Posted On: October 27, 2010

The Legal Process: What Happens after Your DUI Charges are Filed

The legal process for a DUI charge in Colorado begins a short time after the initial arrest. A Complaint will be filed, which is a legal document that states the crimes that the offender is accused of. After your DUI charges are filed, there will be a Summons to appear in court and then the Arraignment. The Arraignment is a scheduled court appearance where the accused will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. If he or she pleads guilty, there will be no trial as the judge will issue a sentence at that time. If the offender pleads not guilty, the case will move to trial. It would be in the driver’s best interest to acquire an experienced Colorado DUI attorney to help them through this entire process as the driver probably won’t know how to fully protect all of their rights under Colorado law. Not only that, if the case does go to trial, they’ll need an attorney for the Motion Hearing, which is where requests are made to make certain evidence inadmissible in court.

There is one more step before the trial begins. A meeting can be set up with the prosecutor called a Pre-Trial Conference. A Pre-Trial Conference comes before a Motion Hearing. The different County Court Divisions handle the cases differently. Here, the offender may enter into a plea bargain where he or she admits to drinking and driving in exchange for a lesser sentence. Entering into a plea bargain waives the offender’s Constitutional right to a trial. Should the driver decide to continue on to trial, the case will be heard in front of a judge and a jury. If the accused driver is convicted, they may Appeal the verdict.

If you or someone you love has received a citation for driving under the influence of alcohol, you’ll want to get in contact with an experienced Colorado Springs drunk driving defense attorney as soon as possible. You may not be aware of all of your legal rights and a reputable lawyer like those at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. will be able to explain all of your options so that you can make an informed decision. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable Colorado DUI attorneys, call (719) 475-2555 today.

Posted On: October 20, 2010

Choosing the Right Colorado DWAI Attorney for You

Being pulled over and cited for a DWAI, DWI or DUI can be very stressful. However, it’s imperative that you remain calm and call a reputable Colorado DWAI attorney as soon as possible. Choosing the right Colorado DWAI attorney for you doesn’t have to be a daunting task. First, ask your friends and family if they have any personal references. The Internet is a valuable resource to find law firms and attorneys in your area as well.

You can also call the law firms in your area and ask which one of their attorneys practices DWAI law. Once you have narrowed down your list, call the Colorado state bar association to find out if any of the lawyers you’ve chosen have outstanding complaints against them. Set up free consultations with a handful of your choices and get a feel for who they are and how your case will be handled. Make sure you take notice of how each attorney speaks to you. Are they attentive? Do they seem interested in your case? How many DWAI cases have they handled and how many years have they been practicing law? It’s important to have all of your questions answered before making a final decision. When it comes to DWAI, DWI and DUI charges, you’ll want the best attorney you can find.

If you or a loved one is facing a DWAI violation, you’ll want to understand all of your legal rights. The experienced Colorado Springs DWAI attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. will help you make the best decision for your situation and fight for a fair and favorable outcome. If you’d like to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, please call us at (719) 475-2555 today.

Posted On: October 13, 2010

Administrative Penalties for CO DUI

After a DUI arrest, the offender faces a number of various penalties. Administrative penalties, otherwise known as civil penalties, include revocation or suspension of the driver’s license and point deduction. These penalties are carried out by the Colorado Department of Revenue. Unlike criminal penalties, Colorado Springs DUI administrative penalties cannot be reduced in most cases.

Administrative penalties can have a negative impact on your life, even if you get your criminal consequences reduced or dismissed. Because you will have your license suspended or revoked for a specified amount of time, getting to and from work may become more difficult. If you have an excessive amount of DUI offenses on your record, you may have your license revoked for an indefinite amount of time and face more severe criminal penalties.

If you choose to drink and drive in the state of Colorado, you risk facing these types of consequences in addition to criminal and other penalties. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, DWI or DWAI, it would be wise to retain the services of an experienced Colorado drunk driving attorney. They will be able to help you understand and protect your rights and they’ll explain all of your options to you so that you can make the best decision for your situation. The legal team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. understands how intimidating a DUI violation can be. Our lawyers have years of experience with DUI cases and DUI law and will do what it takes to help you. For more information, call us today at (719) 475-2555.

Posted On: October 8, 2010

Jury Considers Colorado Springs Murder Case

A Colorado Springs jury is considering the evidence in the case of a local man accused of murdering his elderly father, according to a recent article in the Colorado Springs Gazette. The 32-year-old Colorado Springs resident was charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence after police found his father’s body in a trash can outside their house.

According to the defendant, he came home and found that someone had beaten his father to death on their porch. Not wanting to leave the disposal of his father’s remains to someone else, he placed his father’s body in a nearby trash can, and then called 911. An autopsy showed that his father had been beaten in the head. At trial, the man’s attorneys pointed out that the police missed several key clues that might have led them to the killer.

The prosecution’s version of the story was that the man had beaten his father to death with a rake, which has not been found. According to the prosecution, the man then put his father’s body in the trash can, took a shower, changed his shoes, and then called emergency services.

Criminal charges mean serious consequences for the person accused, even if the charges are not proved in court. This is especially true in the case of charges for violent crimes, which can result in the loss of jobs, professional licenses, friends, and present other life-long consequences. Colorado Springs murder defense attorney Timothy Bussey has the experience to defend your legal rights in court if you face charges for a violent offense. He will fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call The Bussey Law Firm P.C. today at 719-475-2555 for a free and confidential consultation.

Posted On: October 5, 2010

Criminal Penalties for a CO DUI

Many drivers who receive DUI citations are first time offenders who shudder at the thought of having a criminal record. Colorado DUI criminal penalties include jail time, fines and public service hours. In some cases, the jail sentence may be substituted for an alcohol treatment program, but this isn’t true of all cases.

Drivers who have one or more DUIs on their record already in addition to the most recent one will face longer jail sentences, heavier fines and more community service hours. Jail sentence periods vary on the number of violations a person has. For example, a first time DUI offender will face between 5 days and 1 year with up to $1000 in fines and between 48 and 96 hours of community service. Jail may be waived on a first offense if an alcohol treatment program is completed. The more DUI convictions, the more severe the consequences.

The best way to avoid this kind of headache is to make the right decision and only drive when you’re in a sober state. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Colorado, the first thing you should consider is contacting an experienced DUI attorney. You deserve to have your rights protected and all of your options explained. The Colorado Springs DUI lawyers at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. are up to date on all current DUI laws and have handled a wide variety of DUI cases in Colorado. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 for your free and confidential consultation.