Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor Charge Lawyers in Loveland

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. has proudly served Colorado since 1989. Our team of local attorneys will ensure the best possible outcome for your Loveland misdemeanor case.

Start Building Your Misdemeanor Defense Case Today

Don’t let a misdemeanor charge derail your life. In Loveland, even minor offenses can carry serious consequences, including jail time and a permanent criminal record. Acting fast to secure an experienced defense attorney is critical in Larimer County.

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. offers trusted criminal defense representation for misdemeanor cases in Loveland and the greater Front Range.

Charged with a Misdemeanor? Here’s What to Do Next

If you were arrested for a misdemeanor in Loveland, your actions in the first 48 hours could make or break your case. Here are some key steps you should take:

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Remember, you have the constitutional right to remain silent. Even if you believe cooperating will help your case, anything you say can be used against you. It's best to politely decline answering questions until your attorney is present.

Keep All Records Related to Your Case

Keep all paperwork related to your misdemeanor case, including citations, criminal complaints, and court summons. These documents contain essential details your attorney will need to build an effective defense strategy.

Don’t Post About Your Case Online

What you share online can work against you. Anything you post on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter can be reviewed by law enforcement and used as evidence in your case.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

Hiring a criminal defense attorney who knows the Loveland legal system can make all the difference in your case. The lawyers at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. will help you:

  • Get clarity on charges: Your defense lawyer will break down the accusations and help you understand the possible outcomes and how they could affect your future.
  • Understand every opportunity: Our team will identify paths for reducing or eliminating charges in Larimer County, whether through diversion programs, deferred judgment, or full dismissal.
  • Keep your record clean: We work to prevent long-term consequences by pursuing solutions that safeguard your criminal record.
  • Handle the courtroom: With deep knowledge of the Loveland legal system, our attorneys will represent you confidently in front of prosecutors and judges.

With decades of experience in Larimer County courts, our team knows how to build winning defense strategies. We’ll get the best possible result in your case.

Different Misdemeanor Classifications in Loveland

While misdemeanor penalties in Loveland can differ significantly by case, standard sentencing ranges can help you understand their potential impacts.

Class 1 Misdemeanor

  • Examples: Harassment, defacing a firearm, theft of property
  • Sentencing: 6-24 months in jail. $500 - $5,000 in possible fines

Class 2 Misdemeanor

  • Examples: Criminal tampering, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest
  • Sentencing: 3-12 months in jail. $250 - $1,000 in possible fines

Level 1 Drug Misdemeanors

  • Examples: Possession of less than 4 grams of Schedule I and II drugs
  • Sentencing: 6-18 months in jail. $500 - $5,000 in possible fines

Level 2 Drug Misdemeanors

  • Examples: Abusing toxic vapors, unlawful use of a controlled substance
  • Sentencing: 0-12 months in jail. $50 - $750 in possible fines

Class 1 Traffic Offenses

  • Examples: Speeding by over 25 mph in a safety zone, careless driving, racing
  • Sentencing: 10-364 days in jail. $300 - $1,000 in possible fines

Class 2 Traffic Offenses

  • Examples: Reckless driving, driving without a license, hit and run
  • Sentencing: 10-90 days in jail. $150 - $300 in possible fines

Remember, factors like the nature of the offense and your criminal history can impact misdemeanor sentencing in Loveland. If you have prior convictions, you may face harsher sentencing in Larimer County courts.

Deferred Judgement and Sentencing (DJS) in Loveland

A deferred judgment and sentencing (DJS) is a legal arrangement where sentencing is postponed while the defendant complies with conditions negotiated with the District Attorney. Successful completion of these terms results in the case being dismissed.

Example Deferred Judgement and Sentencing (DJS) Scenario

In this scenario, a 26-year-old Loveland resident was charged with a misdemeanor for shoplifting a low-value item from a retail store. Because this is his first offense, the court considers him a good candidate for alternative sentencing.

Instead of imposing jail time or a permanent criminal record, the District Attorney offers him a Deferred Judgment and Sentencing (DJS) agreement. Under this arrangement, he must must complete the following conditions within a 12-month period:

  • Attend a theft awareness course
  • Complete 40 hours of community service
  • Remain arrest-free and comply with court check-ins

Over the next year, the defendant successfully fulfills all requirements and avoids any new legal trouble. As a result, the Loveland courts dismiss the case.

Examples of DJS programs in Loveland include:

  • Community Service: For certain misdemeanor charges, Loveland courts may offer community service as an alternative to jail time. Especially for first-time offenders, volunteering with youth programs or helping maintain public facilities may lead to a reduced sentence or even case dismissal.
  • Substance Abuse Programs: For offenses involving drugs, courts often encourage rehabilitation by mandating participation in approved treatment or counseling programs. Loveland has several reputable substance abuse facilities, including The Recovery Village Palmer Lake and Northpoint Colorado.

Experienced Legal Defense When Your Future Is on the Line

With decades of experience, our Loveland misdemeanor defense attorneys have secured numerous case dismissals and favorable plea deals. We’ll advocate for you at every stage of the process and fight to protect your rights.

We’re here to protect your future!

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We’ve Helped Others Like You

I would like to give a big thank you to Matthew Crowther and his paralegal, Nicolas Allen, for doing a great job on my case. They settled for more than I expected and were always available when I had questions. I would highly recommend them and would go back to them if needed. Thank you again.
Rick Pennetta

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