How Plea Bargaining Works in Denver Criminal Court Cases
July 29, 2026
Even in states like Colorado that have decriminalized many drugs in specific amounts, drug convictions can haunt you for years.
Whenever anyone does a background check on you for a new job, housing, or even a loan, they will see convictions on your record, and you could lose opportunities long after you’ve served your debt to society. That’s why criminal record sealing exists in Colorado, but it’s essential to understand what types of convictions can be sealed and cannot.
Here [...]
In the U.S., Colorado is a state that views controlled substances a little more liberally than others. It was one of the first states to make marijuana legal, which makes it a bit of a trailblazer when it comes to modern drug laws – and they keep progressing. In 2019, voters in Denver elected to pass a referendum that decriminalized the use of psilocybin for adults over the age of 21.
Next on the ballot for Colorado voters to decide [...]
Sometimes, those found guilty of drug felonies in Colorado can face longer sentences than they otherwise would.
Many felonies in our state can lead to mandatory sentencing. These crimes are called aggravated drug crimes. But what is aggravated drug crimes? What makes them worse than non-aggravated drug crimes? Read on to find out all you need to know.
Aggravated Drug Crimes in DenverIn our state, there are two ways that you can get an aggravated sentence for a drug [...]
Possession with the intent to distribute is a serious drug charge in Colorado, even with the state’s progress toward drug legalization and decriminalization.
It’s important for every citizen to understand not only what charges of possession with intent to distribute mean but also what steps to take when you’re arrested for this crime. Read on to find out all about this drug crime in Colorado and what you should do if you’re arrested.
What Is Possession with Intent to Distribute[...]Colorado has led the nation in the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana. Since 2012, marijuana has been legal in the state for those over 21 years of age to enjoy responsibly. Even though a decade has passed since legalization, it’s still not uncommon to run into Coloradans who aren’t sure what is and isn’t legal.
It’s vital to understand the rules and regulations regarding marijuana in the state to help keep yourself out of trouble with the law. Make no [...]
Most criminal cases in Denver do not end with a jury verdict. They end with a decision: whether to accept a plea agreement, reject the offer, keep negotiating, or prepare for trial. That decision can shape your record, your freedom, your sentence, your probation terms, and your future long after the court date.
A plea bargain is not just “taking a deal.” It is a legal agreement that may involve reduced charges, dismissed counts, sentencing limits, probation terms, restitution, treatment [...]
A police crash report can make a serious collision look settled before the defense has examined the evidence. It may assign fault, estimate speed, describe the point of impact, and frame the driver’s conduct as reckless or impaired. In a Denver vehicular assault case, those early conclusions can influence charging decisions, plea negotiations, and how prosecutors present the case.
The problem is that a police report is not proof. Officers often prepare crash reports based on witness statements, final vehicle [...]
Assault charges in Colorado can range from a misdemeanor accusation after a physical confrontation to a serious felony carrying years in prison. The difference usually depends on the alleged intent, the level of injury, whether a weapon was involved, and whether the alleged victim falls into a protected category under Colorado law.
That distinction matters immediately. A misdemeanor assault case may still carry jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and collateral consequences for employment, housing, licensing, and your reputation. [...]