Traffic, Solicitation, Shoplifting, Criminal Mischief

Colorado Municipal Ordinance Violations Defense Attorney Philip Smith has defended clients charged with municipal offenses in the Denver metro area cities of Aurora, Brighton, Broomfield, Littleton, Lakewood, Centennial, Golden, Lone Tree, and more. If you were arrested or charged with a criminal offense in a city in Colorado, I am happy to talk to you. I offer a free confidential consultation to review your case.

Municipal ordinances violation convictions are now being reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and are showing up on background checks. Here is a list of the many ordinances that may result in a conviction.

• Assault
• Criminal Mischief
• Destruction of Property
• Disorderly Conduct
• Disturbing the Peace
• Domestic Violence
• False reporting
• Fighting in public
• Fireworks
• Harassment
• Indecent Exposure
• Loitering
• Marijuana
• Menacing, Intimidation, Reckless Endangerment
• MIP or Minor in Possession
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Solicitation or Furthering
• Shoplifting
• Theft and Fraud
• Traffic
• Trespassing
• Urinating in Public
• Weapons
• And more….

Philip Smith serverd as a municipal judge in Aurora Colorado. He was also a prosecutor in the Arapahoe County as well as Assistant District Attorney in the 5th judicial district of Colorado.

City violation cases are handled very differently than state courts. A municipal judge will hear only cases within their jurisdiction. Municipal ordinance violations are serious but not as harsh as cases heard in county or district courts. Understanding the gravity of a municipal criminal charge and a background check is why you need a lawyer that has successfully managed all aspects of a municipal courtroom.

POSSIBLE RESOLUTIONS

I work very hard to diminish the consequences of a Colorado municipal violation. Circumstances and evidence do not always allow for a full dismissal of a case but there are alternatives that I strive for in those situations.

Some jurisdictions offer a Diversion program. This allows a client to take the opportunity to resolve the charges against them without receiving a criminal conviction and not go to jail. If all of the requirements set forth by the Diversion program, no plea will be entered and the case will be dismissed. At that time, I will be able to seal the court record and the public will never know that case existed. Not everyone is eligible for the Diversion program.

The second alternative is plea bargaining for a deferred judgment sentence. A deferred sentence is accepting a guilty plea with a 1 year probation period. There will be a requirement with that probation but if it successfully completed the case is dismissed by the court. This does not mean it disappears. There is a separate civil procedure for sealing these records.   If eligible for sealing, the case will be removed from public view within three to four months after the petition is filed.