While the need for a vigorous criminal defense during a trial of pending charges is obvious, there are also many other stages during criminal proceedings when effective counsel is necessary. Whether an individual is merely under suspicion of committing a crime or has been convicted and is hoping to overturn a negative result, an effective criminal defense strategy is crucial. A recent post-conviction application by a man serving a 15 year prison term in Colorado underscores the fact that legal issues often remain long after the ink is dry on a judge's sentencing order.
Supreme Court: okay to collect DNA after an arrest
A recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court may not change DNA collection laws in Colorado but it does highlight the debate surrounding laws that allow police to collect DNA samples without a warrant. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that it is okay for police to collect DNA from individuals arrested for a crime without getting a search warrant.
Crime lab bias may have led to wrongful convictions in Colorado
Errors in state crime labs have been reported across the country, and now, Colorado is taking it's turn. A new report found that the Colorado crime lab has been biased in their reports to help prosecutors convict individuals charged with DUIs.
Colorado law reduces penalties for drug offenders
Drug offenders in Colorado will soon face fewer penalties after a new law was signed by the state's governor. The new law reduces the penalties for individuals convicted of drug crimes in Colorado. The state passed the law in an effort to focus on treatment and rehabilitation for drug offenders instead of sending them to prison.
Colorado cops to target certain areas
Law enforcement agencies in Colorado are experimenting with a new program that combines crime and traffic data to boost law enforcement activities in areas that may be considered “high-traffic.” The program is called Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety, or DDACTS.
