Glendale Assault Lawyer
An assault charge in Glendale can move through the Colorado criminal system faster than most people expect. What starts as a disputed incident at a bar on South Colorado Boulevard or a heated argument in a residential neighborhood can become a formal criminal case within days, with the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office gathering evidence before a defense attorney has even entered the picture. The decisions made at the very beginning of an assault case, including what you say to police, whether you cooperate with investigators, and who you hire to represent you, shape everything that comes after. Glendale assault lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law handles these cases with a level of courtroom preparation that most private defense attorneys simply cannot match.
Colorado assault law creates several distinct offense categories, and the charge you face determines whether you are looking at a misdemeanor with limited jail exposure or a felony that carries mandatory prison time. First degree assault, second degree assault, and third degree assault carry dramatically different consequences, and the facts of your case, including the extent of any alleged injury, the presence of a weapon, and your relationship to the alleged victim, determine where a prosecutor will try to land the charge. Domestic violence designations add yet another layer of complexity, triggering mandatory arrest policies and collateral consequences that extend well beyond the criminal case itself.
Glendale sits entirely within Arapahoe County, which means assault cases originating in this city are prosecuted by the Arapahoe County District Attorney and resolved in the Arapahoe County Combined Courts in Centennial. That court handles a high volume of criminal matters, and the prosecutors there are experienced. Having a Glendale assault attorney who knows that courthouse, those judges, and how that office approaches assault cases is not a trivial advantage. It is the foundation of a realistic defense strategy.
What Sets DeChant Law Apart in Colorado Assault Defense
Reid DeChant built his criminal defense practice on a background that gives him genuine advantages in assault cases specifically. As a former public defender, Reid handled assault charges, domestic violence matters, and violent crime allegations across Denver, Broomfield, and Adams County courtrooms before moving into private practice. That experience translates directly to knowing how prosecutors build assault cases, what evidence they rely on, and where the weaknesses in those cases tend to appear.
Reid is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, the renowned program founded by Gerry Spence that trains defense lawyers in narrative advocacy, psychodrama, and authentic courtroom storytelling. In assault cases, where juries are asked to evaluate conflicting accounts of what happened, the ability to present your client’s version of events in a compelling, human, and believable way is not optional. It is the core of the defense. That training shows in Reid’s trial record, which includes Not Guilty verdicts on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, third degree assault, strangulation in a domestic violence context, and felony menacing.
Among his documented results: two counts of assault with a deadly weapon resulted in a Not Guilty verdict at trial; a third degree assault and false imprisonment domestic violence case ended Not Guilty at trial; an assault out of Adams County ended Not Guilty at trial; and a third degree assault out of Adams County was dismissed outright. These outcomes are not guaranteed in future cases, but they reflect the kind of preparation and courtroom presence that Reid brings to every assault matter he handles. He maintains active membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, staying connected to the best defense strategies being developed across the country.
Colorado Assault Charges Frequently Filed in Glendale
- Third Degree Assault: Colorado’s lowest-level assault charge, classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, but still capable of resulting in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. This charge often arises from altercations where no serious injury occurred, and it is commonly added as a lesser charge in more serious assault cases.
- Second Degree Assault: A class 4 felony in most circumstances, this charge applies when a person intentionally causes serious bodily injury, uses a deadly weapon, or causes injury to a peace officer or emergency responder. A conviction carries a presumptive prison sentence and mandatory period of parole.
- First Degree Assault: Colorado’s most serious assault charge, a class 3 felony with mandatory prison time under the violent crime sentencing framework. First degree assault allegations involve intent to cause serious bodily injury using a deadly weapon or causing disfigurement or permanent disability.
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon: This category of charge escalates the offense level significantly and can apply to firearms, knives, or any object used in a manner capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. It triggers enhanced sentencing and can qualify as a crime of violence under Colorado law.
- Domestic Violence Assault: Any assault charge where the alleged victim has an intimate partner relationship with the defendant triggers mandatory domestic violence designation under Colorado law. This designation brings mandatory arrest, potential protection orders, and specific sentencing requirements that apply regardless of the underlying assault charge level.
- Felony Menacing: Though technically a distinct offense from assault, felony menacing charges are frequently filed alongside or instead of assault charges when the alleged conduct involved a threatened use of force. When a deadly weapon is involved or the victim reasonably feared imminent injury, the charge elevates to a class 5 felony.
- Vehicular Assault: Assault allegations arising from the operation of a motor vehicle, particularly in cases involving DUI or reckless driving, can result in vehicular assault charges that carry felony-level consequences distinct from the standard assault framework.
How Assault Cases Move Through Arapahoe County Courts
After an arrest in Glendale, the formal criminal process begins quickly. Colorado law requires that a defendant appear before a judge within 48 hours for an advisement hearing, where charges are formally presented and bond conditions are set. The Arapahoe County Combined Courts, located at 7325 South Potomac Street in Centennial, handles all felony and misdemeanor criminal matters from Glendale. Understanding that specific courthouse, including which judges handle criminal dockets and how the local DA’s office evaluates assault cases, is the kind of ground-level knowledge that shapes defense strategy from day one.
