GUSTAFSON LAW OFFICE COLORADO SPRINGS HIT & RUN CRIMINAL DEFENSE
WELCOME	Phone (719) 260-1002	Fax (719) 260-1003
perhaps I will become your attorney Address  *  Maps  *  Directions	Robert D. Gustafson  *  Attorney at Law  *  Colorado Springs Business Hours  *  Attorney Availability  *  Trade Area	Toll Free (800) 410-1002

HIT & RUN DEFENSE   OFFENSES & STATUTES   MISDEMEANOR TRAFFIC OFFENSE OR FELONY COLORADO STATE COURTS County Court * District Court * El Paso County hit and run convictions each carry 12 points Proceedings Traffic Offense Felony Sentencing Driver License Defense DMV Forms DMV Addresses Self Help Research Selected Statutes All Statutes Travel Time & Mileage Attorney Fees & Costs

4.  Attorney Note. Notice the verbiage distinction in laws.  Most refer to vehicle; a few references are made to motor vehicle.  This is intentional and has meaning.  Prosecutors are now charging "DUI Bicycle" and could charge "Bicycle Hit & Run"
 

******************************

******************************

******************************

CRS 42-4-1601. Accidents involving death or personal injuries - duties.
                Attorney Note - major offense for purposes of habitual offender finding

        (1) The driver of any vehicle directly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close to the scene as possible but shall immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 42-4-1603(1). Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. 
        (1.5) It shall not be an offense under this section if a driver, after fulfilling the requirements of subsection (1) of this section and of section 42-4-1603(1), leaves the scene of the accident for the purpose of reporting the accident in accordance with the provisions of sections 42-4-1603(2) and 42-4-1606. 
        (2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits: 
                (a) A class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if the accident resulted in injury to any person; 
                (b) A class 5 felony if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury to any person; 
                (c) A class 4 felony if the accident resulted in the death of any person. 
        (3) The department shall revoke the driver's license of the person so convicted. 
        (4) As used in this section and sections 42-4-1603 and 42-4-1606: 
                (a) "Injury" means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical or mental condition. 
                (b) "Serious bodily injury" means injury that involves, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, a substantial risk of death, a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, or a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, or breaks, fractures, or burns of the second or third degree. 
        Refer to Sentencing page for more information.
        Refer to Nuisance Abatement page regarding forfeiture of vehicle.

CRS 42-4-1602. Accident involving damage - duty.
        (1) The driver of any vehicle directly involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall immediately return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of such accident, except in the circumstances provided in subsection (2) of this section, until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 42-4-1603. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. Any person who violates any provision of this subsection (1) commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. 
        (2) When an accident occurs on the traveled portion, median, or ramp of a divided highway and each vehicle involved can be safely driven, each driver shall move such driver's vehicle as soon as practicable off the traveled portion, median, or ramp to a frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location to fulfill the requirements of section 42-4-1603. 
        Refer to Sentencing page for more information.

CRS 42-4-1603. Duty to give notice, information, and aid.  aka failure to stop & render aid
        (1) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person or damage to any vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall give the driver's name, the driver's address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving and shall upon request exhibit his or her driver's license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with and where practical shall render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if the carrying is requested by the injured person. 
        (2) In the event that none of the persons specified are in condition to receive the information to which they otherwise would be entitled under subsection (1) of this section and no police officer is present, the driver of any vehicle involved in such accident after fulfilling all other requirements of subsection (1) of this section, insofar as possible on the driver's part to be performed, shall immediately report such accident to the nearest office of a duly authorized police authority as required in section 42-4-1606 and submit thereto the information specified in subsection (1) of this section. 
        Refer to Sentencing page for more information.
        Refer to Nuisance Abatement page regarding forfeiture of vehicle.

