What happens when you are accused of a felony in Colorado?  Dealing with the criminal justice system can and probably will seem unfair, confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming.  There are various stages and hearings that occur before you even get to trial.  This post maps out the ways a felony in Colorado case proceeds through the system.  Some of the stressful parts of being accused of a felony crime are the unknowns and uncertainties, will I go to jail, can a felony prevent me from getting/keeping a job, what about my family.  Talk with an experienced Colorado criminal attorney today (303) 747-4686.

Felony Charges

The cops catch you doing something or another person makes an accusation against you- accusing you of a crime. The initial bases for the charges of a felony in Colorado are usually found in the police report.  The police officers will work with the DA’s to determine what type of charge should be filed against you. Before charges are filed, the police may try to contact you, to get “your side.”  See more at our post MIRANDA as to why you should not talk with the cops.

Felony Arrest

If you have a felony arrest, you may be taken to jail.   It is possible to have a felony arrest and not spend a day in jail.  Your felony attorney will be able to assist you through this process.  If you are put in jail, you must be brought in front of a judge the next court day.  The purpose of this is to allow a judge to make a cursory look at the charges and set a bail amount.  If you can post the bond, you will be released pending the outcome of the charges, if not, you will remain in custody until the case is resolved.  Here’s some more information on bonds.

Advisements / Arraignment

These are sometimes held at the same time.  If you are accused of a felony in Colorado, you have certain rights that must be explained to you, this is called the Advisement.  At the Arraignment in a felony in Colorado, you are formally read the charges against you and you may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.  If you enter a not guilty plea, than other future dates are set.

Depending on the class of felony charges that you are accused of or if you are in custody, you may be entitled to a preliminary hearing.  This is a hearing in front of a judge where the government must show that they have enough evidence to continue the case against you. Usually this type of hearing is more informal and the rules of evidence are relaxed, not all felony charges in Colorado qualify for a preliminary hearing.

Pre-Trial Matters

After the preliminary hearing or pleas are entered the case is transferred to District Court for a felony in Colorado.  Prior to the trial, there could be any number of pre-trial motions filed and argued.  For example, if your Miranda Rights were violated there may be a motion to exclude your statements, or if the police illegal searched you or your property, you may need to file a motion to exclude the results of the illegal search.

Trial

Depending on the facts of the case, a felony  in Colorado case can take a day, several weeks, or even months to complete.  During a felony trial, various people will testify and that is how the people present their evidence.  After all of the witnesses are done, the jury then decides the facts of the case.  This is the time where the jury says guilty or not guilty.

For more information on Felony attorneys in Colorado or to talk about you or a loved ones specific case, call us today (303) 747-4686.