Being convicted of a crime has lifelong ramifications. The state can take away your freedom and put you behind bars. Even if your freedom isn’t taken, other rights can be severely affected. Any criminal conviction, even a misdemeanor, can negatively impact your ability to find work and substantially reduce your earning potential. More serious convictions can completely upend your life.
If you are arrested and charged with a crime, there are two rights that you should exercise immediately. First, you should invoke your right to remain silent. Officers regularly take advantage of the chaos and emotional upheaval of being arrested. They can pretend to be your friend and even lie to you in an effort to obtain incriminating information. Even if you are innocent, prosecutors can twist your words to convince a jury that you are guilty. Remaining silent is the best way to ensure that you won’t say anything that will help put you behind bars.
Second, you should contact a Breckenridge criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will help protect your rights throughout any investigation and subsequent criminal case. Even if you plan on pleading guilty, an attorney can protect you from potential pitfalls and help you get a better plea deal. If you are innocent and wish to assist the police in their investigation, an attorney can help you do so without putting yourself at risk.
Why Choose Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.?
We can provide valuable counsel throughout your Breckenridge criminal defense case. Unlike most firms, at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we give clients our cell phone numbers. This step links you directly to your defense lawyer and helps you contact us when you need us most.
Our firm carries on the legacy of Walter L. Gerash, one of the leading figures in Colorado’s criminal defense history. Our firm is on a list of Best Lawyers in America® and has a 5 out of 5 AV® Rating™ for the highest ethical standards and legal skill. Further, Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. is on the list of Colorado Super Lawyers®.
We also offer free case reviews for potential clients. Contact us today, and your Breckenridge criminal defense case will be in good hands.
Types of Cases We Handle
We handle a broad array of cases ranging from juvenile misdemeanors to the most serious murder charges. The list of cases we handle includes the following:
- Juvenile crimes,
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Theft crimes,
- Drug possession charges,
- Drug distribution and trafficking charges,
- Prescription drug crimes,
- Domestic violence charges,
- Sex crimes,
- Internet sex crimes,
- Rape,
- Violent crimes,
- White-collar crimes, and
- Felony crimes.
We have handled almost every type of criminal case, so no matter your issue, we can help protect your rights and your freedom. When you contact us, you are reaching out to a firm with a reputation for aggressive and effective advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Yes. Even experienced attorneys know it is a bad idea to represent yourself in any criminal proceeding. The criminal defense process is complicated and full of traps you can fall into, regardless of whether you are guilty or innocent.
Some people think that if you plan to plead guilty, then you do not need a lawyer. This instinct is wrong. A Breckenridge, Silverthorne, and Frisco criminal defense attorney can advise you on when a plea offer is advantageous and when to take the case to trial.
Often, innocent people believe that they don’t need a lawyer because their innocence is so obvious. This is a grave mistake. It is an unfortunate fact that innocent people sometimes end up with long prison sentences. The criminal process is complex, and only a seasoned attorney knows how to avoid traps and get you the best result possible.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
Misdemeanors are less severe charges than felonies, but they are still criminal charges that can negatively impact your life. Misdemeanors typically have shorter incarceration periods and less serious consequences than felonies. For instance, you can only go to jail for up to a year for misdemeanors, but the prison sentence for some felonies can extend for up to your entire life.
But just because a felony charge might land you in prison for much longer, don’t underestimate the potential fallout from a misdemeanor conviction. Any criminal conviction on your record can harm you, and having a seasoned attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
I Wasn’t Read My Miranda Rights. Will My Case Be Dismissed?
Officers in Colorado must advise you of your Miranda rights if you are in custody and they wish to conduct an interrogation. If you are free to leave, then the police are under no obligation to inform you of your rights.
However, a failure to inform you of your Miranda rights will not automatically result in your case being dismissed. Think of it this way. If the police have you in custody and question you without reading your Miranda rights, then your lawyer can move to exclude anything you said at that time from being admitted as evidence against you. Therefore, if your words at that time are the only evidence the State has, then that exclusion might force the prosecutor to dismiss your case. However, if there is additional evidence against you (outside of your excluded statement), the case can progress to trial.
What Is a Plea Bargain?
A plea bargain is a deal between the defense and the prosecution where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a reduced sentence.
It is crucial to have a lawyer to negotiate an advantageous plea bargain with the State. An experienced Frisco criminal defense lawyer will know if the State’s case is strong enough to warrant accepting a plea bargain—or if it would be more beneficial to go to trial. And they will know how to negotiate with the prosecutor to get you the best deal possible.
How Much Does a Consultation Cost?
At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we offer free consultations to potential clients. During the free consultation, we will discuss your case and review your legal options. Contact Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., today so we can aggressively defend your rights.