Colorado Springs Law Blog | The Foley Law Firm

Facts about domestic violence charges in Colorado

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

It is natural for people who live together as a couple to act out or allow tempers to flare occasionally, particularly when they are experiencing high levels of stress due to jobs, finances and other factors. Arguments that escalate may lead to a domestic disturbance call to the police. In fact, according to the most recent Colorado Springs Police Department Annual Statistical Report, officers responded to over 12,000 domestic disturbance calls.

When one party accuses the other of violence, the situation becomes critical for the one now facing charges.

Considerations for business owners when going through divorce

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm posted in Divorce on Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

Getting a divorce can be a difficult process for most Colorado couples. For those who own businesses with their former spouses, dissolving the marriage can be even harder. There are generally two options: The former couple can continue running the business together, or one person can sell his or her interest in the business to the other person. To make this decision, there are several factors that former couples should consider.

Most importantly, the former couple should determine if their relationship is strong enough to continue working together. This may be easier if the divorce was amicable. If the divorce was not amicable and the former couple cannot work together, the business may need to be restructured. On the other hand, if one person wants to keep the business and buy out the other person's interest, there needs to be a sufficient cash flow in order to accomplish this. Otherwise, a long-term buyout may need to be negotiated.

Are drug courts effective?

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Monday, May 13, 2019.

When authorities in Colorado charge you with a drug-related crime, you may have concerns about potentially having to pay hefty fines and serve time behind bars, among other potential repercussions. While many of the state’s drug offenders do, in fact, wind up spending time in jail following convictions for drug-related crimes, some non-violent drug offenders are finding that they may be able to avoid jail time by instead enrolling in and completing a state drug court program.

Drug courts, though not yet available everywhere, give some drug offenders an opportunity to treat their addictions, which, in many cases, are the root cause of criminal behavior in the first place. According to the National Institute of Justice, drug courts can have substantial and positive effects on drug offenders who participate in them.

Dealing with insurance matters during a divorce

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm posted in Divorce on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

Even a fairly amicable divorce can be stressful for Colorado couples. After all, there are many topics that need to be addressed as a marriage ends. One that often gets pushed to the back burner is insurance. Nonetheless, it's still important for divorcing spouses to be aware of how a change in marital status can affect insurance coverage.

The most common insurance issues related to divorce involve health insurance and life insurance. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, is designed to help non-income-earning spouses ending a marriage by allowing them to remain on their former spouse's work-based policy for up to three years. Because this is a short-term solution, a spouse without their own plan may benefit from coverage available through the Affordable Care Act, a private insurer or an employer if they start a new job post-divorce.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony?

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

When a person commits a crime, the classification of the charge depends on the severity of the crime and the individual's prior run-ins with the law. In general, two categories of charges exist, but within each is a range that helps determine an appropriate sentence.

In Colorado, your arrest may get you a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Knowing the difference between the two and the possible sentences should a judge find you guilty may help set expectations for moving forward through the legal process smoothly.

What to know about supporting a child after a divorce

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm posted in Divorce on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

While parents are allowed to end their relationship with each other, it doesn't absolve them of their obligation to raise their children. However, there are generally no set rules when it comes to how to financially support a child. Like those in most states, judges in Colorado will create a support order based on state guidelines and facts related to a given case. It is important to note that an order can be changed if events warrant.

For instance, if a parent gets a raise, he or she may be asked to contribute more to the child's upbringing. If a child has special needs, it may be incumbent upon a parent to contribute whatever he or she can to help meet them. There are no tax consequences for those who make or receive child support payments. However, there may be tax issues to consider if both parents share custody of the child.

Understanding embezzlement charges

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.

Proper financial standing is critical for many people. Therefore, when something happens that jeopardizes that security on any level, it can create serious issues.

Though it falls under the classification of a white collar crime, embezzlement is still theft and a very serious federal offense. If you face an embezzlement case, you need to understand a few important things.

Understanding and overcoming a restraining order

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Wednesday, March 27, 2019.

While certain legal measures are in place to protect citizens, some people will use them for their own benefit. Unfortunately, restraining orders can be one of those measures.

Especially if there are claims of physical domestic disputes, a party may face such an order. In order to overcome a restraining order, there are a few important things to understand.

Is there an ignition interlock device in your future?

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Saturday, March 16, 2019.

If a law enforcement officer arrests you for driving under the influence of alcohol, you can expect driver’s license suspension, among other penalties.

There is a solution, however, in the form of an ignition interlock device. You may not know much about the IID, but if driving is an essential way for you to get around, it may become your new best friend.

Do not assume Colorado is soft on drugs

On behalf of The Foley Law Firm on Monday, February 25, 2019.

Colorado may have certain progressive policies, but it is not a drug free-for-all. State officials are tough on substance crimes, and even a slight chance of conviction should be taken seriously.

In fact, a second charge for selling a schedule I or II controlled substance not allowed by state law would probably be a felony. Between aggravating factors and other crimes associated with the arrest, defendants may find themselves with consequences more severe than expected. Here are some ways to reduce the likelihood of the long-term damage to reputation and employability associated with felony convictions.

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