Prosecutors in Colorado treat accusations of domestic violence seriously. Even a charge can affect contact with children, pending custody determinations in a family court setting and possession of firearms used for hunting. The legal definition of domestic violence is the “act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been […]
Last year, Attorney General Eric Holder made news with an announcement that he had directed federal prosecutors to take steps to avoid charging certain drug crime suspects under provisions that would lead to long mandatory minimum sentences in the event of a conviction. This directive, which was aimed to help first-time drug offenders without ties to organized […]
Heroin use in Colorado, which for many years was on the decline in the state and across the nation, is once again regaining popularity in the Centennial State, according to recent statistics. According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 5.1 percent of Colorado’s population abused painkillers in 2012. This […]
Many states have mandatory ignition interlock laws. They require individuals who lose their driver’s license because of an alcohol offense to install an interlock before reinstating their privilege to drive. The interlock device requires the motorist to provide a breath sample before the vehicle will start. Then, while driving the driver is randomly required to give additional breath […]
The annual DUI campaign is happening again this Labor Day weekend (2016). In an effort to reduce drunk driving on our streets and highways, Colorado officers are participating in the Heat Is On Program through September 2 nd. A similar initiative was observed last year. According to the Journal-Advocate, the 2012 program resulted in over 1,400 […]
In 2012, Colorado voters passed Amendment 64. This Amendment grants the right to use recreational marijuana in the state. As a result, it is now legal to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and consume marijuana in a non-public setting. The Colorado legislature spent part of the 2013 session creating laws on how to legally purchase […]
Theft crimes often have a mental health connection. Studies have shown that addictive/compulsive behaviors like those present in substance abuse cases are often seen in those who compulsively commit theft crimes such as shoplifting. For others, there may be some traumatic event that contributes to the urge to steal. Recognizing that theft is not just […]
The 2012 election will go down in history. Not only will it be remembered for the close race between President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney, it will stand out as the year two states – Colorado and Washington – passed initiatives to “decriminalize” the possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana. In 2006, a […]
State and local law enforcement agencies across Colorado are joining forces this summer for a statewide drunk driving crackdown known as “100 Days of Heat.” The intensified DUI enforcement campaign occurs each year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the time of year when alcohol-related accidents tend to occur with greater frequency in Colorado. To […]
As the Colorado legislature returns to session in 2012, it appears lawmakers will reconsider once again the issue of a THC per se law, similar to the alcohol per se law already in place. Last year a bill was considered that would have made it a crime for a person with 5 or more nanograms […]
