Violent Crimes Defense in Denver

Assertive Criminal Defense for Serious Charges in the Denver Metro Area

A violent crime charge in Colorado carries consequences that can follow you for life. Mandatory prison sentences, felony records, and restrictions on employment and housing are all on the table before a single hearing is held. At Curtis Law Firm, we’ve spent over 15 years representing people in the Denver metro area and surrounding counties who are facing exactly this kind of pressure. Our attorneys handle your case directly. You won’t be passed between staff members or left wondering who’s actually working for you.

We offer full representation and unbundled services, so your level of involvement can fit your situation. Our approach is assertive in the courtroom and straightforward with you as a client. We also provide complete bilingual representation in Spanish.

A violent crime allegation deserves immediate attention from an attorney who can assess your specific circumstances. Call us at (720) 408-7726 to schedule your free criminal defense consultation.

What Makes a Charge a “Crime of Violence” in Colorado

Under C.R.S. 18-1.3-406, Colorado designates certain charges as crimes of violence when the accused used, possessed, or threatened a deadly weapon, or caused serious bodily injury or death, during a specified felony offense. This designation isn’t just a label. It triggers mandatory sentencing that limits a judge’s discretion.

A conviction under this statute requires a sentence of at least the midpoint of the presumptive sentencing range for the offense, up to twice the maximum, with no possibility of suspension. When a person is convicted of two or more crimes of violence from the same incident based on different evidence, those sentences run consecutively, not concurrently. These rules apply even to someone with no prior criminal record.

Additional enhancements can apply depending on the weapon alleged. If a dangerous weapon or semiautomatic assault weapon is specified in the charging document, an additional five-year consecutive prison sentence is added on top of the base sentence.

Colorado Assault Charges: Degrees & Defense

Assault is one of the most common violent crime charges filed in Denver. Colorado divides assault into degrees based on intent, the circumstances, and the resulting harm.

How Colorado Defines Each Degree of Assault

First-degree assault involves intentionally causing serious bodily injury, frequently with a deadly weapon, and is charged as a felony with significant mandatory exposure under the crime of violence statute. Second-degree assault covers intentional or reckless bodily injury and can also involve a deadly weapon or other aggravating factors.

How We Evaluate Defenses

Our attorneys assess the facts of each case to identify viable defenses. Self-defense and defense of others are recognized under Colorado law and can be compelling depending on the evidence. Defense of property may also apply in certain circumstances. We look at what actually happened, not just what the charging document says.

What to Expect After a Violent Crime Arrest in Denver

The hours and days after an arrest are disorienting. Bond conditions can restrict where you live, who you contact, and whether you can work. Court dates come quickly, and missing a deadline has serious consequences. We explain each step of the Colorado criminal process in practical terms so you understand what’s coming and what your options are. That includes what to expect at advisements, preliminary hearings, and trial settings, as well as whether alternatives like diversion or deferred judgments are available for your charge.

Our firm has practiced in courts throughout Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, and Adams Counties in addition to Denver. That regional familiarity means we understand how cases move through different courthouses and what to anticipate from local prosecutors and procedures.