Greeley Criminal Attempt Lawyer
We are often told: “But, I didn’t actually do it!” when we work with clients. Unfortunately, just because you didn’t actually “go through with it”, doesn’t mean you won’t be charged. Attempting to commit a crime is almost as bad as completing the crime in Weld, Morgan, or Logan County. For example, if a burglar is caught in the act, or an employee is caught forging paychecks. In circumstances like these, prosecutors reference Colorado’s Criminal Attempt (C.R.S. 18-2-101) law.
What is the Definition of Criminal Attempt?
Let’s take a closer look at this law in Greeley, Evans and Erie. Colorado statute 18-2-101 provides:
It’s easier to describe this offense by using an example. Let’s say a man spots a nice car, breaks into it, and is in the process of hot wiring it when the police arrive. He would be charged with Criminal Attempt at theft.
The Key Point of Our Defense in a Criminal Attempt Case
When we work on a Criminal Attempt case, the “substantial step” phrase is the key point of our defense. We look closely at the actions our client took, and whether it constitutes a “substantial step.” District Attorneys and the police are often over-eager to charge crimes, and the same goes with Criminal Attempt.
The Sentence for Criminal Attempt
“Attempt” can be added to any crime in Phillips, Washington, and Yuma County, whether it be Attempted Sexual Assault, Attempted Murder, or Attempted Arson. If our society only punished completed crimes, our cities would be lawless. Instead of punishing only completed crimes, lawmakers have made the sentence for attempting to commit those crimes less severe. For example, if you attempted to commit a class 1 felony, you would be charged with a class 2 felony. If you were caught attempting to commit a class 2 misdemeanor, you would be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor. See the chart for a complete look at the charges:
|
Level of Crime You Attempted |
You'll Be Charged With |
|---|---|
|
Class 2 Misdemeanor |
Class 3 Misdemeanor |
|
Class 1 Misdemeanor |
Class 2 Misdemeanor |
|
Class 5 or 6 Felony |
Class 6 Felony |
|
Class 4 Felony |
Class 5 Felony |
|
Class 3 Felony |
Class 4 Felony |
|
Class 2 Felony |
Class 3 Felony |
|
Class 1 Felony |
Class 2 Felony |
Why You Need a Lawyer for Criminal Attempt
The consequences for Criminal Attempt are severe: you could still face jail or prison time. Don’t accept a plea deal to avoid jail or prison and end up with a permanent record, which will have a negative effect on your future. Work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight on your behalf. Our criminal lawyers have over 20 years of experience in Weld, Morgan and Logan County courtrooms.