Criminal Defense FAQ

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If you are facing criminal charges in Colorado, you probably have questions about what happens next. An arrest, investigation, or court summons can create uncertainty about your future, your rights, and your legal options.

At Wolf Law, we regularly answer questions from individuals facing criminal allegations throughout Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and surrounding Colorado communities. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about criminal defense, the Colorado court system, and what to expect during a criminal case.

Wolf Law represents clients across Colorado with a criminal defense practice focused on preparation, strategy, and strong legal advocacy. Attorneys and Partners Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley lead the firm’s defense team, each bringing decades of trial experience, sharp legal analysis, and a commitment to protecting their clients’ rights at every stage. Both attorneys are known for their national media presence, including commentary on Court TV and Law & Crime, and both bring that same level of analytical rigor and courtroom skill to every case they handle. Together, they reflect Wolf Law’s philosophy that excellent criminal defense is built on preparation, precision, and a genuine commitment to the people they represent.

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested?

Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask to speak with an attorney. Avoid discussing your case with law enforcement officers, friends, family members, or anyone else until you have received legal advice.

Statements made after an arrest may be used as evidence later in the case.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

While you have the right to represent yourself, criminal cases often involve complex legal issues, procedural rules, and evidentiary challenges.

An attorney can help protect your rights, review evidence, identify legal defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare your case for trial if necessary.

Will I Get Bond After an Arrest?

In Colorado, nearly every defendant is entitled to bond except those charged with first-degree murder.

The issue is generally not whether someone qualifies for release but rather the amount of bond and the ability to pay. Courts consider factors such as criminal history, community ties, and the nature of the allegations when determining bond conditions.

What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Misdemeanors generally carry less severe penalties than felonies.

Colorado has two misdemeanor classes:

  • Class 1 Misdemeanor: More serious misdemeanor offenses.
  • Class 2 Misdemeanor: Less serious misdemeanor offenses.

Felonies are divided into multiple classifications and may carry significantly greater penalties, including prison exposure.

Drug offenses use a separate classification system under Colorado law.

What Happens After Criminal Charges Are Filed?

Although every case is different, most criminal cases follow a similar process:

  • Arrest or Citation
  • Bond Determination
  • Advisement Hearing
  • Discovery and Investigation
  • Negotiations
  • Trial or Resolution

The exact timeline depends on the nature of the allegations, the amount of evidence involved, and the court handling the case.

Have Questions About Your Charges?

Wolf Law offers free consultations for individuals facing criminal allegations throughout Colorado. Call 720.479.8574 to discuss your situation with our team.

What Does Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Mean?

In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This is the highest burden of proof in the legal system. It requires prosecutors to present evidence sufficient to convince a jury that the defendant committed the alleged offense.

A defendant does not have to prove innocence. The burden remains on the prosecution throughout the case.

Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed?

Yes. Charges may be dismissed for many reasons, including:

  • Insufficient evidence
  • Constitutional violations
  • Witness credibility concerns
  • Procedural errors
  • Successful legal challenges

Every case is unique, and no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome. However, dismissal is a possibility in some circumstances.

Should I Talk to Police If I Am Innocent?

Even innocent individuals should exercise caution when speaking with law enforcement.

Misunderstandings, inaccurate statements, and incomplete information can sometimes create additional problems. It is generally wise to speak with an attorney before answering investigative questions.

Can a Criminal Conviction Affect Employment?

Yes. Criminal convictions may affect:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Professional licensing
  • Housing applications
  • Educational opportunities
  • Background checks

The long-term consequences of a conviction are one reason criminal charges should always be taken seriously.

What Happens If I Miss a Court Date?

Missing a required court appearance can result in serious consequences, including warrants, additional charges, or bond revocation.

If you believe you may miss a court appearance, contact your attorney immediately.

What Should I Know About DUI Charges?

Colorado aggressively prosecutes DUI and DWAI allegations.

A conviction may result in:

  • License-related consequences
  • Fines and court costs
  • Probation
  • Alcohol education requirements
  • Possible incarceration

Every DUI case involves unique facts that should be carefully evaluated by an attorney.

What Should I Know About Domestic Violence Cases?

Domestic violence allegations often trigger immediate protection orders and restrictions affecting housing, family relationships, and communication with alleged victims.

Prosecutors frequently pursue domestic violence cases even when an alleged victim no longer wishes to move forward.

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take?

The timeline varies depending on:

  • The complexity of the allegations
  • Court scheduling
  • The amount of evidence involved
  • Whether the case proceeds to trial

Some cases resolve quickly, while others may take several months or longer.

Can I Be Convicted Without Physical Evidence?

Yes. Prosecutors may rely on witness testimony, digital evidence, video recordings, or other forms of evidence.

However, the absence of physical evidence may provide opportunities to challenge the strength of the prosecution’s case.

When Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney?

As soon as possible.

Early legal representation often provides the greatest opportunity to protect your rights, preserve favorable evidence, and develop a strategic defense before critical decisions are made.

Contact Wolf Law Today

If you are facing criminal charges in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, or anywhere in Colorado, do not wait to seek legal guidance.

Wolf Law offers free consultations to help you understand your options and begin building your defense. Call 720.479.8574 today. Your defense starts with a single call to Wolf Law.

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Testimonials

Exceptional Attorney Who Truly Cares

I cannot thank Jeffrey enough for his dedication and hard work on my case. From the very beginning, he took the time to understand every detail and worked diligently to ensure the best possible outcome. His expertise, professionalism, and clear communication made a challenging situation much easier to navigate.

What sets Jeffrey apart is his genuine care and commitment to his clients. He went above and beyond to advocate for me, and I always felt like I was in capable and trustworthy hands.

I highly recommend Jeffrey to anyone in need of legal representation. He’s not only an outstanding attorney but also a great person who truly cares about his clients’ success. I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate!

— Anonymous

Outstanding, professional and easy to work with

I had the privilege of working with Colleen and Jeff at Wolf Law, and they exceeded every expectation I had. From the very first conversation, both attorneys were incredibly responsive, clear, and genuinely invested in my situation. They explained everything in plain English, kept me updated at every step, and fought hard to get the best possible outcome for me.

Their professionalism, attention to detail, and calm guidance through what could have been a very stressful process made all the difference. I truly felt like I had a dedicated team on my side, not just another law firm.

I would and will recommend Wolf Law without hesitation to anyone in need of trusted, skilled legal representation in Colorado. Thank you both!

— Eric R.

Best possible outcome!

I was facing felony assault charges for an altercation I got into and needed an attorney. It was self defense but the DA was not seeing it that way. After calling around I found Wolf law and spoke with Colleen Kelley on the phone about my case. From the get go she was very professional and I could tell that she truly cares for her clients and their rights and wants to get the best possible outcome. So many attorneys out there just go through the motions and take peoples money. Colleen is not one of them! She knows the law and knows your rights. She’s very experienced in these types of cases and it showed! We took this case all the way to trial and Colleen was nothing short of exceptional in court! She left no stone unturned and was 110% prepared when my trial date came around. She also did an exceptional job preparing me for trial. I felt very confident going into trial because Colleen was in my corner. Communication was great throughout the whole process. Needless to say we got the result we were looking for and I was found not guilty on all counts. I will forever be grateful to Colleen for her services and I am thankful that I chose her to represent me. If you’re looking for a top notch attorney, pick up the phone and call Colleen!

— Ivan M.

I Will Definitely Hire Mr. Wolf Again

I turned to Wolf Law for help after a small bumper ding in a Starbucks parking lot escalated once the Denver PD was involved. Jeff expertly stepped in to keep the matter from getting any more complex, including speaking with a Denver Police Officer who seemed intent on imposing the most severe charges possible. Jeff continued his zealous representation of my case in Traffic Court where he worked out a reduction in the ticket with the Denver City Attorney and also eloquently explained the situation and the facts at hand to the judge, resulting in a reduction in the fine. Wolf Law exceeded my expectations on this case and managed to keep me calm about the severity of the charges throughout the process. I would highly recommend Wolf Law to anyone and everyone, and if I ever have the need, I will definitely hire Mr. Wolf again.

— Gil S.

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

My Case

Jeffrey handle my domestic case with sympathy and understanding. He reviewed all the facts and found that l was actually the victim in his opinion and never should have been put in the position l found myself. He reviewed his findings/opinion with the DA and got my case dismissed. Jeffrey was very thorough, sympathetic and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend him.

— Glen

Professional, Passionate and Knowledgeable

This was my first experience with the law, and Jeffrey Wolf did a fantastic job of guiding me and my family through this. He was always available to answer any concerns I had, realistic in terms of what we were looking at, and passionate about getting us through this. He truly took my case to heart and was a lifesaver through a trying time. Thanks to him, I still have a chance to succeed in my career and lead a normal life!

— Tyler C.

Truly There for You

Jeff is the best attorney my husband and I have used. He actually cared about what was best for my family. He actually fought for my husband and was on his side. He listened to my husband and made us feel like he was on our side and we could trust him with my husband’s future. I suggest to anyone looking for an attorney to put your trust in Jeff, he got us the best deal ever.

— Raena

Case Dismissed

Jeff Wolf really helped me out and you are really good at what you do thank you for all your hard work.

— Adrian D.

Working with Wolf Law

I strongly encourage anyone with legal needs to use Wolf Law LLC. Jeff was professional, efficient and got even better results than I originally anticipated. I hope to avoid legal issues in the future, but if anything were to come up, there is no where else I’d turn to.

— Daniel