At the advisement hearing, bond can be set in a range that reflects the severity of the alleged offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and arguments made by defense counsel. This is not a formality. A skilled assault attorney in Glendale can argue for a lower bond or for release on personal recognizance, which matters enormously in the days and weeks that follow while the case develops. If a domestic violence designation applies, additional mandatory protection orders are entered at this stage that prohibit contact with the alleged victim, and those orders carry their own criminal consequences if violated.
The preliminary hearing stage is where a defense attorney begins attacking the prosecution’s case in earnest. For felony assault charges, Colorado law provides defendants the right to a preliminary hearing at which the prosecution must establish probable cause. This hearing is an opportunity to cross-examine law enforcement witnesses, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and put the prosecutor to an early test before trial. Reid’s public defender background means he has conducted more of these hearings than most private defense lawyers, and he uses them strategically rather than treating them as procedural formalities.
Common mistakes defendants make in the early stages of an assault case include speaking to police without an attorney present, contacting the alleged victim in violation of a protection order, posting about the incident on social media, and waiting too long to consult with defense counsel. The evidence landscape changes quickly after an alleged assault. Security camera footage gets overwritten. Witness memories shift. Physical evidence is processed and catalogued in ways that favor the prosecution if no defense attorney is present to track it. Contacting DeChant Law immediately after an arrest or accusation is the most protective step available.
Defenses That Actually Work in Colorado Assault Cases
Colorado law provides several legitimate defense theories in assault cases, and which one applies depends entirely on the facts. Self-defense is the most common, and Colorado’s approach to the justification defense requires careful analysis. A person may use physical force to defend themselves when they reasonably believe that force is necessary to defend against the imminent use of unlawful physical force by another. The reasonableness standard is examined closely by juries, and how the defense presents the defendant’s perspective in the moments before the alleged assault is critical.
Defense of others applies when the defendant used force to protect another person who faced an imminent threat. This defense arises frequently in situations where a third party intervened in an ongoing altercation to protect a friend, family member, or bystander. The same reasonableness analysis applies, and the defendant’s ability to explain the sequence of events credibly is essential.
Consent is occasionally a viable defense in assault cases arising from mutual combat situations or sporting contexts, though it has specific limitations under Colorado law. Challenging the identity of the perpetrator is another avenue in cases where witness identification is disputed, lighting conditions were poor, or the alleged victim’s description of the attacker is inconsistent with other evidence. And in cases where law enforcement officers exceeded their authority during the arrest or investigation, suppression of evidence obtained through an unlawful stop, search, or interrogation can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case before trial even begins.
Allegations are also sometimes simply wrong. Witnesses misidentify people. Alleged victims fabricate or exaggerate incidents for reasons that range from a custody dispute to a personal conflict. A Glendale assault attorney who can credibly expose the unreliability of the prosecution’s witnesses, through effective cross-examination and the presentation of contradicting evidence, gives a jury a reason to question the government’s version of events. That is the foundation of an acquittal.
Questions People Searching for a Glendale Assault Lawyer Actually Ask
What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony assault in Colorado?
Third degree assault is generally classified as a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado, while second degree and first degree assault are felonies. The difference comes down to the level of injury alleged, whether a deadly weapon was used, and whether the alleged victim belongs to a protected category such as a peace officer. Felony assault carries potential prison sentences and a permanent felony record, while misdemeanor assault typically resolves with probation, fines, or county jail time, though even a misdemeanor conviction can have lasting consequences on employment and housing.
Can an assault charge be dismissed if the alleged victim does not want to press charges?
In Colorado, the decision to prosecute belongs to the District Attorney’s Office, not the alleged victim. Once police file a report and make an arrest, the prosecution can proceed even over the objection of the alleged victim. However, the cooperation of the alleged victim is often critical to the prosecution’s case, and when that cooperation is absent, the DA’s office may have difficulty proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense attorney can explore whether a lack of victim cooperation affects the strength of the case, but should not advise clients to contact alleged victims, particularly when a protection order is in place.
How does a domestic violence designation affect an assault case in Colorado?
A domestic violence designation triggers mandatory consequences that are separate from the underlying assault charge. Upon arrest, a mandatory protection order goes into effect prohibiting the defendant from contacting the alleged victim. This can result in a defendant being unable to return home if the alleged victim lives there. Conviction on a domestic violence-designated offense also triggers a federal prohibition on possessing firearms under federal law. Additionally, Colorado requires completion of a domestic violence treatment program as part of any sentence involving a domestic violence conviction, which adds time and cost beyond whatever jail, prison, or probation term is imposed.
What happens if I acted in self-defense but I am still charged with assault?
Being charged despite acting in self-defense is common. Police respond after the fact, often with limited information, and the charging decision is made quickly without full knowledge of what occurred. Once a self-defense claim is properly raised, the prosecution must disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt. That burden is on the government. A defense attorney’s job is to present the facts supporting the self-defense claim clearly, consistently, and compellingly, often through witness testimony, security footage, and physical evidence that corroborates the defendant’s account.
