When Denver Police Use Confidential Informants: How the Defense Challenges Reliability
September 12, 2026
Substance abuse and domestic violence are both unfortunate realties of modern society. Both are common, affecting thousands of Coloradans annually.
In fact, many times these two problems occur together, as both domestic violence victims and perpetrators are often substance abusers.
So, what is the link between the two things?
The short answer is that it’s complicated. However, research has shown that substance abusers are more likely to become victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Moreover, these two problems have many [...]
Domestic violence charges in Colorado hold an interesting position under the laws as written.
Although the acts that constitute domestic violence come with a number of civil and criminal consequences – many of them quite far-reaching – technically, there is no actual “charge” for domestic violence. Rather, it is considered an “enhancement” to other charges.
So, what does it mean when someone is charged with “aggravated” domestic violence?
For most charges, there are a list of factors deemed to be [...]
A recent report from the United Nations said that the most dangerous place for women to be was their homes – largely due to domestic partner violence. This doesn’t just apply to faraway countries, either. According to reports, one in three women in the United States has experienced some sort of intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.
Women, however, are not the only victims of domestic violence. Men’s rights groups throughout the country want to get the word out about [...]
Domestic violence cases are not always easy to prove. Outside witnesses or surveillance may not be present, the victim’s perspective of the incident may be skewed by their relationship to the abuser, and not all violence leaves physical scars or marks.
Often, these cases are left to a “he-said, she-said” account of the relationship and alleged violence. The victim of domestic violence may even be the one charged!
This puts a lot of pressure on the alleged victim. Their testimony [...]
Domestic violence in Colorado is not an actual charge, but rather an “enhancement” to other, existing charges. Because of this, it is something that covers quite a bit of ground and can be attached to a number of different criminal offenses.
In this post, we’re going to detail the offenses most commonly associated with domestic violence and tell you how to get help if you are facing any of these charges.
Defining Domestic Violence in ColoradoColorado law defines domestic [...]
A confidential informant almost never speaks to the judge who signs the warrant. Instead, the judge reads a detective’s sworn summary of what an unnamed person allegedly said. That gap can become one of the most important issues in a Denver drug, weapons, theft, or other criminal case.
The defense does not cross-examine the informant when the warrant is issued. At that stage, the focus is on the affidavit itself: what the informant allegedly knew, how police verified the information, [...]
Colorado fentanyl possession charges can become serious felonies at relatively low weight thresholds. The law focuses on the weight of the material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing fentanyl rather than only the amount of pure fentanyl inside it. That means a small-looking quantity of powder or counterfeit pills can result in a much more serious charge once the substance is tested and weighed.
Weight is only part of the case. What the accused person knew, whether the state can prove [...]
Colorado COCCA charges are racketeering charges used when prosecutors claim a person participated in an enterprise through a pattern of criminal activity. These cases often grow out of drug, theft, burglary, fraud, identity theft, or financial investigations that are later reframed as organized conduct.
A COCCA count is not automatic just because several people were charged together or because prosecutors believe more than one crime occurred. The state must prove specific structural elements, including an enterprise and a pattern of [...]