Driving Under the Influence / DUI, Domestic Violence, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor are charged far more often over a holiday weekend than other times of the year. While Thanksgiving and other holidays are a joyful time for many, they can also be a time of tension and conflict. Such conflict can become especially messy when alcohol is involved, and can even give rise to criminal charges. Alternatively, some people simply have a bit too much to drink, then try to drive home – only to be arrested for DUI or Driving While Ability Impaired / DWAI. Our top criminal defense lawyers advise that the best way to beat criminal charges is to avoid them in the first place. Keep reading as our attorneys discuss tips to avoid criminal charges this Thanksgiving weekend:
1. Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 in Larimer County
In Larimer County, Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is not a crime in and of itself, but a sentence enhancer. Domestic Violence / DV is frequently added to criminal charges like Harassment, Assault, and False Imprisonment, and adds penalties to a defendant’s sentence if he is convicted. DV is added as a sentence enhancer when the alleged victim was in an intimate relationship with the alleged victim. That is, the defendant and victim were in a romantic relationship or marriage, or are the parents of the same child.
A DV sentence enhancer can easily wreck your future, even if you were only charged with a misdemeanor offense. It may seem obvious, but the best thing you can do is to avoid conflict with a significant other or spouse. It really does not take much to be charged with a Domestic Violence offense – you do not even have to lay a hand on another person to be criminally charged. As much as it is possible, be at peace with everyone.
2. Fort Collins Driving Under the Influence, C.R.S. 42-4-1301
We frequently see people charged with Driving Under the Influence, C.R.S. 42-4-1301, after a holiday weekend in Fort Collins. As people drink alcohol more freely than they otherwise would, they attempt to drive home after a party or gathering, thinking that they’re safe to drive. Unfortunately, if they get pulled over, they will most likely be charged with Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired / DWAI.
It is never worth it to try to figure out whether you are under the legal limit before you drive. You can still be charged with DWAI or even DUI if your BAC is under 0.08. It’s better to get a ride with a friend who hasn’t been drinking, or to crash at your friend’s place before you drive home.
3. Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701 in Loveland and Estes Park
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701, is charged in Loveland and Estes Park whenever a person encourages or helps a child commit a crime. One of the most common ways this offense is charged is when an adult allows a child to have alcohol. Children and adults under 21 may only consume alcohol when they are on private property and they have parental consent, according to C.R.S. 18-13-122. What this means is that if you are hosting a party and your underage friend consumes alcohol, you could both be charged. You would be charged with Contributing, and your friend would be charged with Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by an Underage Person / Minor in Possession, C.R.S. 18-13-122. Our advice? Keep an eye on who’s drinking, and discourage your friend from having alcohol if he is under 21. It may seem excessive, but it’s better than facing criminal charges.
4. Charged with a Crime? Contact a Top Larimer County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Sometimes criminal charges are unavoidable in Larimer County. If you’ve been charged with a crime, don’t wait, and contact a top Larimer County criminal defense lawyer today. Conviction of one of the crimes listed above could result in time at the Larimer County Jail, fines, and numerous other consequences. The best criminal defense lawyer can protect you from consequences like these wrecking your future and finances. Don’t wait, and call us today to take your first step towards restoring your freedom.
Have you been charged with a crime? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – never talk to the Fort Collins Police or Larimer County Sheriff about your case. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with over 30 years of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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