According to a recent article in the Denver Post, the laws regarding sentencing (the length of a sentence for people convicted of crimes in Weld, Morgan and Logan County) are extremely complex. They are so complex that the court system often disagrees about the duration of a prison term for convictions. This is especially true regarding whether to sentence a person to a concurrent or consecutive sentence in Weld, Morgan and Douglas County.
What are Concurrent and Consecutive Sentences?
When a person has been convicted of multiple crimes, Colorado allows the prison time for some offenses to be served at the same time. For example, if you were sentenced to 2 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for Third Degree Burglary – C.R.S. 18-4-204 , and 2 years for Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501, the judge could sentence you to serve your time concurrently – you would serve the sentences at the same time and spend 2 years in prison. A consecutive prison sentence would require that you serve 2 years for one offense, and then another 2 for the second offense –spending a total of 4 years in prison.
The Complexities of Sentencing Law in Colorado
The decision to sentence concurrently or consecutively often depends on very minute details, such as whether the crime was a violent crime, whether or not there were multiple victims, and many more circumstances. Also, Colorado sentencing laws change all the time and the law becomes layered, making it difficult to decode the complex modifications. Often, it is up to the judge’s discretion, because courts are allowed to interpret legislation. This obviously greatly affects the lives of those who are convicted. They are the ones who are actually serving the time, so the consequences which arise from confusing sentencing laws have a huge impact.
Don’t Stand Alone: Have an Experienced Advocate on your Side
Because of the complexities of sentencing laws, we cannot stress enough the importance of having an experienced criminal defense attorney as an advocate for you in court. We have a complete understanding of Colorado law in Greeley, Fort Lupton and Johnstown, and can help sort through the complexities to make sure you receive a fair sentence. American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado legal director Mark Silverstein stresses the impact the complex sentencing laws have for defendants in criminal cases in Colorado: “…It’s a one-sided analysis, and there is a risk that there is not a legal advocate for the defendant.”
Don’t be alone in court – have an advocate who can fight on your behalf. If you have been contacted by police, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – succo
Source: Denver Post