CRS 42-4-1604. Duty upon striking unattended vehicle or other property.
        The driver of any vehicle which collides with or is involved in an accident with any vehicle or other property which is unattended resulting in any damage to such vehicle or other property shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle or other property of such fact, the driver's name and address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving or attach securely in a conspicuous place in or on such vehicle or other property a written notice giving the driver's name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving. The driver shall also make report of such accident when and as required in section 42-4-1606. Every stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary. This section shall not apply to the striking of highway fixtures or traffic control devices which shall be governed by the provisions of section 42-4-1605. Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. 
        Refer to Sentencing page for more information.

CRS 42-4-1605. Duty upon striking highway fixtures or traffic control devices.

CRS 42-4-1606. Duty to report accidents.  aka failure to report accident
        (1) The driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person or any property damage shall, after fulfilling the requirements of sections 42-4-1602 and 42-4-1603(1), give immediate notice of the location of such accident and such other information as is specified in section 42-4-1603(2) to the nearest office of the duly authorized police authority and, if so directed by the police authority, shall immediately return to and remain at the scene of the accident until said police have arrived at the scene and completed their investigation thereat. 
        (2) Repealed. 
        (3) The department may require any driver of a vehicle involved in an accident of which report must be made as provided in this section to file supplemental reports whenever the original report is insufficient in the opinion of the department and may require witnesses of accidents to render reports to the department. 
        (4)    (a) (I) It is the duty of all law enforcement officers who receive notification of traffic accidents within their respective jurisdictions or who investigate such accidents either at the time of or at the scene of the accident or thereafter by interviewing participants or witnesses to submit reports of all such accidents to the department on the form provided, including insurance information received from any driver, within five days of the time they receive such information or complete their investigation. The law enforcement officer shall indicate in such report whether the inflatable restraint system in the vehicle, if any, inflated and deployed in the accident. For the purposes of this section, "inflatable restraint system" has the same meaning as set forth in 49 CFR sec. 507.208 S4.1.5.1 (b). 
                    (II) Repealed. 
                (b) The law enforcement officer shall not be required to complete an investigation or file an accident report: 
                    (I) In the case of a traffic accident involving a motor vehicle, if the law enforcement officer has a reasonable basis to believe that damage to the property of any one person does not exceed one thousand dollars and if the traffic accident does not involve injury to or death of any person; except that the officer shall complete an investigation and file a report if specifically requested to do so by one of the participants or if one of the participants cannot show proof of insurance; or 
                    (II) In the case of a traffic accident not involving a motor vehicle, if the traffic accident does not involve serious bodily injury to or death of any person. 
        (5) The person in charge at any garage or repair shop to which is brought any motor vehicle which shows evidence of having been struck by any bullet shall report to the nearest office of the duly authorized police authority within twenty-four hours after such motor vehicle is received, giving the vehicle identification number, registration number, and, if known, the name and address of the owner and operator of such vehicle together with any other discernible information. 
        (6) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. 
        Refer to Sentencing page for more information.
        Refer to Nuisance Abatement page regarding forfeiture of vehicle.

CRS 42-4-1607. When driver unable to give notice or make written report. 
        (1) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of giving an immediate notice of an accident as required in section 42-4-1606(1) and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of doing so, such occupant shall give or cause to be given the notice not given by the driver.
        (2) Repealed. 
        (3) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. 
        Refer to Sentencing page for more information.

CRS 42-4-1608. Accident report forms. 
        (1) The department shall prepare and upon request supply to police departments, coroners, sheriffs, and other suitable agencies or individuals forms for accident reports required under this article, which reports shall call for sufficiently detailed information to disclose, with reference to a traffic accident, the contributing circumstances, the conditions then existing, and the persons and vehicles involved.
        (2) Every required accident report shall be made on a form approved by the department, where such form is available.

42-4-1609. Coroners to Report. 
        Every coroner or other official performing like functions shall on or before the tenth day of each month report in writing to the department the death of any person within such official's jurisdiction during the preceding calendar month as the result of an accident involving a motor vehicle and the circumstances of such accident. 

