Misdemeanors may be less serious than felonies, but they still carry very real consequences, including possible jail time, fines, and a tarnished record.

Our Broomfield defense attorneys ensure that a small mistake doesn't become a major life problem.

Facing Misdemeanor Charges in Broomfield? Get Legal Help Now

Even low-level misdemeanors like petty theft and disorderly conduct can show up on your permanent record. Without proper legal protection, a misdemeanor crime can disrupt employment, housing, and other opportunities.

For over 30 years, Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. has provided premier criminal defense services in Broomfield, CO and beyond.

What Should I Do After Getting Charged with a Misdemeanor?

Since these charges can have lasting consequences, it's important to treat a misdemeanor with the same seriousness as a felony. Making the right decisions in the first 24-48 hours can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome:

Don’t Speak to Police Without a Lawyer

Remember, it's your constitutional right in the United States to remain silent if you choose. Even if you feel like you are helping your case by answering questions, you may be giving prosecutors information they can use against you. Just politely decline to answer questions until you have an attorney.

Save Your Documentation

It’s important to save every piece of paperwork related to your misdemeanor case, including:

• Citations
• Criminal Complaint
• Court Summons

Please note, these documents contain critical information that your lawyer will use to assess your case and create a winning defense strategy.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

You should seek immediate legal guidance after being charged with a misdemeanor in Broomfield. An experienced defense attorney will critically assess your case, clearly explain your rights, and skillfully guide you past common pitfalls.

Avoid Discussing Your Case on Social Media

When it comes to criminal cases, it's best to avoid posting anything about your charges on social media. It might come as a surprise, but anything you post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be accessed by law enforcement or prosecutors and used as evidence.

The Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. Approach to Criminal Defense

No matter if it's a Class 1 felony or Class 3 misdemeanor, you get the benefit of working with an entire criminal defense team with Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. Moreover, we respond quickly to each inquiry to get ahead on your case from the very start.

During your initial consultation, we’ll carefully review the details of your case and walk you through your legal options. From there, our team investigates the facts, identifies any errors made by law enforcement, negotiates with prosecutors, and prepares for trial if necessary.

Whatever challenges life puts in front of you, our team of lawyers will do everything in our power to create the best possible outcome.

Understanding Misdemeanor Classifications in Broomfield

Like the rest of Colorado, Broomfield uses a basic classification system for ranking the seriousness of misdemeanor offenses.

Class 1 Misdemeanor

• Types of offenses: Harassment, theft of property, defacing a firearm
• Penalties: 6-24 months in jail and $500 - $5,000 in fines.

Class 2 Misdemeanor

• Types of offenses: Criminal mischief, resisting arrest, criminal tampering
• Penalties: 3-12 months in jail and $250 - $1,000 in fines.

Other factors can also impact misdemeanor sentencing in Broomfield. For example, drug and traffic charges are classified separately from traditional misdemeanors and carry their own sentencing parameters. As seen in most court systems, your sentencing will likely be harsher if you have a criminal record.

Are There Sentencing Alternatives to a Misdemeanor Charge in Broomfield?

Broomfield courts often offer sentencing alternatives for misdemeanor crimes, allowing individuals to avoid jail time and a criminal record. However, the ability to receive alternative sentencing hinges largely on your criminal record and the nature of the misdemeanor in question.

Deferred Judgment and Sentencing (DJS)

Deferred judgment is a form of court-ordered supervision where the defendant agrees to a set of conditions outlined in a contract with the District Attorney’s office. In these situations, sentencing is postponed until the defendant meets the requirements set forth by the District Attorney. If the defendant successfully completes the terms, the case is dismissed.

Examples of DJS programs in Broomfield include:

Community Service: Depending on the type of misdemeanor charge, a Broomfield court might order a defendant to complete community service hours as an alternative sentence. Especially if it’s your first offense, community service work like cleaning public spaces and helping local nonprofits can lead to case dismissal.

Substance Abuse Programs: If the alleged offense is drug-related, the court may order participation in substance abuse counseling. Broomfield has several well-regarded substance abuse facilities, including Clinica Family Health & Wellness and Sandstone Care. Completion of drug counseling can potentially clear your record.

Protect Your Future with an Experienced Criminal Defense Team

Our Broomfield misdemeanor defense attorneys have a proven record of success, including case dismissals and favorable plea agreements. We'll stand by you and defend your rights to the very end.

Let us put our 30 years of experience behind your misdemeanor case.