what a person is guilty of doing- or not guilty of doing.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

MALPRACTICE ATTORNEYS

EAGLE LAW Provides Medical Malpractice Criminal Defense in Colorado

In all lawsuits alleging damages as result of another person’s negligence, a person must prove that the person was negligent, that the person’s negligence was the cause of their damages, and that actual damages exist. Medical malpractice cases are the same. The basic idea is that a person is damaged as the result of a medical provider’s negligence. Medical Malpractice lawsuits can be difficult to prosecute as insurance companies fight vigorously to defend doctors and other medical personnel -. They can be very expensive to bring to trial, and causation is usually -the root of the argument. – Even if you can prove that you have damages, and also that a specific medical provider was negligent, you still have to prove that your damages were caused by that specific medical provider’s negligence. The attorney at Eagle Law has a team of experts that can be relied upon when a client presents a medical malpractice claim. The process starts with obtaining medical records, having them reviewed by a medical professional, and determining whether there is a case to be brought forward. If you believe that you might have a medical malpractice claim, call Eagle Law about a Medical Malpractice for a free consultation.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

DMV HEARINGS

EAGLE LAW Provides DMV Hearings Defense in Colorado

Hearings with the Colorado Department of Revenue, or more commonly known as DMV Hearings, are hearings to determine various issues surrounding a person’s privilege to drive in the state of Colorado. DMV hearings are common place in criminal cases involving charges of Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired. There are also a plethora of DMV Hearings related to points restrictions, Driving Under Restraint or Suspension, automobile accidents and insurance issues. DMV Hearing outcomes vary and are largely dependent upon the person’s driving history in Colorado. Many criminal convictions carry with them the potential for the loss of driving privileges, and therefore must be reviewed carefully.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

RESTRAINING ORDERS

EAGLE LAW Provides Restraining Orders in Colorado

Civil Restraining Orders are imposed where a Court believes, based upon a Verified Complaint filed by the party seeking to be protected, that a Restraining Order is necessary to protect one from another’s behavior, and that the other person’s behavior will not stop without the issuance of such order. Because these orders are issued without the opportunity for the restrained party to be heard, a hearing is scheduled very quickly. The general rule of thumb is that the requesting party must show that he or she is in fear of imminent harm to their emotional and/ or physical well being. If at the hearing the person seeking the restraining order meets the legal requirements for the issuance of a permanent restraining order, the restrained party cannot seek to have the Permanent Civil Restraining Order dismissed or modified for four years following its issuance. It is this reason that restraining orders must be taken very seriously with the advice of an attorney.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

DUI / DUID LAWYERS

EAGLE LAW Provides DUI / DUID Defense in Colorado

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/ or Drugs is the Colorado law imposed upon those found to be operating a motor vehicle when they are under the influence of a substance that impairs their ability to drive. If you are pulled over late in the evening, expect the officer to inquire as to whether or not you have been drinking beverages that contain alcohol. With Colorado’s recent decriminalization of marijuana, law enforcement agencies are likewise now on the lookout for people driving under the influence of marijuana.
The first issue that all Colorado drivers need to know is that they have the right to refuse voluntary roadside maneuvers. These tests are viewed by many in the legal field to be designed to fail, and to collect evidence for the prosecution of that driver. For example, one of the commonly used tests requires the driver to demonstrate that he or she can walk on a real or imaginary line, one step at a time, while never missing a heel to toe, never raising one’s arms, and never stepping off of the line. This can be a very challenging test for many when they are sober, as human beings are not designed to walk that way. Another “roadside test” often offered to motorists is to cooperate in the taking of a Preliminary Breath Test. Law enforcement officers commonly tell drivers that this test cannot be used in court, and that is simply not completely true. While it is true that such PBT test cannot be admitted as evidence at trial, the law allows a judge to hear evidence of a PBT result when determining whether there was probable cause to require a driver to elect a chemical test of their blood and/ or breath. The advice given to drivers by the attorney at Eagle Law is to politely refuse to cooperate in these tests.
The other issue that drivers in Colorado need to know is that they will be given the opportunity to take a chemical test of their blood and/ or breath upon a law enforcement officer having probable cause to believe that one is operating a motor vehicle under the influence. When there is probable cause to believe alcohol is the only factor, then drivers are allowed to choose between a blood or breath test. When there is probable cause to believe that drugs are a factor, the law restricts the test to that of one’s blood. If a motorist in Colorado refuses to cooperate in the testing of their blood or breath, their driving privileges are usually revoked.
A significant issue surrounding DUI’s and DUID’s is the involvement of Colorado’s Motor Vehicle Division (DMV) of the Colorado Department of Revenue. If a chemical test of one’s blood or breath results in a test above .05 but less than .08 (for an adult), the driver will be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), which is a lesser offense than DUI. If the driver’s BAC is .08 or higher, however, than the driver will be required to request a DMV hearing within 7 days of being issued the ticket, where a Hearing Officer makes a determination as to whether or not a driver’s privilege to drive should be suspended. The length of the suspension varies depending upon a driver’s history, and whether or not the driver refused to take a test.
If convicted of a DUI, twelve (12) points are assessed against a person’s driver’s license. If convicted of DWAI, eight (8) points are assessed. This issue must be watched very closely as a person’s driving privilege will be suspended if twelve (12) points are accumulated in twelve (12) months, or if eighteen (18) points are accumulated in eighteen (18) months. This result varies, largely dependent upon whether DMV has already taken action against one’s driving privilege based upon the chemical test result or the refusal to take such test.
A person charged with DUI or DUID should seek legal representation immediately, as failure to take certain action within the first days after being arrested can be devastating. Eagle Law, helps people through all of the steps necessary to ensure that a person’s rights are protected.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