42-4-1610. Reports by interested parties confidential. 
        All accident reports and supplemental reports required by law to be made by any driver, owner, or person involved in any accident shall be without prejudice to the individual so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the department; except that the department may disclose the identity of a person involved in an accident when such identity is not otherwise known or when such person denies his or her presence at such accident. Except as provided in section 42-7-504(2), no such report shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident; except that the department shall furnish, upon demand of any person who has, or claims to have, made such a report or upon demand of any court, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made to the department solely to prove a compliance or failure to comply with the requirement that such a report be made to the department. This section shall not be construed to mean that reports of investigation or other reports made by sheriffs, police officers, coroners, or other peace officers shall be confidential, but the same shall be public records and shall be subject to the provisions of section 42-1-206. 

DMV PROCEEDINGS & DRIVER LICENSE MATTERS  Selected Traffic & DMV Statutes & Regulations LOSS OF COLORADO DRIVING PRIVILEGES DMV Hearing Defense DMV Appeal statute of limitations Driving in Colorado is a constitutionally protected privilege, but nevertheless a privilege which may be lost.  Multiple statutes can cause loss of driving privileges for different driver behavior.  Drivers are entitled to a DMV hearing.  In some circumstances the right to hearing precedes potential DMV adverse action; under other Colorado traffic laws the adverse order is entered, then the driver is provided notice of the adverse action and right to request subsequent hearing.  If hearing has been held or a DMV final order has otherwise entered and the Colorado driver's license or Colorado driving privileges have been suspended, revoked or denied, the driver's remaining recourse is appeal to the District Court.  DMV appeal is subject to a statute of limitations.  Right to appeal may be lost if the driver delays.  Upon final order in the District Court, either party make take the case on appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals.  Refer to links for additional information.

COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FORMS Alcohol Education, Alcohol Therapy, Public Service, AA Meetings, Antabuse - disulfirum, deferred sentence, probation Colorado traffic & criminal trial practice 25+ years Colorado State Courts & Colorado Springs Municipal Court DUI - DWAI - DEAC Defense   *   *   Driving Under Restraint Defense   *   *   Speeding Ticket Defense

CLIENT AT THE PRESENT TIME EL PASO COUNTY: AA Meetings AA + Antabuse Antabuse Alcohol Education Public Service * * TELLER COUNTY: AA Meetings AA + Antabuse Antabuse Alcohol Education Public Service * * GENERIC COUNTY: AA Meetings AA + Antabuse Antabuse Alcohol Education Public Service * *

FORMER CLIENT OR OTHERWISE NOT A CURRENT CLIENT EL PASO COUNTY: AA Meetings AA + Antabuse Antabuse Alcohol Education Public Service * * TELLER COUNTY: AA Meetings AA + Antabuse Antabuse Alcohol Education Public Service * * GENERIC COUNTY: AA Meetings AA + Antabuse Antabuse Alcohol Education Public Service * *

**  NOTE:  Effective December, 2004 public service in El Paso County must be completed under supervision of an approved agency with insurance on the worker.  The court will not give credit for public service completed outside supervision and will not accept verification other than through the supervision agency.  Chief judges of other counties may have instituted similar blanket orders.

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files    Free Download

Regarding completions forms: Current Clients  will be provided with verification forms containing name and case number.         Current clients may print any above linked form for individual but not commercial or law office use.         Files are password restricted.  Former Clients and Non-Clients may print and use any linked verification form identified in blue.         Former & non-clients do not have permission to print or otherwise use any linked verification form identified in red.  This restriction is not any inconvenience - it merely removes my name from the caption of pleadings and thereby avoids any possible confusion to the court or prosecutors.  Otherwise, the Current Client or Former Client and Non-Client forms are the same.         Former & Non-Client limited permission to forms identified in blue extends to individual but not commercial or law office use.         Use of any form shall not constitute representation, nor shall it be considered an appearance of counsel in any litigation

THIS WEBSITE IS PUBLISHED AS A COURTESY BY A PRIVATE ATTORNEY NOT VIP-MADD, AA, ALCOHOL EDUCATION PROGRAM OR PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY I welcome representation inquiries, but please don't call thinking this office provides identified community resources

ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS HIT & RUN TICKET DEFENSE Secure On-Line Payment   TRAFFIC CRIMINAL CHARGE   LICENSE SUSPENSION HEARING

POTENTIAL FEE QUOTE HIT & RUN TICKET DEFENSE HOURLY FEE RATE SETTLEMENT FLAT FEE would be deducted from trial flat fee *property damage - no personal injury and no paint testing by laboratory  $1,250*       TRIAL FLAT FEE settlement fee would be deducted  *property damage - no personal injury and no paint testing by laboratory   $3,000*       I generally offer hourly fees or a settlement flat fee.  Most hit & run cases plea bargain and do not proceed to trial.  The settlement flat fee would be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case, however the above would be a common quote.  This shall neither constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate. Notice: Nuisance Abatement and forfeiture of vehicle would be subject to an independent fee quote. Trial flat fee would be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case, however the above would be a common quote.  This shall neither constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate.   TRUST DEPOSIT REQUEST frequent trust deposit request regarding fees & costs
PAYMENT Secure On-Line Payment Prior to commencement of representation, the attorney will quote the amount requested as a trust deposit against which attorney's fees and costs may be billed.  The requested trust deposit will be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of your case.
Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson ATTORNEY FEES LITIGATION COSTS DEPOSIT   $       1,250   $          275     settlement common trust deposit request including attorney's fees & litigation costs - excluding travel excluding private investigator or laboratory paint testing *property damage - no personal injury, no private investigator & no paint testing by laboratory map * travel policy - time & expenses * travel rates settlement trust deposit would be deducted from trial trust deposit   OR $1,525*   Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson ATTORNEY FEES LITIGATION COSTS DEPOSIT   $       3,000   $          500     trial common trust deposit request including attorney's fees & litigation costs - excluding travel excluding private investigator or laboratory paint testing *property damage - no personal injury, no private investigator & no paint testing by laboratory Additional cost deposit may be requested as trial preparation proceeds & anticipated litigation expenses solidify map * travel policy - time & expenses * travel rates $3,500* hit & run ticket defense * this shall not constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate
Client authorization is obtained for any large cost expense.  Final expenditure may run less or client may periodically be asked for additional amounts to be deposited to trust if fees and costs will exceed previous deposits.	Client will be provided with a trust accounting and itemized billing statement when there has been activity on the account.  At the end of each case, a detailed accounting summary is provided and remaining trust proceeds are refunded.
trust deposit for anticipated fees & costs is due when retained attorney does not accept installment payments FIRST CONSULTATION ALTERNATIVES regular billings are scheduled on the 1st and 15th if fees and costs are not paid as agreed, representation is withdrawn	MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED PAYPAL ACCEPTED Secure On-Line Payment THIRD PARTY PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION charge card merchant discount
PARTIAL LIST OF POTENTIAL COSTS out of pocket costs are the responsibility of the client generic costs relevant to any traffic * criminal action generic costs relevant to any litigation note: costs change & below cost information may be obsolete link to Colorado Judicial Branch website -  current costs information published by state COLORADO STATE COURT COSTS direct link to criminal or traffic court costs - costs change & lists may be obsolete COUNTY COURT CRIMINAL COSTS DISTRICT COURT CRIMINAL COSTS
$135.00   Toxicology - BAC Ethanol (alcohol) only 185.00   Toxicology - BAC Ethanol (alcohol) + NaFl (preservative) 95.00   Toxicology - UA qualitative toxicology screen for marijuana 620.00   Toxicology - UA quantitative toxicology screen for marijuana 545.00   Toxicology - Substance quantitative toxicology screen for marijuana 595.00   Toxicology - Qualitative and quantitative drug screen 720.00   Toxicology - BAC ethanol (alcohol) + NaFl (preservative) + drug screen 1,000 - 4,000     Laboratory - paint scrapings testing       infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with x-ray emission 2,000     Laboratory - Toxicologist testimony hourly fees and travel mileage  -  rates as of 5/24/05       misdemeanor hourly rate $250 - 5 hours travel time + minimum 1.5 hours court time Price   Client Background Search Varies   DMV Out of State Driving Record 10.00   Accident Report 20.00   Offense Report 10.00   DA Office discovery packet - estimate (actual may be more or less) 25.00   State court jury deposit C.R.Crim.P. 23, CRS 16-10-109 (non-refundable except by acquittal) 10.00   Court records search & copy costs (actual may be more or less) 10.00   Copy expense at courthouse for prior offense files (estimate - may vary) 75.00   Public Service supervision fee 37.50   OJW fee to court (outstanding judgment warrant) - anticipating Integral Recoveries collection agency referral costs 60.00   DMV reinstatement fee 4.40   DMV clearance letter - certified copy of Colorado driving abstract 500.00   Private Investigator initial retainer - if relevant      variable based upon number of witnesses to interview 200.00   Law enforcement 911 / dispatch records, tapes & transcript - widely variable 200.00   Subpoena process service expense - depends on number of subpoenas issued Varies   On-line legal research - dependent upon issues requiring legal research, if any Rates   Travel time and expenses if the case is outside Colorado Springs
Laboratory testing of transfer paint scrapings is expensive, but will determine whether the paint was in fact transferred between defendant's vehicle and the vehicle alleged to have been hit.  It is not uncommon for a person to have a minor fender bender and be fearful of the spouse's wrath or insurance consequences.  Picking out a vehicle of similar color to the transfer paint is a convenient excuse.  That's where the lab cost rub comes into play.  Likewise an investigator is expensive, but can make the difference in developing weaknesses in the state's case.  Absent alcohol, the lab or private investigator expense, all that remains are a few records, a background search, some 35mm film, and maybe an 8mm video tape unless the case goes to trial.  Your potential consequences, your pocketbook, your call.
It may be prudent to place law enforcement 911 * dispatch tapes and records, plus other law enforcement records under subpoena duces tecum.  Expense will depend upon the amount of time the law enforcement agency spends searching dispatch tapes and records, but total expense frequently runs $140 - $200.
CAVEAT: Not all above costs will be relevant to any given case, and additional expenses not identified may be incurred in any individual case.  Costs quoted are subject to change by independent providers; actual costs paid will be billed.  limited search pricing

