Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Blog
How to Seal a Criminal Record
In the age of the internet, your private affairs and information are more public than ever. And it’s only getting worse. Particularly bothersome is the public’s ability to locate and retrieve criminal records. If you have applied for school, a job, or even a volunteer position recently, you certainly know that businesses can and do run criminal background checks.
A Primer on Identity Theft & Fraud
In Colorado, a range of illegal actions can lead to a fraud charge. Fraud is considered a “white-collar crime,” which is defined as an act of deception to secure unlawful or unfair financial or personal gain. A fraudulent act can lead to both criminal and civil charges. In cases of high-value losses, the damaged party may have the right to seek restitution through civil court.
More Than Just a Breathalyzer: How Does Law Enforcement Test for a DUI?
If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence in Colorado, the officer may ask you to take a preliminary breath test. At this stage, you have the legal right to refuse the breath test and any field sobriety tests without penalty. The preliminary breath test is one factor law enforcement uses to determine if there is probable cause to arrest you. If you are, in fact, arrested, you will be asked to take an evidentiary breath or blood test, in which case refusal will have severe penalties.
What to Know About DUI Checkpoints This 4th of July
Over the past decade or so, DUI checkpoints have become more common across the United States. Since a 1990 ruling by the United States Supreme Court finding them constitutional (Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Sitz, 496 U.S. 444) many localities have taken advantage of this exception to the Fourth Amendment—the right to search and, potentially, seize.
Can You Refuse A DUI Test? Tim Bussey Gives Us the Answer
Do I have the right to refuse a DUI test? Is a refusal the same as my “right to remain silent” or “plead the Fifth Amendment?” Will a refusal affect the penalties I will face, or the length of my license suspension? What options do I have when asked to take a blood alcohol test? These are questions DUI defense attorneys often hear. This is what Tim Bussey, a Colorado defense attorney with the ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation, has to say.
Everything You Need to Know About Blood Testing from DUI Attorney Tim Bussey
Many people believe that a DUI blood test is infallible; and that by submitting to a blood test, you’re automatically convicted. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Colorado DUI attorney Tim Bussey explains the possible defense strategies that can be used against a blood test.
April 20th Is Coming Up – Are You Prepared to Be Pulled Over for Drugged Driving?
April 20th is fast approaching. To most people, this is just another day. But for a certain segment of the population that enjoys recreational cannabis, 4/20 has a special significance. There has been a long tradition of associating cannabis with the number 420, so there will be many celebrations and events on that day. If you’re unfamiliar, a good analogy is the increase in alcohol consumption on St. Patrick’s Day.
Understanding the Colorado Probation System: The Basics
As an experienced Colorado probation violation attorney at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., Timothy Bussey understands the complexities of Colorado probation and its various programs. Mr. Bussey also knows that it can be confusing to keep track of the conditions of these programs. Many people assigned to probation commit violations without realizing it because they are not aware of or do not understand the conditions of their program. This is the first of a two-part article that will cover the basics of Colorado probation as well as the types of probation programs and their conditions.
If You Don’t Party Sensibly at Prom, You May End Up with a DUI
Spring is a busy time for high schoolers, starting with prom and going all the way through graduation. Let’s not forget spring break, either. For those looking to get into trouble, there are plenty of opportunities. The local and state police know all about this time of year, and they will be actively looking for teenagers who are breaking the law.
You Accidentally Brought a Gun to the Airport – What Now?
So, you accidentally brought a gun to the airport, and it was discovered by the TSA or other airport authorities. What now? The first thing to note is that this happens to many people. While the number of guns discovered at airports is relatively rare compared to how many people own guns in the United States, firearm discoveries still occur every day, even in Colorado.