Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: How should I plead?

You should plead not guilty, and give yourself a chance to figure out what you want to do. The court will set a pre-trial conference, usually four to six weeks from your arraignment.

Whether you need a lawyer depends on the severity of the charge, whether it's being saddled with a domestic violence tag, how cooperative your boyfriend is likely to be with a prosecution, what kind of plea bargain the DA will offer, and other things. If you are indigent, you can ask for a public defender.

You lose nothing by pleading not guilty tomorrow; you will not be punished by giving yourself some time. The DA is likely to tender at least the same offer at the pre-trial conference.

Good luck.

Re: How should I plead?

Do NOT plead guilty. A countless number of defendants who pleaded guilty come to me to say "if only I knew I'd lose my job, I wouldn't have pleaded guilty." Whether you get a lawyer, whether you eventually plead guilty, NONE of it is hampered by a plea of "not guilty." The same offer, or a better one, will be offered later, so plead NG and give yourself more time.

Re: How should I plead?

Plead not guilty and hire an attorney. Good luck.