Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

should I plead guilty or not guilty?

I was told to plead not guilty in order to have a court appointed attorney from public defender's office since I have low income to have time to prepare for the case.

I admitted of stealing from cash register and signed $2500 civil restitution was then cuffed and charged with felony theft class 4 or 6 Im not sure bail was set at $3000. (I'm not sure how much I stole in a period of 10 weeks I was working there but they estimated without showing me proof just estimation from the nights cash registers were short on nights I was working. I dont deny I did it, but dont think I took that much. my concern is to go to jail and more important losing my other job and not be able to find good employment with felony showing on my records in background checks. I would call you mr Fenaughty but I canot afford a lawyer on what I make. my wife is due and I dont want to miss beign there at delivery. I am 18 with no prior conviction.


Asked on 7/06/08, 4:53 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Daniel Fenaughty FENAUGHTY & ASSOCIATES, PC

Re: should I plead guilty or not guilty?

Have you even applied for a public defender? If not, contact them, go and apply. If you make too much to qualify, tell the judge your situation. The judge may still appoint counsel to represent you, but this is very rare.

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Answered on 7/07/08, 11:47 am
V. Iyer Iyer Law Office, L.L.C.

Re: should I plead guilty or not guilty?

Let the judge know you want a lawyer and cannot afford one. If eligible you can have the public defender represent you and if the public defender conflicts out Alternate Defense Counsel will be appointed for you by the Court and it is paid by the State - you will not be required to pay this court appointed attorney.

You should never do anything in Court or with the police or prosecutors without help from a good criminal a lawyer.

Best of Luck

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Answered on 7/07/08, 12:04 pm
Marc Milavitz The Alternative Law Office of Marc Milavitz

Re: should I plead guilty or not guilty?

You should never do anything in court without the advice and representation of an attorney. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/06/08, 9:48 pm


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