#1- Different Levels of Drug Charges

If a drug charge is being handed down, there are two possibilities. The drug charge is a felony or a misdemeanor, and each charge type has sublevels. A Drug Misdemeanor could be either a DM1 or DM2, while Drug Felonies can be a DF1, DF2, DF3, or DF4.

For a first-time offender, knowing what to expect can be a challenge. In short, there are two possible outcomes that may become a reality after an arrest.

1. Being required to appear in court to review your charges
2. Having your charges dropped or your case dismissed

These levels can alter the results expected at the end of the case, from fines to jail time. Whether you’re a first-time offender of a misdemeanor offense or a first-time offender of a felony offense, it’s essential to seek legal aid.

#2- The Possible Outcomes

If you have to proceed with your case, you can either be found guilty or not guilty. A guilty verdict can result in community service, fines, probation, or incarceration.

#3- Challenges Following an Arrest

The difficulties don’t end once the case is over. If you have been arrested, there are a few challenges you may be surprised by when attempting to move forward with your life, especially if you’ve been found guilty. Difficulty finding employment and dealing with new insurance premiums or driving record issues are two common hardships that follow an arrest.

#4- DUI vs. DWAI

Many first-time offenders are unaware that driving while affected by alcohol or drugs can take the form of two different charges. DUI, or driving under the influence, is the charge given when an individual operates a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. DWAI, or driving while ability impaired, is the charge presented when an individual uses a vehicle with a BAC that is less than 0.08% but greater than 0.05%.

#5- Seeking Legal Counsel 

If you have been arrested, it’s always in your best interest to seek legal counsel. Even if the charge seems easy to dispute or you’re sure you’re innocent. Legal aid can help you prepare for court and argue your case, especially if you’re a first-time offender and you’re new to the criminal justice system.

#6- Examining the Reports

Police reports and other documents are not always free from errors. If any reports are associated with your case, you will want to examine them closely. If you discover anything that doesn’t accurately reflect the incident, bring it to the attention of your legal representative.

Being charged with a crime is quite serious. Things can quickly go from bad to worse if you’re not represented appropriately. If you are arrested for the first time, reach out to a Colorado criminal defense attorney at Juba Law. One of our legal professionals will help you reach the best possible conclusion to your case.

The post 6 Things First-Time Offenders in Colorado Need to Know appeared first on The Juba Law Office PLLC.

Common Juvenile Crimes

Are you the parent of a juvenile in Colorado? You may not even realize that a number of the most common juvenile crimes count as crimes. Some simply view them as common adolescent behavior. In the state of Colorado, here are a few of the most common juvenile crimes:

• Curfew violations
• Alcohol offenses
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Harassment
• Loitering
• Possession of marijuana
• Criminal mischief
• Reckless endangerment

Types of Juveniles

According to Colorado juvenile law, two types of offenses can be committed by a juvenile. The juvenile court system prosecutes juveniles who:

1. Commit acts of delinquency – Acts that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult, e.g., burglary or trespassing.
2. Commit status offenses – Acts that are only illegal because they were committed by a minor, e.g., truancy or violating curfew.

Consequences for Juvenile Crimes

One of two things may happen when a child is picked up as a delinquent or a status offender. The police may issue a summons to appear in court and release the juvenile back to the parents or guardians. Or, the juvenile may be detained in a juvenile detention center and brought before a juvenile court magistrate or judge for a detention hearing.

Minor juvenile offenses may be prosecuted at the municipal level in any one of the many municipal courts around the state. More serious offenses will likely be prosecuted at the state level in Denver juvenile court or one of the County District Courts, based on the location of the alleged offense. Regardless of where you are being prosecuted, a juvenile has the same constitutional rights. This includes the right to plead not guilty, the right to be presumed innocent, and the right to a trial. If a juvenile is found guilty at a trial, the court will proceed to a sentence. This is where the judge or magistrate is supposed to decide what will be best to rehabilitate the young person. Sentencing options include a period of supervised or unsupervised probation, placement out of the home, or commitment to the Division of Youth Services. If property damage or other monetary damage is caused, the sentence could also include restitution. This would be a requirement to pay money for whatever damages were caused by the act.

All municipal juvenile offenses will be expunged once the case is closed, regardless of the outcome of the proceeding, including where the juvenile goes to trial and is found guilty. Most state-level juvenile offenses can also be expunged, depending on the type of offense and whether the juvenile has any prior offenses.

Hiring a Lawyer

If your child has been charged with a crime in municipal court, Denver Juvenile Court, or any other District Court in Colorado, you need to hire a juvenile criminal lawyer. The lawyers at the Juba Law Office specialize in representing juveniles charged with all types of crimes. We can work on securing the best outcome for your child. We offer holistic juvenile representation, including negotiating the best outcomes, defending the charges at trial, and working to expunge your juvenile record.

