Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Blog
What Should You Do If You’re Pulled Over by Police?
Being pulled over by the police can be a highly stressful situation. Especially in the early moments; it may not even be clear why you are being contacted. The way in which you respond to the officer during a traffic stop can go a long way in protecting you, both during the initial interaction and in the case of future legal action.
Red Light Cameras Returning to Colorado Springs?
It’s one thing to be pulled over for a traffic violation by a live police officer. We understand that they are expected to monitor Colorado streets for unsafe and illegal driving behavior, but we also know that there is a system in place to contest tickets that we believe might be in error. But with the possible return of red light cameras to Colorado Springs, many drivers have a lot of questions regarding what that means in terms of fairness and enforcement.
Timothy Bussey Graduates from Acclaimed Trial Lawyer’s College
Timothy Bussey (L) with Gerry Spence (R), celebrated attorney and founder of the Trial Lawyer’s College.
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., has established itself as one of the preeminent criminal defense firms in Colorado. Founding attorney Timothy R. Bussey has enhanced the firm’s ability by adding credentials to his repertoire: being a graduate of Gerry Spence’s rigorous Trial Lawyer’s College.
The Facts on Repeat DUI and DUID Offenders in Colorado
Being accused of driving under the influence is an incredibly stressful ordeal. If, however, you have previously been convicted of driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired, you likely have a slew of questions about how your past may affect your future. Colorado has very strict laws and severe penalties for anyone convicted of impaired driving, and it is critical that you understand the charges against you and what can be done to protect your rights throughout this ordeal.
Can What You Say on Social Media Be Held Against You?
With the recent explosion of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, the ways in which we communicate with each other, both publicly and privately, are evolving. As is often the case with new technologies, our laws have not necessarily caught up and it’s unclear how to apply them. For example, can what you say on social media be used in a court of law?
What to Know About DUI Checkpoints This Fourth of July
Over the past decade or so, DUI checkpoints have become more common across the United States.
While some states have outlawed their use, they are prevalent in Colorado and knowing how to handle them can make your ride much easier. Be careful and drive safely this Fourth of July, for yourself and your neighbors in Colorado Springs.
Hit-and-Run Law in Colorado
There are many different rules and laws governing traffic and traffic accidents in Colorado. Unfortunately, these laws do not and simply cannot eliminate all car accidents. If you get into a car accident, you have certain duties that you must fulfill. Failing to fulfill your obligations after a car accident could subject you to the loss of your driver’s license and/or, even worse, jail time.
If you are involved in a car accident, regardless of whose fault the accident is, you will be best served by contacting The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. Our team, led by Timothy R. Bussey, has years of experience handling car accidents on both the criminal and the civil side. Call today if you’ve been in a car accident at (719) 475-2555.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Innocent?
When faced with criminal charges for a crime they didn’t commit, many people believe that hiring a lawyer is not only unnecessary, but may be detrimental to their case. This is a dangerous notion that can often lead to negative consequences.
As soon as you or a loved one has become a suspect in a crime, it is imperative that you seek out the advice and counsel of a trained legal expert. Mistakes happen in our criminal justice system and while we are supposed to maintain the ideal of “innocent until proven guilty,” once the full weight of the legal system gets rolling against you, it can be very difficult to stop.
There are many reasons why a person might be falsely accused. Some examples include:
- Mistaken eyewitnesses
- Faulty forensic evidence
- False accusation
- Official misconduct
- False confession
Why You Should Get a Lawyer Early On
The earliest days of a police investigation are often the most important. This is when investigating officers will begin to gather evidence to build their case. This initial investigation will likely include an attempt to interview a person—and this in turn will form law enforcement’s conclusion(s) about what has occurred.
An interview given early in an investigation can be hard to overcome later on. That’s why it is a mistake for you to assume that the truth will win out if you take a “wait and see” approach. Rather, if you find that you are suspected of a crime that you didn’t commit, it is imperative that you act quickly to make sure these suspicions do not lead to mistakes by the police department that will only become more complicated as the investigation continues.
How the Innocent Can Be Found Guilty
Numerous studies have pointed out that eyewitness testimony can often be unreliable. The reasons include faulty memory, poorly administered identification lineups, and institutional bias. According to the Innocence Project, “Eyewitness misidentification is the greatest contributing factor to wrongful convictions proven by DNA testing, playing a role in more than 70% of convictions overturned through DNA testing nationwide.”
Faulty forensic evidence is another contributor to false convictions—and it can be particularly damning. This is when police and prosecutors rely on questionable and unreliable forensic techniques, misapply forensic science, or exaggerate its reliability in court testimony.
There Is Help Available
No matter what your particular circumstances are, if you have been charged with, accused of, or even suspected of a crime, you need to take immediate action to ensure that the situation doesn’t worsen. Don’t hesitate because you are worried how hiring a criminal defense lawyer might look. You need to do everything in your power to protect yourself. Our team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., lead by Timothy Bussey, can help protect your constitutional rights when you are facing criminal charges. Contact Timothy R. Bussey at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. today by calling (719) 475-2555 and scheduling a free consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Innocent?
When faced with criminal charges for a crime they didn’t commit, many people believe that hiring a lawyer is not only unnecessary, but may be detrimental to their case. This is a dangerous notion that can often lead to negative consequences.
As soon as you or a loved one has become a suspect in a crime, it is imperative that you seek out the advice and counsel of a trained legal expert. Mistakes happen in our criminal justice system and while we are supposed to maintain the ideal of “innocent until proven guilty,” once the full weight of the legal system gets rolling against you, it can be very difficult to stop.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?
Most people don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer when they’ve been charged with, or even suspected of, a felony crime. But when it comes to misdemeanor charges, there are many defendants who do not realize that having a lawyer can be nearly as important.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor in the state of Colorado, it would definitely be a mistake to underestimate the seriousness of your situation. Misdemeanors in Colorado can be punished, in some instances, with a jail sentence of 24 months. Additionally, a seemingly small matter may result in lifelong consequences, including the loss of an individual’s right to own and/or possess firearms.
There are three categories of misdemeanors, ranging from class 3, the least serious, to class 1, the most serious. Let’s take a look at the typical crimes that lead to misdemeanor charges.