Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: Domestic violence - Harrassment charge

Get an attorney that is prepared to go to trial and fight like hell. The offers sometimes sound good, but often are set ups for worse punishment.

This will cost you, but it will be better than losing because you did not have an attorney.

Also, if you enter a not guilty plea, request a jury trial (6 people) and pay the jury fee immediately. Judges are more difficult to convince than juries.

Re: Domestic violence - Harrassment charge

My advice to all of my clients is, if you are not guilty, do not enter a guilty plea and be prepared to go to trial. If that is your decision, you need an attorney, as you will get killed in trial without one unless you have gone to law school. Also, make sure when you plead not guilty that you ask for a jury and pay the $25 jury fee right away. Good luck.

Re: Domestic violence - Harrassment charge

No fancy footwork needed before your arraignment: just say "not guilty" and set a date for your next time in court. But you should get a lawyer on any domestic violence charge.

If you plan to get a lawyer anyway, buy yourself some time and ask that the arraignment be continued without entering a plea, so you can get a lawyer and consider the DA's offer.

Good luck.

Re: Domestic violence - Harrassment charge

You have the right to enter a plea of not guilty and request a jury trial. You don't have to have an attorney but if you face jail time an attonrey skilled in criminal law will be worth the expense.