POTENTIAL FEE QUOTE DOR * DMV LICENSE HEARING SUSPENSION  *  REVOCATION  *  DENIAL HEARING FLAT FEE HOURLY FEE RATE   Colorado Springs Attorney Robert D. Gustafson common quote - limited flat fee $650 this shall neither constitute an offer, nor be construed as a binding estimate DMV limited flat fee would be dependent upon the facts and circumstances of the case
A DMV limited flat fee would likely be offered.  Additional hours necessitated by continuance requested by police or by subpoena procurement are billed at hourly rates.  A client may retain the attorney's services in a DUI or traffic criminal case without asking for assistance at DMV proceedings.  Attorney does not undertake representation in DMV proceedings until the DMV limited flat fee has been paid, and full payment is required at least *seven (7) days in advance of hearing.  Fees beyond the DMV limited flat fee would be unusual.   Attorney will initially make an option offer of 1.) billing to be upon hourly fees, or in the alternative, 2.) quote of a hearing flat fee per above.  Offered fee options will be up to the client, however client's initial election will be final.  Hourly fee billings are based solely upon time, and may be more or less than the offered flat fee.  Hourly fees are not capped at the limited flat fee.  Attorney reserves the right to quote hourly fees only without a flat fee offer.  Attorney reserves the right to decline any case.   * Applicable case law, statutes, rules of civil procedure, and Department of Revenue or Department of Health regulations contain mandatory time constraints, are complex and are generally unfavorable to the driver. The above 7 day hiring limitation is based solely upon client control over fees paid at time attorney is retained in the criminal case and upon avoidance & resolution of attorney calendar conflicts.  Prospective clients are notified 7 days is insufficient time to prepare an adequate license hearing defense which involves DMV discovery or DOR issuance of subpoena (compelling testimony) or subpoena duces tecum (compelling testimony & production of documents or evidence).  Delay in retaining attorney may prejudice the defense. Whether the underlying basis is alcohol related or not, time is critical in DOR hearings regarding suspension, revocation or denial of Colorado driving privileges.   DOR hearing fee Estimate Caveats.  If collateral attack is required, the attorney would need to know more about the number and locations of underlying court cases to be attacked before offering a DOR hearing fee.  Legal research and research time would increase the estimates.   Non-Alcohol Alcohol Habitual Offender
Client authorization is obtained for any large cost expense.  Final expenditure may run less or client may periodically be asked for additional amounts to be deposited to trust if fees and costs will exceed previous deposits.	Client will be provided with a trust accounting and itemized billing statement when there has been activity on the account.  At the end of each case, a detailed accounting summary is provided and remaining trust proceeds are refunded.
trust deposit for anticipated fees & costs is due when retained attorney does not accept installment payments FIRST CONSULTATION ALTERNATIVES regular billings are scheduled on the 1st and 15th if fees and costs are not paid as agreed, representation is withdrawn	MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED PAYPAL ACCEPTED Secure On-Line Payment THIRD PARTY PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION charge card merchant discount

