How do you get a felony dropped to a misdemeanor?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How do you get a felony dropped to a misdemeanor?

How much time can you face if charged with 18-3-203(1)(g) ASSAULT 2-CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY in CO? I have the discovery report and it states that the victim did not want to press charges and the only witness that had given statement no longer wants part of it. He/she cannot be found at this point. The victim did suffer a broken nose. No one was questioned and no statements where taken including mine which given the chance to explain would make this a “heat of passion” crime to my understanding given the fact the crime was committed in self defense. Should I speak with a criminal defense attorney? In Denver, CO.

Asked on September 19, 2010 under Criminal Law, Colorado

Answers:

M.S., Member, Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

The short answer to your question is YES, you should talk to a criminal defense attorney.  Once you have retained a criminal defense attorney, he/she will be able to present your case to the prosecutor and enter into plea negotiations.  This is standard in criminal cases.  Once your attorney points out the weaknesses and/or problems with the state's case, the prosecutor may be willing to offer an attractive plea deal.  This often includes offering the defendant a chance to plead guilty to a lesser charge (i.e., a misdemeanor) in lieu of taking the felony charge to trial.  In light of the fact that there is a potential self-defense issue in your case, it may be possible for your attorney to obtain a favorable resolution for you.  In any event, however, it is clear to me that you need to hire an attorney as soon as possible to prevent yourself from obtaining a felony conviction.  Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption