Articles

Colorado Wiretap Violations and Remedies

People v. Gallegos (Colo. April 11, 2011) TOPICS: Wiretapping Statutory Violation and Remedy Neutral and Detached Magistrate Appearance of Impropriety of Judge Facts: The Chief Judge in El Paso County, Judge Samelson, signed a series of wiretaps that ensnared five separate people the prosecution accused of some drug distribution conspiracy. The Court consolidated all the … Continue reading Colorado Wiretap Violations and Remedies

Sex Offender Registration and Ex Post Facto Laws

An experienced attorney in the Denver, Colorado area explains how Ex Post Facto laws are inapplicable to sex offender registration requirements:  simply put, the appellate courts do not view the registration requirement as a “punishment.” People v. Sowell (Colo.App.2011) Facts: In 1995, Mr. Sowell pled to sexual assault on a child – position of trust. … Continue reading Sex Offender Registration and Ex Post Facto Laws

Denver Criminal Attorney Explains Nuances of Basic Theft Law

The most common way to commit theft in the state of Colorado is by: knowingly obtaining or exercising control over anything of value of another without authorization, or by threat or deception, and intending to deprive the other person permanently of the use or benefit of the thing of value. All Elements Must be Present … Continue reading Denver Criminal Attorney Explains Nuances of Basic Theft Law

Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Explained by Criminal Defense Counsel

Cullen v. Pinholster, 563 U. S. ____ (2011), No. 09–1088. Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Boulder, Colorado explains Death Penalty Law relating to Habeas Corpus, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), and Ineffective Assistance of Counsel. Facts: A jury in the State of California convicted Mr. Pinholster of murder where he … Continue reading Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Explained by Criminal Defense Counsel

Experienced Denver attorney on Attempting to Influence a Public Servant vs. False Reporting to Authorities

Experienced Denver attorney on Attempting to Influence a Public Servant vs. False Reporting to Authorities People v. Blue (Equal Protection; Specific Statute vs. General Statute) Synopsis: According to the police, they got a call from a Crime Stoppers snitch who told the police Mr. Blue was in a Colorado Springs’ library. The police stopped and … Continue reading Experienced Denver attorney on Attempting to Influence a Public Servant vs. False Reporting to Authorities

Experienced Colorado attorney on ‘Conviction’ under two-prior felony rule

Experienced Colorado attorney explains definition of ‘conviction’ for purposes of the two-prior felony rule. People v. Kiniston (Colo.App.2011) Facts: Mr. Kiniston pled guilty to theft directly from a person (a class five felony), and the court approved a deferred sentence. Unfortunately, Mr. Kiniston picked up two felony convictions after the court placed him on the deferred sentenced. … Continue reading Experienced Colorado attorney on ‘Conviction’ under two-prior felony rule

Experienced Colorado Attorney on Failure to Register as Sex Offender

Experienced Colorado attorney explains how a mere intent to reside at a residence does not require a person to register as a sex offender. People v. Griffin (Colo.App.2011) (discussing sufficiency of evidence in failure to register cases) Facts: Mr. Griffin told the folks in Denver he intended to reside in Adams County at a specific … Continue reading Experienced Colorado Attorney on Failure to Register as Sex Offender

Experienced Colorado Criminal Attorney Explains Venue

Experienced Colorado Attorney Explains People v. Schakley and Issues of Venue. Synopsis: In an off-year election, 2009, Mr. Schakley allegedly voted in both Arapahoe and Adams counties.  Carol Chambers and crew in Arapahoe charged Mr. Schakley, who voted in his own name on both ballots, with misdemeanor voting fraud. The defense filed and the Arapahoe … Continue reading Experienced Colorado Criminal Attorney Explains Venue

Experienced Denver Criminal Defense Attorney on Search and Seizure of Abandoned Property

Experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney explains a warrantless search of abandoned property – specifically an iPhone. People v. Schutter Synopsis: Up in Aspen, Mr. Schutter dropped by a convenience store, got a key to the restroom, used the facilities, but forgot both the key and his iPhone in the restroom. The clerk at the convenience … Continue reading Experienced Denver Criminal Defense Attorney on Search and Seizure of Abandoned Property

Experienced Colorado Attorney on Sentencing

An experienced criminal defense attorney explains Connick v. Thompson and prosecutor’s liability for Brady Violations. Facts: Louisiana convicted Mr. Thompson of armed robbery in one case, murder in another case, and sought and obtained a death sentence against him. The same District Attorney assigned the same lead DA to each case along with 2 other … Continue reading Experienced Colorado Attorney on Sentencing