FIRST CONSULTATION	ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE	HOURLY FEES	COSTS
FLAT FEE - DEFINITION	SETTLEMENT PHASE	SETTLEMENT FLAT FEE
CONTESTED PHASE	TRIAL FLAT FEE	FLAT FEES - PHASES EARNED
COMPARE HOURLY - FLAT FEES	CLIENT'S ELECTION - FINAL	TRAVEL TIME & EXPENSES
SECURITY FOR FEES & COSTS	TRUST ACCOUNT	WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION
CLIENT DUTY TO DISCLOSE	OMISSION OR NON-DISCLOSURE	ALTERNATIVES
ATTORNEY SELECTION	RETAINING GUSTAFSON	ADVICE BY LAYMEN

ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION AND DECLINED MATTERS

CRIMINAL DEFENSE DUI DEFENSE & TRAFFIC DEFENSE DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE DEBT COLLECTION COMMUNITY RESOURCES FIRST CONSULTATION ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE WEBSITE INDEX GATEWAY ATTORNEY SELECTION RETAINING GUSTAFSON ADVICE BY LAYMEN

ALTERNATIVES FIND A LAWYER if you are seeking the below please refer to above links for helpful information sole practitioner attorney does not accept these matters   a.  a pro-bono (free) lawyer b.  an attorney who may take lower fees - economic hardship c.  an attorney who may take installment payments Attorney Welcomes third party payment authorization charge card merchant discount

MID-LITIGATION REPRESENTATION alternatives and find a lawyer links provided as a courtesy Attorney Policies Litigant Pro Se - Attempt to Prepare Defense of Own Traffic or Criminal Case 1.  Adequate Time.  If sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your case and if prospective client approves this attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will likely accept defense representation.  This shall not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and prospective client retain discretion through first consultation. 2.  Insufficient Time.  If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not sufficient time to adequately prepare your case or defense before a contested court proceeding, please do not call.  I decline. Alternatives FIND A LAWYER 3.  Limited Assistance.  Please do not call requesting instruction, directions, legal theory, forms completion or limited document drafting, partial representation, or an explanation of applicable law to assist you in preparation or defense of your own case.  I decline. Alternatives FIND A LAWYER Attorney Policies Representation by Previous Attorney 1.  Current Attorney.  Until an order has entered withdrawing representation by an attorney, an ethical rule violation exists if counsel knowingly speaks to another attorney's client without current attorney's consent.  This ethical rule governs all attorneys.  Please do not call until after you have terminated representation by a former attorney.  After other counsel's withdrawal it may take significant effort for the the new attorney to "catch up."  Please be aware fees and costs will be associated with procuring the court file and coming up to speed in the case. 2.  Adequate Time.  If prospective client terminates employment of the former attorney, if sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your traffic or criminal case, and if prospective client approves this attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will likely accept representation.  This shall not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and prospective client retain discretion through first consultation. 3.  Insufficient Time.  If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not sufficient time to adequately prepare your case or defense before a contested court proceeding, please do not call.  I decline. Alternatives FIND A LAWYER 4.  Second Opinion.  I will not arm chair quarterback another attorney's case preparation, trial tactics or theory of the case.  Please do not call for a second opinion or an opinion regarding the competence of preparation or defense in your current traffic or criminal case.  I decline. Alternatives FIND A LAWYER

