Castle Rock Municipal Court and Douglas County Courts Lawyer: Courts, Probation, Procedures
Castle Rock Municipal Court and Douglas County Courts: Helpful Information
Castle Rock and Parker, Colorado Judge vs. Jury Trials
In Castle Rock Municipal Court, Parker Municipal Court and other city courts, you can choose whether you want a judge trial or jury trial. In most cases, having a jury trial is a better option than having a judge trial. A City Attorney always has the Burden of Proof in a criminal case, meaning they must prove your guilt. For this reason, it is better to have a jury trial than a judge trial because it is more challenging for the prosecution to prove their side to a larger number of people. In a judge trial, the prosecution need only convince one person you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Plus, most judges have a bias in favor of the prosecution.
Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Douglas County Plea Bargains
Since there is not enough time for every criminal case to go to trial in Castle Rock or Lone Tree, plea bargaining becomes an option. Plea bargaining is attractive to the defense under circumstances where a defendant knows they cannot win at trial. During plea bargains in Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Douglas County, the type of plea, incarceration / jail time, restitution or probation will all be discussed. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can work towards a favorable / fair plea bargain deal with City Attorneys, District Attorneys and judges.
Castle Rock, Parker and Douglas County Probation
Judges in Castle Rock, Parker and Douglas County would ideally like to monitor a defendant’s sentence themselves. But, since they are preoccupied with trials, hearings, and sentencing, they rely on their Probation Department to monitor defendants. When a defendant receives a supervised probation sentence, a probation officer will oversee them and ensure they complete their probation terms and conditions. This may include whether they attend therapy and counseling treatment, maintain employment and meet their financial obligations. In an unsupervised probation case, no officer will be involved. If a defendant does not meet the terms / conditions of their sentence, a Douglas County probation officer will file a Petition to Revoke Probation, also known as a Complaint to Revoke Probation.
Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch Record Sealing
Having a criminal record in Castle Rock or Highlands Ranch can be crippling. It can affect your ability to find or keep a job, your ability to find housing, and it can negatively impact your reputation. Fortunately, under Colorado law, many people can qualify to have their record sealed following an arrest or criminal conviction. It is always best to speak with the best criminal defense lawyers who can advise you on whether or not you are eligible to have your record sealed. You need expert legal guidance to navigate through the record sealing process in Colorado.
Sex Offender Deregistration in Castle Rock and Larkspur
If a person is convicted of a sexual offense in Castle Rock or Larkspur, such as Sexual Assault, Sexual Assault on a Child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Indecent Exposure, and in some cases Public Indecency, they must register as a sex offender. Under some circumstances, Colorado law permits sex offenders to deregister, C.R.S. 16-22-113. Certain factors, such as the type of sexual offense you were convicted of, the level of sexual offense you were convicted of, whether you’ve been convicted of a sexual offense more than once, and the date of your final release from the jurisdiction of the court, will affect whether or not you qualify for sex offender deregistration. Note that you cannot simply stop registering as a sex offender without court authorization. If you do, you will face charges of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, C.R.S. 18-3-412.5. The process to deregister as a sex offender is complex, so it is wise to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the process.
Castle Rock Arrest Warrants and Search Warrants
Two types of warrants are most common in Castle Rock and across Colorado. These are search warrants and arrest warrants. While search warrants grant police permission to search your business, home or car to find evidence for a criminal case, arrest warrants grant police permission to place you under arrest. Arrest warrants typically result from a victim making an allegation against you, even if it is a false allegation. Both types of warrants are extremely invasive and require the aid of an aggressive criminal defense attorney.
Have More Questions for Our Criminal Defense Attorneys? Call Us at 303-265-1950
Understanding the differences between courts in Castle Rock, Douglas County and across Colorado, as well as the steps involved within the courts can be extremely complicated. It is always best to consult a criminal defense lawyer who has experience working in all types of courts and with each type of court procedure. Put your trust in one of our hardworking, affordable criminal defense attorneys who have decades of combined courtroom experience. We will fight to protect your freedom, reputation and constitutional rights.