DRUG OFFENSES

EAGLE LAW Provides Drug Offense Defense in Colorado

The law surrounding drug offenses in Colorado has been rapidly changing. Marijuana is now legal, but has many restrictions surrounding its legal use. It is important to remember that marijuana is never legal on federal lands within the state of Colorado, which includes many of the ski resorts in Colorado.
In addition to marijuana, other drug offenses in Colorado have changed drastically. – Penalties for drug offenses have changed so that we now have drug felonies, which are distinguished from all other felonies. The penalties for these offenses are generally less serious than for other felonies of the same class. For example, while a standard Class 4 Felony carries the potential for 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections (presumptive range), a Drug Felony 4 carries only 6 months to 1 year in the presumptive range. Certain DF4 charges can eventually “wobble” into a misdemeanor at the successful conclusion of probation, even if convicted of the original felony charge.
Jim Fahrenoholtz has vast knowledge surrounding drug charges in Colorado. Drugs seized by law enforcement agencies must be tested prior to trial, and in some cases the drug that a person thought they possessed wasn’t the drug they thought it was at all. Many drug charges stem from “inventory” searches of vehicles that are directed to be towed by law enforcement officers after a person’s arrest. The law surrounding the seizure of a person’s vehicle is currently evolving, making these “inventory” searches more restricted. If you are charged with possession or distribution of drugs, call us today so that we can help.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

ASSAULTS

EAGLE LAW Provides Assaults Defense in Colorado

A person will get charged with physical assault when they are accused of applying unlawful physical force against another person. Physical assaults are categorized into three categories: First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, and Third Degree Assault.

FIRST DEGREE PHYSICAL ASSAULT

First Degree Assault is usually charged as a Class 3 Felony, which is categorized by Colorado law as a Crime of Violence. First Degree Assaults often involve serious bodily injury being caused to another person, along with the use of a weapon, although there are other ways in which a person can be charged with First Degree Assault. Because First Degree Assault is a Crime of Violence, it usually requires a person convicted of such a crime to be sentenced to a range of 10 to 32 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. This is a very serious charge that requires aggressive legal representation.

SECOND DEGREE PHYSICAL ASSAULT

Second Degree Assault is a Class 4 Felony, and while it used to require a mandatory sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections, similar to First Degree Assault, it is now a crime which allows a person convicted with this charge to be eligible for probation. Second Degree Assault is a lesser included offense of First Degree Assault, and is usually charged for crimes that involve serious bodily injury and assaults on peace officers.