POST SENTENCING MATTERS PROBATION REVOCATION  *  PAROLE VIOLATION DEFERRED SENTENCE REVOCATION  *  APPEALS Post Sentencing.  I do not accept post sentencing matters in any criminal, DUI or traffic case unless I provided representation during the case in chief at the trial court level and am familiar with the facts, testimony and exhibits received into evidence, meritorious issues & rulings. That's been my policy for years.  Please do not call or inquire regarding post sentencing matters if you are not a former client.  Alternatives FIND A LAWYER This includes plea to domestic violence or other criminal charge, DUI, DEAC or DWAI charge or other traffic charge and probation, deferred sentence, parole or incarceration or revocation proceedings based upon alleged failure to comply.   Exceptions.  If the underlying criminal case qualifies, refer to sealing criminal records.  I accept meritorious sealing cases regardless of whether or not you are a former client.  NOTICE: alcohol related traffic offenses, other traffic offenses or traffic infractions are a specifically excluded in the sealing statute and can not be sealed.  If relevant, I also accept meritorious collateral attack cases.

ATTORNEY TRADE AREA & TRAVEL CASES OUTSIDE EL PASO COUNTY   GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS Colorado is a big state ease of internet access, email & toll free phone doesn't change that fact   TRAVEL  RATES TRAVEL TIME  *  MILEAGE  *  EXPENSE Attorney is very willing to travel outside the Colorado Springs area to present or defend a case, but please be aware travel time, mileage and expense would apply.  If you are out of state or unfamiliar with Colorado geography, refer to the map to determine where Colorado Springs is located in relation to the county of your court case or hearing. Colorado MAP Southern Colorado Area If travel is necessary, a trust deposit would be required to cover anticipated travel time, mileage & expenses.  If it is not economically justifiable to retain my services with travel, please contact counsel in the locale of your case. COUNTIES CITIES / TOWNS El Paso County Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs / Fountain I welcome new cases.  Intent is not to be harsh or to discard potential new business, but to be practical. Chaffee County Salida Crowley County Ordway Metro Denver Area Custer County Westcliffe COUNTIES CITIES / TOWNS Douglas County Castle Rock City and County of Denver Denver Elbert County Kiowa / Simla Adams County Brighton / Thornton / Federal Heights Fremont County Canon City / Florence / Penrose Arapahoe  County Court   District Court Littleton / Centennial / Englewood Huerfano County Walsenburg Arapahoe County - East Aurora Las Animas County Trinidad Broomfield County Broomfield Lincoln County Hugo (county seat) / Limon Gilpin County Blackhawk / Central City Otero County La Junta Jefferson County Golden / Wheat Ridge Park County Fairplay FIND A LAWYER ALTERNATIVES Pueblo County Pueblo Teller County Cripple Creek / Woodland Park

BEFORE USING ANY INFORMATION IN THIS WEBSITE, PLEASE REFER TO THE BELOW LINKS
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER HomePage Disclaimer  information to website visitors	ATTORNEY ETHICS & CLIENT DISCLOSURES Prior Convictions or Bad Acts important warning information before disclosure	CONTACT & PRIVACY Confidentiality & Privacy Policy email, and cordless, wireless or cell phones

please feel free to call or email if you are a client or are seeking representation	Secure On-Line Payment THIRD PARTY PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION charge card merchant discount
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION not an offer for free legal advice - refer to link for terms I am a sole practitioner with need to manage my caseload & reserve the right to decline any legal matter