Are you facing Municipal offenses in Denver, Colorado, or any surrounding counties? If so, call our attorneys for assistance. Municipal offenses require skilled attorneys who know how to conduct legal procedures in Municipal courts. Municipal offenses move quickly and create stressful situations for individuals.
Municipal offenses are prosecuted by City Attorneys instead of District Attorneys. These crimes are misdemeanors or violations and never fall into the felony category. However, Municipal offenses should not be taken lightly. In fact, these offenses can impact your record and often carry strict sentences and heavy fines.
The legal procedures surrounding any offense charges handled in Colorado’s Municipal courts are different from those in county or district court. For this reason, it is wise to have a skilled Municipal criminal defense attorney on your side. If you are charged with Municipal offenses in Colorado, contact our Denver defense attorneys today. Our experienced Municipal criminal defense attorneys have years of experience resolving all kinds of legal cases across Colorado’s complex court systems. We can help you with Municipal offenses and more!
About Municipal Offenses in Colorado
So how do Municipal offenses differ from other offenses? Municipal offenses are violations of Colorado’s Municipal Codes. These charges are different from violations of state statutes. A person who has been charged with Municipal offenses will be prosecuted in a Municipal Court. Other offenses are prosecuted in County or District Court.
What are municipal offenses?
Municipal means something related to a town or city’s local government. In Colorado, Municipal offenses are crimes that violate the Municipal codes related to each city and its jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction is the authority to administer justice and settle legal controversies based on a specific area. Municipal courts in Denver have limited jurisdiction areas with specific legal codes. These codes may differ based on the city and its area of jurisdiction. To put it in simpler terms, if you are charged with a crime in Denver, the city of Denver would have Municipal jurisdiction.
What are limited jurisdiction and Municipal courts?
Limited jurisdiction courts preside over a range of cases. These cases usually involve alleged charges and violations that go against the city’s legal ordinances. Although this sounds complicated, a Municipal offense simply means that you are being charged with a crime that goes against the Municipal codes of the city where the crime occurred.
Municipal offenses often involve minor crimes like traffic offenses, minors in possession of illicit substances, curfew violations, animal abuse, and shoplifting cases. Municipal offenses should still be taken seriously as they can influence your record and impact your future.
How do Colorado municipal code violations work?
Colorado Municipal code violations and city code criminal charges usually involve city-based crimes.
In Colorado, the cities of Boulder, Aurora, Broomfield, Cherry Hills Village, Castle Rock, Colorado City, Denver, Colorado Springs, Englewood, Federal Heights, Glendale, Greeley, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greenwood Village, Lafayette, Longmont, Thornton, Westminster, and so on, all fall within Federal Government and State Jurisdiction. However, they each have their own independent court-based criminal jurisdiction areas. For reference, you can check the Colorado Municipal Code of Ordinances library.
Are municipal offenses serious crimes in Colorado?
So are Municipal offenses serious crimes in Colorado? The fact is, all crimes that occur in Colorado should be taken seriously. Just because you have been charged with a municipal offense instead of a state statute violation does not mean that your case should not be handled with care. You should be represented by a competent attorney.
Hiring a dedicated criminal Municipal defense lawyer is one of the best things that you can do to protect your interests in court. There are many serious long-term consequences possible if you are convicted of a Municipal offense. This is especially true if you are already on probation from a state criminal conviction. Not to mention, Municipal offenses will go on your criminal record and may influence the outcome of other charges later.
What are some examples of municipal offenses in Colorado?
There are many different types of Municipal offenses in Colorado. Municipal offenses may involve domestic matters, traffic violations, assault, theft, and more.
- Some examples of municipal offenses include:
- Disorderly conduct
- Trespassing
- Shoplifting
- The solicitation of prostitution
- Assault
- Traffic violations
- False reporting
- Interfering with public officers
- Domestic violence
- Battery
- Harassment
What are the most common types of municipal offenses in Colorado?
Some Municipal offenses occur more frequently than others. For instance, Municipal offenses like the solicitation of a prostitute are less common than traffic violations or shoplifting. Here are some of the most common Municipal criminal violations in Colorado.
Most Common CO Criminal Municipal Offenses:
- Harassment
- Domestic violence
- Resisting arrest
- Disobedience to lawful orders
- Disturbing the peace
- Drug Paraphernalia charges
- Minor in possession charges
- Theft
- Damage to property
- Animal care and control crimes
- Probation violations
- Speeding
- Careless or reckless driving citations
- Noise ordinance violations
What are the penalties for Municipal offenses in Denver?
If convicted of Municipal offenses, your penalties can range from minor to severe. It will all depend on the circumstances surrounding your Municipal offenses, their severity, and how things proceed in court.
Sentences and penalties for municipal violations can include fines and jail time. Typically, jail sentences may be as long as one year and fines can be up to nearly $1,000, but it is dependent on the city. In Denver specifically, the maximum legal punishment for a Municipal code violation is a $999 fine and/or up-to one year in jail. § 1-14 (Offenses classified).
Also, if you are on probation or a deferred judgment, a municipal offense conviction may result in the revocation of your probation. Moreover, Municipal offenses can remain on your permanent criminal record. This can dramatically impact your ability to obtain housing or employment in the future.
Do municipal offenses automatically go to trial?
No, that is a decision that is made on a case by case basis depending on the facts of yours case, your individual characteristics, and the plea bargain offered by the city attorney. Your lawyer can work with you on making that decision. Municipal offenses should still be taken seriously as they can influence your record and impact your future.
Should you get a lawyer for Municipal offenses in Denver?
In the event you are charged with a municipal offense, It is always a good idea to hire an experienced defense lawyer. Your lawyer will take professional, proactive measures and do what they can to help you get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Our attorneys can also take your case to trial. We have experience with a range of legal trial scenarios and have seen cases of all kinds. So, if your case does need to go to trial, we can help you at every step along the way. We will also offer our experience and knowledge as we answer your questions. Our team can help you build a comprehensive strategy for defending yourself against Municipal offense allegations.
Facing Municipal Offenses in Colorado? Call the Skilled Denver Criminal Defense Attorneys at Koziel & Lehr Law LLC!
At Koziel & Lehr Law LLC, we have years of experience defending clients in Colorado’s Municipal, county, and district courts. If you have been issued a summons or complaint that requires you to appear in court for a Municipal violation in Colorado, contact us right away!
We can discuss your options and help you decide what the next steps to take should be. The sooner you contact one of our Municipal criminal defense attorneys, the sooner we can begin helping you take proactive measures for the best possible case outcome!
Call Koziel & Lehr for a consultation about your municipal offenses at (720) 314-8750.