Get in touch with our team at Juba Law Office for the best juvenile defense in the state.

The post The Most Common Juvenile Crimes and Their Consequences in Colorado appeared first on The Juba Law Office PLLC.

When you lease your residential or commercial property, you want a real estate lawyer on your side. This can save time and money, and avoid bumps in the road because a real estate attorney is well-versed in tenant rights, fair housing, and state leasing regulations.

Colorado real estate can get confusing. It’s in your best interest to have a Denver real estate attorney in your corner, like the attorneys at Juba Law Office. We will go over the leasing contract, catch anything that a layperson’s eye might miss, and bring up any potential risks.

Here are four reasons why you should hire a Colorado real estate attorney to draft your commercial real estate lease:

1. It’s a way to protect your property.

When you lease property to tenants, you are putting your trust in their hands, with rules in place. A Colorado real estate attorney can draft restrictions surrounding what a tenant can and cannot do to a property, who is responsible for repairs to such modifications, and what must be changed back by the time the lease is up. These parameters allow you to maintain a degree of control over your property and safeguard it from damage.

2. You can protect your rights.

There are certain terms that your lease should include for your rights to be protected. With your real estate attorney, you can discuss the opportunity for your tenant to sublet, insurance, property taxes that arise from modifications made, the potential of rent changes over a long-term lease, and what constitutes damage.

3. You can get specific.

Using a lease from the internet won’t get the job done. This is what using a real estate attorney vs. a realtor looks like, because a real estate attorney will make sure to draft up a residential lease or commercial lease that pertains to your specific situation to cover every base.

4. It provides peace of mind.

There’s no better feeling than knowing your attorney did everything necessary to protect your assets through your residential lease or commercial lease. While working alongside an attorney, your rights as a landlord are fully protected. There are clauses in place to address situations where a tenant fails to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Your Denver Real Estate Lawyers

At Juba Law Office, we know Colorado residential real estate and commercial real estate. We are the team to call if you need legal assistance. Get in touch with us today to set up a meeting.

The post 4 Reasons Why a Lawyer Should Draft Your Residential Real Estate Lease appeared first on The Juba Law Office PLLC.

A civil protection order (CPO), commonly referred to as a restraining order, can be filed in court by an individual who fears for his or her safety. This person may have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, physical abuse, or some other type of harassment at the hands of the restrained party. A CPO bars the person it is filed against from doing certain things, such as coming within a certain distance of the protected party, owning firearms, or remaining in given a residence.

Individuals who believe they are in immediate danger can file a temporary protection order (TPO). If the court decides to grant this order, it lasts for two weeks, after which there is a hearing to determine whether the order will become permanent. To grant a permanent protection order (PPO), the court must find that (a) the restrained party did the things the protected party claimed and (b) the restrained party will continue to do these things unless the court issues the permanent protection order.

A person can seek a restraining order in Colorado for many different reasons, and the specific conditions of the PPO vary on a case-by-case basis.

Can I Fight a Restraining Order in Denver, Colorado?

The courts initially enter protection orders with only the victim’s protection in mind, and they can be a valuable tool when applied correctly. However, they are not always employed as the court intended. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for someone to file for a restraining order with malicious intent against an innocent party.

Fraudulent restraining orders in Denver, Colorado, are most often filed by a significant other who feels wronged. There are also tragic cases where one parent wishes to keep the other from seeing their child(ren). While protection orders are intended to shield helpless victims from further danger, false accusations of domestic violence and child abuse do happen and can carry significant consequences for the restrained party.

Luckily, there are ways to fight against a restraining order if you feel you have been wrongly accused. The first step is to hire an experienced attorney right away, as an attorney will best be able to help you navigate the ins and outs of the legal system.

How do I defend myself against a protection order in Denver?

First, enlist the support of the best defense attorneys in your area, such as the professionals at The Juba Law Office, PLLC. Finding a lawyer as soon as possible is vital since PPOs are much more difficult to fight than TPOs.

Then, you’ll want to gather any voicemails, texts, social media references, photos, and other documentation that weighs in your favor. Often, those making false abuse allegations are the real abusers. If this is the case and you have proof, using it in your defense can turn the tide of the trial.

Defending against or filing for a restraining order is an emotional process. However, no matter how wronged you feel, preventing your emotions from taking over is crucial. If you have been served with a restraining order in Colorado, remain calm and follow the order’s conditions to avoid jeopardizing your case.

The post How to Fight a Civil Protection Order in Colorado appeared first on The Juba Law Office PLLC.