Will an assault conviction show up on a background check in Colorado?
Yes. A conviction for assault, whether misdemeanor or felony, becomes part of your permanent criminal record in Colorado and will appear on background checks run by employers, landlords, and licensing agencies. Colorado does have a record sealing process for certain offenses, but eligibility depends on the specific charge, the outcome of the case, and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction or case closure. Cases that are dismissed or result in a Not Guilty verdict are generally eligible for sealing more quickly and completely than convictions. This is one reason why fighting for a dismissal or acquittal at the outset is worth the effort.
How does an assault charge affect a professional license in Colorado?
Many Colorado licensing boards require disclosure of criminal charges and convictions, including those involving assault. Healthcare workers, teachers, real estate agents, contractors, and others holding professional licenses may face separate licensing board proceedings triggered by an assault charge or conviction. A felony assault conviction in particular can result in license suspension or revocation. The licensing consequences are sometimes more immediate and professionally damaging than the criminal sentence itself, which is why addressing the criminal case aggressively from the start protects not just your freedom but your livelihood.
How long does an assault case typically take in Arapahoe County courts?
Misdemeanor assault cases in Arapahoe County can resolve in a matter of months, either through dismissal, a negotiated plea, or trial. Felony assault cases take longer, often six months to over a year from arrest to resolution, depending on the complexity of the evidence, the number of witnesses, and the court’s docket. Domestic violence cases sometimes face additional procedural requirements that extend the timeline. The pace of a case also depends on how aggressively the defense challenges the prosecution’s evidence and motions, which can either accelerate resolution or push a case toward trial if the facts support it.
Can an assault charge be reduced to a lesser offense in Colorado?
Charge reduction is a common outcome in assault cases where the evidence is contested, the injury alleged is not severe, or the circumstances surrounding the incident support a mitigating narrative. A felony second degree assault charge might be negotiated to a misdemeanor third degree assault or to a deferred judgment arrangement under certain circumstances. Whether a reduction is appropriate depends on the specific facts, the prosecution’s willingness to negotiate, and the leverage the defense has built through pretrial motions and discovery. A defense attorney who is known and prepared to take a case to trial often has more negotiating leverage than one who routinely pushes clients toward quick pleas.
What should I do immediately after being arrested for assault in Glendale?
Do not make any statement to police beyond identifying yourself. Do not discuss the incident with friends, family, or on social media. Do not attempt to contact the alleged victim, particularly if a protection order has been issued. Contact a defense attorney before your advisement hearing, which will occur within 48 hours of your arrest. The period immediately after an arrest is when evidence is freshest, when law enforcement is still gathering information, and when the decisions you make either help or hurt your defense. An attorney can begin reviewing the police report, identifying witnesses, and advising you on how to handle every communication with law enforcement and the court.
Is it worth hiring a private defense attorney for a misdemeanor assault charge?
A class 1 misdemeanor assault conviction in Colorado can result in up to 364 days in jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Beyond the sentence itself, a conviction can cost you employment opportunities, housing options, and professional licenses. Public defenders are often overloaded with cases and may not have the bandwidth to investigate every angle of a misdemeanor case thoroughly. A private Glendale assault attorney can dedicate individualized attention to your case, pursue dismissal through pretrial motions, and prepare a trial defense tailored to the specific facts. The investment in private counsel is often small compared to the long-term cost of a conviction.
DeChant Law Represents Assault Clients Across Glendale and the Surrounding Region
DeChant Law serves clients facing assault charges throughout Glendale and across the broader Denver metropolitan area. In and around Glendale, that includes clients from the Cherry Creek neighborhood just to the north, Virginia Village, and the corridors along South Colorado Boulevard where much of the city’s commercial activity is concentrated. From Glendale, the representation extends through the surrounding Arapahoe County communities of Englewood, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, and Centennial, where the courthouse that handles Glendale’s criminal cases is located.
The firm also handles assault cases in Denver proper, including cases originating in Capitol Hill, Congress Park, Wash Park, Cheesman Park, and the Lincoln Park area that borders Glendale to the northwest. Clients in Aurora, Sheridan, and the unincorporated Arapahoe County areas adjacent to Glendale can also count on the same level of representation. Beyond Arapahoe County, DeChant Law defends assault clients in Jefferson County, Adams County, Broomfield County, and Douglas County, having built trial experience across virtually every courtroom in the Denver metro region during Reid’s years as a public defender and in private practice since.
Speak with a Glendale Assault Attorney Before Your Case Gets Away From You
Assault cases do not wait for a convenient moment to be addressed. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories shift, and the prosecution builds its file while defendants delay. A Glendale assault attorney at DeChant Law can review your situation, explain what the charges actually mean, and give you an honest assessment of where things stand. Reid DeChant has taken assault cases from initial arrest through Not Guilty jury verdicts, and he approaches every case with the same preparation and commitment to the client’s story that his training and trial record reflect.
Reach out to DeChant Law to schedule a consultation. The earlier you get an assault defense attorney in Glendale involved, the more options remain available to you.
