Fort Collins Colorado Criminal Defense Attorneys

Our Fort Collins criminal defense lawyers have years of experience fighting for dismissals and charge reductions of our clients’ felony and misdemeanor cases. We work to protect your freedom, your record, and your driving privileges while pursuing reduced charges or dismissal whenever possible.

In this article, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys discuss:

• 1. Where are people jailed after being arrested in Fort Collins?
• 3. Where is the Fort Collins Courthouse?
• 4. Who are the Fort Collins police?
• 5. Who prosecutes criminal cases?
• 6. What are typical Fort Collins crimes?
• 7. Can I get my case dismissed?
• 8. Is an attorney necessary?

1. Where are people jailed after being arrested in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins arrestees are jailed at the Larimer County Jail at 2405 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525. The phone number is (970) 498-5200.

2. How can I post bail?

To post bail at the Larimer County Jail, people can pay cash or cashier’s checks, put up real estate as collateral, or go through a bail bondsman. For bond amounts for a particular inmate, search the inmate information page.

3. Where is the Fort Collins courthouse?

Misdemeanors, petty offenses, and traffic infractions from inside the incorporated area of Fort Collins are handled in the Fort Collins Municipal Court. The address is 215 N. Mason, First Floor, Fort Collins, CO 80524. The phone number is (970) 221- 6800.

All other cases in Fort Collins are heard in the Larimer County Justice Center located at 201 La Porte Ave., Ste. 100, Ft. Collins, CO 80521. The phone number is (970) 494-3500.

Note that felony charges that do not settle or get dismissed in Justice Court are bound over to the Eighth Judicial District Court (which is located in the same building).

4. Who are the Fort Collins police?

Police officers in Fort Collins are typically from either:

• Fort Collins Police Services. The station is located at 2221 S Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525. The phone number is (970) 221-6540.
• Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. The station is located at 2501 Midpoint Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525. The phone number is (970) 498-5100.

Meanwhile, officers with the Colorado State Patrol often issue traffic citations on the SH-14.

5. Who prosecutes criminal cases?

The Larimer County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases in the Larimer County Justice Center. The office is located at 201 LaPorte Ave., Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO 80521. The phone number is (970) 498-7200.

In Fort Collins Municipal Court, the prosecutor is the City Attorney. The office is located at 300 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521. The phone number is (970) 221-6520.

6. What are typical Fort Collins crimes?

Our Fort Collins criminal attorneys defend clients accused of a wide range of Colorado offenses, including:

• driving under the influence;
• drug offenses such as drug possession;
• assault or menacing;
• speeding;
• domestic violence-related crimes;
• shoplifting;
• white-collar crimes;
• violation of a protective order; or
• sexual assault.

Every criminal case is different. A defense strategy may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, questioning whether police conducted a lawful search or traffic stop, contesting forensic or chemical-test evidence, presenting an affirmative defense such as self-defense, or showing that prosecutors cannot prove every element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

If your case involves impaired driving, our attorneys can also address the criminal case as well as driver’s-license consequences associated with a Colorado DUI arrest.

7. Can I get my case dismissed?

An arrest in Fort Collins does not mean you will be convicted. Depending on the evidence, criminal charges may sometimes be dismissed or reduced.

Potential defenses may involve:

• an unlawful search or seizure;
• an illegal traffic stop;
• lack of probable cause;
• unreliable witnesses;
• false accusations;
• insufficient evidence;
• mistaken identity;
• self-defense;
• accident;
• lack of criminal intent; or
• problems with forensic, breath, or blood evidence.

Our Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys examine the evidence for weaknesses and inconsistencies and look for legal grounds to exclude evidence, challenge the charges, and raise reasonable doubt.

When dismissal is not possible, our defense may focus on reducing the charges, minimizing penalties, avoiding incarceration, protecting driving privileges, or pursuing another favorable resolution.

8. Is an attorney necessary?

Having an experienced criminal defense attorney is necessary to maximize the odds of getting charges reduced or dismissed.

Private counsel – unlike public defenders – have the resources and time required to put together the best defense possible. Time has shown that prosecutors are far more likely to extend favorable plea bargains to defendants with their own attorney.

The earlier we become involved, the more opportunity there may be to preserve evidence, identify defense issues, and intervene before important decisions are made.