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720-445-9887Assault is one of the most common criminal charges filed in Colorado, and 1st-degree assault is the most serious form of assault charge that can be levied against a criminal defendant.
Under Colorado statute CRS 18-3-202, you can be charged with 1st-degree assault if you act to intentionally cause serious bodily injury to another person, often while using a deadly weapon.
1st-degree assault is a class 3 felony, punishable by 10 to 24 years in prison and fines from $3,000 to $750,000.
Three key elements distinguish 1st-degree assault from less severe forms of assault: (1) intent; (2) the severity of the injuries; and (3) whether a deadly weapon was used.
To prove intent, the prosecutor must show that the defendant knowingly engaged in conduct that put another person at risk or acted with extreme indifference to the value of human life.
Serious bodily injury means an injury that involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, 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. The substantial risk of death or loss of function need not happen immediately but can occur later. In cases where these injuries are involved, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable murder and homicide lawyer is essential for navigating the legal complexities.
In Colorado, a deadly weapon includes a firearm, regardless of whether it is loaded, a knife, a blunt instrument, or anything that can cause death or serious injury when used as a weapon.
1st-Degree assault is a serious charge. But Colorado criminal defense lawyer Kevin Cahill can help. He will mount a vigorous defense to reduce the charges or the severity of the punishment, or even have your case dismissed.
The four most common defenses to a 1st-degree assault charge in Colorado are:
Some of these defenses seek to reduce the charges from 1st-degree assault to a lesser offense or reduce the severity of the penalties. Others seek outright acquittal.
Self-defense or defense of others is an affirmative defense. To succeed, you must prove that:
To secure an assault conviction, prosecutors must prove that you intended to cause a serious bodily injury to someone else. To defend yourself, you can present evidence that you did not intend to hurt the other person, made a mistake, or caused the injuries accidentally or by mistake.
You can also show that you did not intend to cause a serious injury. For example, if you can show that you did not want to hurt the victim badly, the charges could be reduced to a lesser crime with less severe penalties.
The crime of 1st-degree assault requires a showing that the victim suffered serious bodily injuries. Showing that the victim’s injuries were not serious could lead to a reduction in charges or a less severe punishment.
To successfully raise the affirmative defense of heat of passion, a defendant must prove:
Proving heat of passion is not a complete defense to 1st-degree assault charges. Instead, the sentence will be reduced to a Class 5 felony, punishable by between one and three years in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000.
Denver criminal defense lawyer Kevin Cahill has earned a reputation for successfully defending clients accused of all manner of violent crimes. He will thoroughly investigate your case and mount a vigorous defense to increase the likelihood of a successful resolution. But if a trial is the only option, he has the experience, resources, and expertise to fight for a Not Guilty verdict in court.
Mr. Cahill believes that every single person deserves the best defense they can get. He will listen carefully to the specifics of your situation, offer an honest opinion about how you can best defend yourself, and begin preparing a vigorous defense.
Contact Denver assault attorney Kevin Cahill today to schedule a free consultation. Call 720-445-9887 to start protecting your rights.
Denver Defense Lawyer Kevin Cahill never assumes that your case is a lost cause. He is a confident and fearless litigator who refuses to back down when he is fighting to protect the rights of his clients. Regardless of whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, it is vital that you take the charges seriously and seek out legal representation as soon as possible so you can start building your defense.