Facing Criminal Charges in Longmont, CO? Get the Help You Deserve 

If you’re facing criminal charges in Longmont, acting quickly is crucial. An experienced defense attorney can protect your rights and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

As proud residents of the Front Range, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. offers leading criminal defense services for Longmont and Boulder County.

The Importance of Early Legal Representation for Charges in Longmont

No matter the nature of the alleged crime, it's imperative that you get legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled Longmont criminal defense attorney will:

• Identify procedural errors
• Ensure your rights are protected
• Communicate with law enforcement
• Take advantage of case dismissals
• Navigate potential plea deals
• Reduce stress and uncertainty

Since a criminal record can greatly hinder your ability to secure housing and work, it's simply not worth it to risk fighting criminal charges on your own.

Understanding the Longmont, CO Court System

If you are facing criminal charges in Longmont, your case will proceed through the Boulder County Court system. Here is a quick overview of things to expect:

The Arrest and Booking Process

Individuals arrested in Longmont are typically booked at the Longmont Police Department or Boulder County Jail. Booking includes fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the alleged offense.

Arraignment

Your first arraignment will take place at the Boulder County Combined Court in Longmont. At this time, charges are formally read, and you are asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Pre-Trial Conferences

If you plead not guilty, your case proceeds to a pre-trial conference. At this meeting, your attorney and the Boulder County District Attorney will:

• Discuss evidence
• Explore diversion programs
• Negotiate reduced charges & alternative sentencing
• Consider whether your case should go to trial

Motions and Hearings

If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will likely file pre-trial motions based on procedural violations or lack of probable cause. These hearings are held before a Boulder County judge.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, it will be heard either by a judge or a jury at the Boulder County Combined Courts. During trial, you can expect your criminal defense attorney to:

• Present evidence
• Cross-examine witnesses
• Raise legal objections
• Protect your rights

Sentencing and Appeals

If you are convicted at trial, sentencing will follow shortly at a separate hearing. Factors such as your criminal history and the nature of the crime can impact the severity of sentencing in Longmont. In some instances, people choose to appeal their convictions.

Why Local Knowledge Matters in the Longmont Courts

The attorneys at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. have decades of experience practicing in Longmont and Boulder County. We understand local procedures and are familiar with the District Attorney’s Office and area judges.

Let us put our local knowledge to work for your case!

Classes of Felonies in Longmont

As seen in the rest of Colorado, felonies in Longmont are classified in six consecutive levels.

• Class 1 Felony
  • Examples: 1st degree murder, kidnapping, treason
  • Sentencing: Life in prison
• Class 2 Felony
  • Examples: 2nd degree murder, human trafficking, sexual assault
  • Sentencing: 8-24 years in prison. $5,000 - $1,000,000 in fines
• Class 3 Felony
  • Examples: 1st degree burglary, aggravated robbery, 1st degree arson
  • Sentencing: 4-12 years in prison. $3,000 - $750,000 in fines
• Class 4 Felony
  • Examples: Vehicular assault, identity theft, 3rd degree burglary
  • Sentencing: 2-6 years in prison. $2,000 - $500,000 in fines
• Class 5 Felony
  • Examples: 1st degree criminal trespass, insurance fraud, 3rd degree burglary
  • Sentencing: 1-3 years in prison. $1,000 - $100,000 in fines
• Class 6 Felony
  • Examples: Animal cruelty, failure to register as a sex offender, possessing weapons as a felon
  • Sentencing: 1-1.5 years in prison. $1,000 - $100,000 in fines

Bear in mind, special circumstances impact felony sentencing in Longmont. For example, violent offenses receive harsher penalties than other felony crimes. Similarly, having a prior criminal record can substantially increase the severity of your sentence.

Classes of Misdemeanors in Longmont

As seen in the rest of Colorado, misdemeanors in Longmont are classified into two levels.

• Class 1 Misdemeanor
  • Examples: 3rd degree assault, harassment, property theft
  • Sentencing: 6-24 months in jail. $500 - $5,000 in fines.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor
  • Examples: resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, 2nd degree arson
  • Sentencing: 3-12 months in jail. $250 - $1,000 in fines.

Both drug and traffic-related offenses have unique misdemeanor classifications in Colorado. Drug misdemeanors can result in anywhere from 18 months in jail to a $50 fine. On the high end, traffic misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days in jail, while only receiving $150 in fines on the low end.

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. Will Keep You Protected in Longmont

From Class 1 felonies to Class 2 misdemeanors, don’t face criminal charges alone. With over 30 years of experience in Longmont, our criminal defense attorneys know how to navigate the local courts and protect your rights at every stage.

We’re here to help!