THIRD DEGREE PHYSICAL ASSAULT

Third Degree Assault is by far the most commonly charged crime within the category of physical assaults. To be convicted of Third Degree Assault, it must only be proven that a person knowingly or recklessly caused bodily injury to another, which is defined as pain. This is charged in common bar fights and domestic violence cases where a person strikes another person, but without causing serious bodily injury. The penalties for Third Degree Assault are -between 6 months and 2 years in county jail, fine, or both. A person convicted of Third Degree Assault is always eligible for probation, unless the assault is inflicted upon a peace officer.
Any potential assault criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

SEXUAL OFFENSES

EAGLE LAW Provides Sexual Offenses Defense in Colorado

Sexual Offenses in Colorado are prosecuted and defended vigorously. Sexual Offenses can range from offenses against minors to offenses against adults, obscenity and possession of child pornography. If convicted, a person becomes not only a convicted sex offender, but has to register as a sex offender as well. Once convicted, a defendant can receive an indeterminate prison sentence, lifetime probation, or both. The only way to successfully complete probation on these types of offenses is to admit to the crime for which you are charged, otherwise you are put into a “denier’s” group, and will be ultimately unsuccessfully discharged from treatment if the person cannot admit to the crime.
Due to the very serious nature of these offenses themselves, thorough investigations must be conducted immediately in order to negotiate with the District Attorney’s Office. Eagle Law has defended people accused of sexual assaults against children, sexual assaults against adults, unlawful sexual contact, obscenity, sexual exploitation of children, and various other offenses.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES

EAGLE LAW Provides Domestic Violence Defense in Colorado

The term domestic violence is one of the most misunderstood terms in Colorado. First, domestic violence is not a charge, but instead a sentencing enhancer. A person does not get convicted of domestic violence, rather a crime of domestic violence. All crimes that can be alleged to be crimes of domestic violence can also be charged as crimes that are not domestic violence related. For example, Harassment and Assault are never crimes of domestic violence unless certain conditions are met: that the crime was committed against a current or former intimate partner, and that it was committed for purposes such as intimidation or control.
The law in Colorado is very specific as to how a crime is deemed to be a crime of domestic violence. Convictions for crimes of domestic violence in Colorado always require a domestic violence evaluation and recommended treatment. Another point that is largely misunderstood is whether the law requires a person to be arrested when police respond to allegations or concerns of crimes of domestic violence. Generally, the law in Colorado requires that a police officer or sheriff make an arrest in all circumstances where there is probable cause to believe that a crime of domestic violence has occurred.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

CRIMES OF VIOLENCE

EAGLE LAW Provides Crimes of Violence Defense in Colorado

Colorado law defines certain offenses as Crimes of Violence. These criminal offenses are considered by the state legislature to be so egregious that they require a person to be incarcerated upon conviction. Crimes of Violence can prevent a person from being eligible to be released on bail, and they usually require not only that a person be imprisoned upon conviction, but also for a certain period of time. Violent Crimes include any crime against an at-risk adult or at-risk juvenile; murder; first or second degree assault; kidnapping; certain sexual offenses; aggravated robbery, first degree arson, first degree burglary, escape, criminal extortion, or first or second degree unlawful termination of pregnancy.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

CHILD ABUSE

EAGLE LAW Provides Child Abuse Defense in Colorado

Child Abuse in Colorado is charged against those people that unreasonably expose minors and children to the risk of injury or harm, and is commonly charged in circumstances where children are left alone in houses or motor vehicles at an age where their being left alone exposes them to danger. While many people have the misconception that it is only charged where direct harm is imposed upon a minor or a child, it is much more common to see this crime charged in cases where a person is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with their children in the car, or where children are left in a running vehicle.
Being charged with Child Abuse also exposes a person to interaction with their local Department of Human Services, who can require a person to answer to allegations in Court that are unrelated to the criminal case alleging the charge of Child Abuse. Colorado also has a reporting system called Trails, where a person can be listed as having been found responsible for Child Abuse, causing issues on employment background checks even where the criminal charges to be dismissed.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.

BURGLARY & THEFT

EAGLE LAW Provides Burglary & Theft Defense in Colorado

Theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony in the state of Colorado, depending upon the amount alleged to have been taken. Theft charges are filed when someone embezzles money from a company, takes something out of someone’s house or car that doesn’t belong to them, or when someone refuses to pay for services rendered. Thefts are prosecuted vigorously, and usually have with them the component of restitution (the amount it would take to make someone whole). Skiers who use another person’s ski pass to try to get onto a chair lift will be charged with Theft.
Any potential criminal case requires a detailed understanding of the facts, the processes, and the law. If you or someone you know has committed a crime or have been accused of a crime by the Federal Government, you will want to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Not sure what to do? Contact Eagle Law to schedule your free consultation.