We have taken this opportunity to answer some frequent questions that people have about general legal information, DUI / DWAI and Domestic Violence and given those answers below. However, each case is unique and your case may have a different answer based on your facts. Also, if you do not see your question, please call our office and set up a free consultation. We would be happy to discuss your legal matters with you.
Everyone charged with a crime or traffic offense should have a lawyer. Here are the five things a lawyer can do for you:
No. At the McAdams Law Office, we offer you the opportunity to have a free consultation with attorney Bill McAdams. We suggest that the most effective consultation is in person so that the he can review your documents and you can meet the attorney personally. However, we also provide scheduled phone consultations for those people unable to easily make it to our office.
Every case is different and as a result each case has its own cost. Cost is based on the severity and number of the charges.
In most cases, we offer a multiple stage flat fee arrangement. We separate the case into two or three distinct stages and then charge a flat fee for each stage. This flat fee for each stage is not due unless and until we reach that stage. If we don’t reach a stage, you don’t pay for it. In more serious felonies, we do charge by the hour.
As for payment options, we do offer some relief. We require a retainer (down payment) and then upon request will usually agree to a monthly payment to satisfy the remainder.
Choosing a lawyer can be difficult. You should look for the following qualities:
Typically, there is jail associated with a DUI or DWAI if the blood/breath test was .200 or higher, there was an accident, there were injuries, or this was not your first conviction for one of these crimes. The amount of jail time and the type of jail are negotiable. We can assist you in negotiating a plea agreement that carries a minimal amount of jail while serving it in a capacity that works best for you.
In most circumstances there is a mandatory suspension of your driving privilege of at least nine months. We can assist you in fighting these suspensions and get a probationary driver’s license if eligible.
No. There is no legal requirement that you complete a blood or breath test when asked by the Officer and refusal to do so will likely weaken the DA’s case against you. However, if you choose not to, then you will likely lose your driver’s license for a minimum of one year without the possibility of a probationary driver’s license (red license, work license). Generally, we recommend that you complete a blood test if you do take a test at all.
In fighting these charges, we employ a number of methods to demonstrate to the judge and jury that the primary witness is a police officer with little or no scientific training and he/she is making a scientific analysis of the situation. Specifically, we attack the stop of the car itself, the observations made by the officer, the roadside maneuvers and the chemical test, just to mention a few. This aggressive style tends to significantly weaken the officer’s testimony and in turn weaken the DA’s case.
Most people think of Domestic Violence is a physical act and nothing else. This is incorrect. A crime is a Domestic Violence crime if (1) the act was between two people in an intimate relationship and (2) it was either an act of violence, threatened act of violence or was for the purpose of control coercion, punishment, intimidation or revenge. If it meets these requirements, it is an act of Domestic Violence despite the nature of the crime or the facts supporting the crime.
Possibly. Federal law states that it is a federal offense to use, own or possess a firearm if you are convicted of a crime of violence. This includes most Domestic Violence crimes, but not all. We may be able to negotiate a plea agreement to a lesser charge which does not require this prohibition.
Colorado law says that a restraining order is required in all Domestic Violence cases. However, the court can reduce the scope of the restraining order to merely prohibit illegal activity and allow contact between the parties. This is only granted if the parties know to ask for it and if the judge is convinced that the safety of all parties can be assured without further restrictions. We understand how to request and obtain these changes in restraining orders to allow you greater freedom.
Domestic Violence is not a charge, but instead a sentence enhancer. No additional jail time is assessed because it was an act of Domestic Violence. However, Colorado law provides that every person who pleads guilty to a crime of Domestic Violence must complete a minimum 36 week domestic violence course through a state certified treatment agency. Typically, these classes cost around $1,400.