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- 11990 Grant Street, Suite 550, Northglenn, CO 80233
Legal Defenses that Work in Colorado Criminal Cases
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Former Prosecutor Lori Beck Knows Which Defenses Actually Win Cases
When you’re facing criminal charges in Colorado, the right defense strategy can mean the difference between conviction and freedom. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Attorney Lori Beck knows which defenses prosecutors fear most—and how to build cases that create reasonable doubt.
The prosecution’s job is to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Our job is to prevent them from doing that. With 24+ years of experience on both sides of Colorado courtrooms, we know exactly which evidence to challenge, which witnesses to question, and which legal defenses work in real Colorado cases.
Constitutional Defenses: Protecting Your Rights
Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment is your shield. If police violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, all evidence obtained illegally must be suppressed. This often leads to dismissed charges.
Common violations we challenge:
- Traffic stops without reasonable suspicion
- Searches without probable cause or warrants
- Illegal entry into homes or vehicles
- Improperly obtained search warrants
Constitutional Violations
Police must follow the rules. Violations of your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, Sixth Amendment right to counsel, or Miranda rights can destroy the prosecution's case.
Coerced Confession
Not all confessions are voluntary. If police used improper interrogation techniques, threats, or coercion, your confession may be inadmissible in court.
Self-Defense and Protection Defenses
Self-Defense
Colorado's "Make My Day" law protects your right to defend yourself. If you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, your actions may be legally justified.
Defense of Others
You have the right to protect family, friends, and even strangers from unlawful violence. Colorado law recognizes your duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves.
Defense of Property
Your home and property deserve protection. Colorado's Castle Doctrine allows you to use reasonable force to protect your property from unlawful intrusion or theft.
Procedural and Evidence Defenses
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can't meet this burden, you must be found not guilty.
Statute of Limitations
Time limits protect defendants. If charges weren't filed within the legal time limit, your case must be dismissed regardless of the evidence.
Double Jeopardy
You cannot be tried twice for the same offense. If you've already been acquitted or convicted, subsequent charges for the same conduct are constitutionally prohibited.
Missing Evidence / Police Misconduct
Evidence that disappears or is mishandled can undermine the prosecution's case. Police misconduct during investigation or evidence handling often leads to dismissed charges.
Specialized Defenses
Entrapment
Police cannot create crimes. If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn't have otherwise committed, you may have an entrapment defense.
Duress
Crimes committed under threat may not be your fault. If someone forced you to break the law through threats of immediate harm, duress may be a complete defense.
Heat of Passion
Mental illness can negate criminal responsibility. Colorado recognizes the insanity defense when mental disease prevents you from understanding right from wrong.
Missing Evidence / Police Misconduct
Strong emotions can reduce charges. While not a complete defense, heat of passion can reduce murder charges to manslaughter when you acted in sudden passion upon adequate provocation.
"I am so happy with Lori beck ..I'd 100% recommend her..." — Shay Santistevan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Former Prosecutor Advantage —
Professional Expertise
Former Prosecutor Advantage
We know how prosecutors think because we used to be prosecutors. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their strategies and build stronger defenses.
Proven Track Record
Our defenses have resulted in:
- Dismissed charges before trial
- Not guilty verdicts at trial
- Reduced charges through negotiation
- Suppressed evidence that destroys prosecution cases
Comprehensive Investigation
Every case requires thorough investigation. We examine all evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and consult with experts to build the strongest possible defense.
Our resources include:
- Private investigators
- Expert witnesses
- Forensic specialists
- Constitutional law research
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense
What's the first thing I should do after being arrested?
Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t answer questions, don’t explain your side of the story, and don’t try to convince officers of your innocence. Politely say: “I want to speak to my attorney” and then stay silent. Anything you say will be used against you, even if you’re innocent.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
Beck Law Office uses flat fee pricing for criminal cases—no hourly billing surprises. Costs vary based on case complexity, but we offer payment plans with 50% down for fees over $1,000, then monthly payments. A free consultation helps us provide accurate pricing for your specific situation. Remember: the cost of conviction is always higher than the cost of defense.
What is reasonable doubt?
Reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof in law. It means the prosecution must prove your guilt so thoroughly that a reasonable person would not hesitate to rely on it in making important decisions. It’s not “beyond all doubt” but rather doubt based on reason and common sense. If jurors have reasonable doubt about any element of the crime, they must find you not guilty.
Can I represent myself in criminal court?
You have the right to self-representation, but it’s rarely wise. Criminal law is complex, prosecutors are experienced attorneys, and the consequences of conviction can be life-changing. As the saying goes: “A person who represents himself has a fool for a client.” Even attorneys hire other attorneys when they’re charged with crimes.
How long does a criminal case take in Colorado?
Most cases resolve within 3-6 months, but complex cases can take over a year. Timeline depends on factors like case complexity, evidence volume, witness availability, and court schedules. Felony cases generally take longer than misdemeanors. We keep clients informed about realistic timelines and work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while protecting your rights.
What if I'm innocent but there's evidence against me?
Innocent people can be wrongfully convicted—that’s why you need aggressive defense. Evidence can be misinterpreted, witnesses can be mistaken, and police investigations can be flawed. We challenge every piece of evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and present alternative explanations that create reasonable doubt about your guilt.
Your Defense Strategy Starts Today
Time is critical in criminal cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and constitutional violations become harder to prove as time passes. The sooner we begin building your defense, the better your chances of success.
Remember: The prosecution has unlimited resources and experienced attorneys working to convict you. You deserve equally skilled representation fighting for your freedom.
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