Criminal Defense FAQ

If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Colorado, you likely have questions about your legal options and what to expect moving forward.

On this page, the Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law address some commonly asked questions about arrests, formal charges and the criminal justice process. If you’re ready to discuss your situation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please call Wolf Law today at 720-479-8574 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Q: What criminal cases does Wolf Law handle?

A: The accomplished attorneys at Wolf Law handle a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to:

A law book with a gavel - Criminal law — Criminal law covers a broad range of situations.

Assault charges
Domestic violence charges
Drug charges
DUI/DWAI charges
Harassment charges
Internet and computer crime charges
Juvenile crimes
Probation violations
Theft charges
Weapons charges

For a detailed list of case examples, please see our Practice Areas page.

Q: Can I contact a lawyer on behalf of someone else who is facing criminal charges?

A: It’s common for family or friends to reach out on behalf of loved ones who are confronted with criminal charges. At Wolf Law, we welcome you to contact us for a free consultation to help you understand potential courses of action, and we can take the lead on building a strong case if your loved one decides to retain our services.

Q: Should I talk to law enforcement if I’m being investigated for or have been charged with a crime?

A: Don’t answer any law enforcement questions without speaking to a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer first. Whether you’re being investigated for a crime or have already been charged, you have rights; those rights include the right to remain silent and obtain the services of an attorney. Any statements you make to law enforcement could be used against you in a criminal case.

Q: What if I wasn’t read my Miranda rights when I was arrested? Will my case be dismissed?

Drunk driver being pulled over by police. — You have the right to remain silent. Don’t answer law enforcement questions without first speaking to a criminal defense lawyer. And make sure to tell your attorney if arresting officers fail to issue a Miranda warning.

A: Most people know the basics of a Miranda warning: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.”

Law enforcement officers are generally required to notify criminal suspects of their Miranda rights upon taking suspects into custody. However, if police fail to provide this warning it doesn’t mean the suspect is free and clear of criminal charges. It simply means that prosecuting attorneys will not be able to use statements made by the suspect as evidence.

Conversely, once the Miranda warning has been issued, anything a suspect says afterward will be admissible in court. If you were arrested and taken into custody without being notified of your Miranda rights, it’s important to mention this to your criminal defense lawyer.

Q: If I’ve been charged with a crime, how soon should I contact an attorney?

A: It’s in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. Depending on the charges, an attorney may be able to secure your release from jail or argue for a reduced bond.

Teenager in handcuffs after shoplifting — It’s advisable to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after arrest.

While there’s no hard deadline for hiring an attorney, the earlier in the process you have a lawyer on your side the better. Retaining an attorney before your arraignment will allow time for your lawyer to investigate your case and build a thorough defense on your behalf.

Q: Should I hire an attorney if I plan to plead guilty to criminal charges?

A: Even if you plan to enter a guilty plea, working with an attorney has its advantages. For example, a skilled criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate for reduced charges and minimize subsequent punishment.

Q: Can Wolf Law guarantee an outcome on my case?

A: No. It would be unethical for any attorney to guarantee an outcome to a case, although some lawyers make promises they can’t necessarily keep. This isn’t because they’re bad attorneys or bad people, but because many facts remain unknown after the initial contact between clients and their lawyers.

The full facts relative to a case can’t be known or interpreted until an attorney is hired and begins the discovery process. During your initial consultation with Wolf Law, we can provide an idea of what to expect, but we can’t guarantee a specific outcome. Beware of attorneys who make such promises.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Colorado, the Denver criminal defense attorneys at Wolf Law are ready to hear your story. Call us today at 720-479-8574 for a free case consultation or contact us online.

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Highly Recommend Wolf Law for DUI Cases

I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me for a DUI and accident involving damages. While I knew I was 100 percent in the wrong, Jeff never once made me feel like a terrible person for making a mistake. He quickly responded to emails and always called me back quickly when I had questions (I had a lot of questions). I’ve never been in trouble with the law before, and Jeff was patient in explaining everything thoroughly to me throughout the entire process, and was also able to get my sentence reduced. I recommend him to anyone going through a similar situation.

— Emily

Informative, Kind, Helpful: Can’t Thank Him Enough

My experience with Wolf Law was excellent. I am a full time college student and Mr. Wolf was beyond helpful to me, and provided me with all of the information I needed. He is very kind and always available for questions and support. I can’t thank him enough for all of his hard work.

— Marisa

Colleen Kelley, Esq.

Wolf Law Firm, LLC was not recommend to me by anyone, but as it turned out, was the best choice I could have made!

While searching for a lawyer for my two cases, a DUI and a trespassing felony, an understatement to say how scared I was! Wolf Law Firm caught my eye and, truthfully, it was because their firm provided a free consultation, which is invaluable in and of itself. Colleen Kelley is the attorney that picked-up the phone that day. After talking with her, I made the choice to hire her as my attorney.

We got off to a rocky start, mainly because of my inability to realize just how severe my situation was. Then, one day, Colleen just laid it on the line for me, my obvious unwillingness to face what was happening and the fact I wasn’t facing my drinking issues. It was a conversation that she was bold enough to have with me. Thanking her a million times over isn’t enough for the fortitude she had that day, not only as my attorney, but as a person genuinely concerned.

OUR outcome was more than phenomenal thanks to her diligence! I am, and will always remain, emotionally indebted to Colleen for her courage, kindness and overall, being an awesome attorney.

The day I came across Wolf Law Firm was the day, as it turned out, my life has a new beginning.

— Shelly O'Hayre

Jeff Wolf

I was very impressed with the services provided and knowledge of him, and his firm. His direct communication and direction were very helpful and very much appreciated.

Thank you.

— Steve Bares

Very helpful with my legal issue – Highly recommend

Cassandra helped me through the process of of fighting a charge that was not correct. I could not have done it without her. She was very professional and explained the process before and during when I had to show up at court. The case was dropped..

Thank you Cassandra –

— CABeardsley

Very pleased with service

Ms. Monahan was professional, answered all my questions, and ended up achieving the desired outcome. I highly recommend her personally and Wolf Law.

— R.N.

Best in the business

Working with Mr. Wolf was an absolute privilege. Having never been in trouble with the law before, Jeff was there for me each step of the way from the day before I turned myself in, to the very end of my case, which he was able to help me get dismissed.

A true professional, he was nothing but honest and fair to me. He showed me and my family the utmost respect through a difficult time. At a point when I felt alone, Jeff was there to make sure I would be ok.

He is true to his word, and each step of the way, he and his team will keep you informed on any and all items that need to be addressed.

Because of Mr. Wolf, I can continue with my life and move forward. Thank you, Jeff Wolf, and everyone at the firm. If anyone I know ever needs a defense attorney, I will recommend the best in Colorado. Wolf Law.

— John

Fantastic Legal Service

Cassandra was so helpful and informative throughout my process, she clearly stated the steps nessecary, and answered the many questions I had over my proceedings. I am very appreciative of the time Wolf Law gave me, and will have them as a reference for others I know who may find themselves in need of legal assistance. Thank you!

— Michael Roesel

Domestic Violence Defense

I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me in a domestic violence defense case. The results were excellent. Him and his team are awesome. They handled everything for me. Trust your freedom with Wolf Law!

— - John D.

Great results. Great to work with.

I had an amazing experience working with Wolf Law, and specifically Cassandra Monahan. I was involved in a car accident and Miss Monahan not only got the ticket dismissed, but did it quickly and effectively. Moreover, she was great to work with, showing a genuine care for me and my case. I would highly recommend Wolf Law and Cassandra for anyone who needs representation with respect and results!

— Rob T.