Colorado Springs, located in El Paso County near Pikes Peak, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This population growth, while offering many positive features, has also resulted in an increased crime rate. Overall, the Colorado Springs violent crime rate and property crime rates exceed the average for the entire United States. 

The Colorado Criminal Justice System Is a Dangerous Trap

A criminal defense case in Colorado Springs.

Unfortunately, Colorado Springs’ rising crime rate has resulted in a few overzealous prosecutors, some questionable criminal convictions, and some unfair plea bargains. If Colorado has charged you with a crime, you need a law firm with some experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyers at your service.

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we carry on our decades-old Colorado tradition of providing a strong voice for criminal defendants. All of our attorneys provide effective representation in their particular areas of practice. Martindale Hubbell®’s Peer Review Rating™ process, the nation’s most prominent lawyer rating service, has rated us “AV Preeminent”®, the highest possible rating. 

Carrying the Torch: The Legacy of Walter L. Gerash

Our partners Gerash, Blanton, and Steiner proudly continue the legacy of legendary Colorado legal icon Walter L. Gerash in the practice areas of personal injury, medical and professional malpractice, and criminal defense. 

The Courtroom Experience You Need

If you are confused by the Colorado criminal justice system, you are not alone. Most criminal defendants feel that way. Fear not, however, because one of our finest criminal defense attorneys, Dan Gerash, has accumulated many years of successful criminal defense in court after starting off as a deputy public defender. Plea bargaining skills are not enough. We offer you the invaluable courtroom experience that you need.

Testimonial

“Dan Gerash and his law firm are simply the most responsible, capable, friendly professionals I can imagine — and I have had experience with others (I’m not a career criminal…He went far beyond the call of duty in my cases (he’s helped me twice in the past 20 years, and the most recent was May 2021), and I could not have asked for a better outcome. He gets my highest possible recommendation. I am not related to Gerash and Co., nor is this a paid or in any way anything other than my own personal recommendation.” Neil S., April 2021

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I represent myself or use a public defender?

You can represent yourself as long as the judge determines that you are competent to do so. Self-representation is never a good idea, however, even if you are trained in the law. Representing yourself against criminal charges is comparable to performing surgery on yourselfー both are a recipe for disaster.

You have the right to a lawyer if you request one, and the court will appoint a public defender if you want a lawyer but cannot afford one. Public defenders, however, are overburdened with a huge number of cases and are unlikely to be able to devote much time to your case. 

What kinds of criminal cases do you handle?

The Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., represent defendants facing charges for the following types of crimes. 

If you do not see your charges listed here, fear not. We have vast experience in handling almost every type of criminal case. 

What if the police didn’t “read me my rights” when I was arrested? Will my case be dismissed?

If you watch TV crime dramas, you may know your Miranda rights by heart. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law….” The police’s failure to ”read you your rights” will not necessarily lead to a dismissal of charges, however. 

If the police didn’t read you your rights, Colorado could not use anything you say against you until you are informed of your rights. If you confess before the police read you your rights, for example, the court cannot use your confession against you. If that leaves too little evidence to convict you, then the judge might indeed dismiss your charges. If there is enough other evidence for the prosecution to proceed without your confession, however, your charges may stand.

Should I hire an attorney if I plan to plead guilty to criminal charges?

Yes, for more than one reason. First, there may be no need for you to plead guilty. Even if the evidence against you is overwhelming, the police might have obtained it illegally, and your lawyer might be able to suppress the evidence. If this happens, you might walk free.

Another reason is that you can probably plea bargain with the prosecutor. Most prosecutors have huge caseloads, and experienced attorneys know how to use that fact to their advantage. We know how to negotiate a good deal for you, and we can plea bargain with the prosecutor on your behalf.

Should I talk to the police?

No, you shouldn’t, except to tell them that you will answer no further questions without the assistance of an attorney. Even if you are innocent, the police have many tricky ways of eliciting statements from you that can make you look guilty. Please don’t fall for it. Instead, request a lawyer and call us before saying a word.

What are some possible defenses that I might rely on?

There are numerous possible defenses that might work for you, depending on the charges and the specific facts surrounding your case. Some of the most common criminal defenses include:

  • Self-defense;
  • Defense of others;
  • Involuntary intoxication;
  • Duress;
  • Alibi;
  • Entrapment (the police encouraged you to commit the crime);
  • Consent of the “victim”; and
  • Insanity.

In all cases, you can argue that the prosecutor simply failed to produce enough evidence to prove you “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Start Fighting Back Today

The Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., are ready to confront the criminal justice system on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, call us or contact us online. 

Our experienced legal team handles other types of cases as well, including: