Assault & Battery

Colorado springs assault lawyer

Facing an assault charge in Colorado Springs can be overwhelming. The legal process is detailed and the stakes are high. A conviction can upend your family, career, and freedom. That’s why having an experienced Colorado Springs assault lawyer is crucial.

This guide helps you understand Colorado assault laws, current penalties, and how to build a strategic defense with skilled legal representation.

Colorado Assault Charges & Penalties

Colorado categorizes assault into three degrees, each carrying serious consequences:

• First-Degree Assault (Class 3 Felony)

Intentional serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon. Penalty: 10–32 years in prison and fines up to $750,000.

• Second-Degree Assault (Class 4 Felony)

Causing serious bodily injury, often with a weapon or to a protected person. Penalty: 5–16 years in prison, up to $500,000 in fines. Provocation can reduce it to a Class 6 felony.

• Third-Degree Assault (Class 1 Misdemeanor – “Extraordinary Risk”)

Knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence causing bodily injury. Because assault is classified as an “extraordinary risk crime,” it is punishable by up to 24 months in county jail—not the usual 18 months for a standard Class 1 misdemeanor—and up to $5,000 in fines    .

Key Legal Step: Arraignment

Understanding Arraignment in Colorado Assault Cases

Many people mistakenly think the arraignment is the very first time they appear in court. In reality, the first appearance in Colorado criminal cases is typically when charges are formally filed and bail or bond conditions are addressed. After this, your case often proceeds through settlement conferences or pretrial conferences, where your attorney and the prosecutor may discuss potential resolutions.

Only after these steps does the court hold an arraignment hearing. This is the stage where you (through your lawyer) formally enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

• If you plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date and establish critical deadlines for motions, disclosures, and other pretrial matters.

• If you plead guilty, sentencing will generally be scheduled.

The Serious Consequences

An assault conviction can bring:

• Jail or prison time—up to 24 months for third-degree assault and much more if it’s a felony.

• Probation, mandatory treatment, or counseling.

• Restrictions on firearm possession and other legal limitations.

• A permanent criminal record that impacts jobs, housing, and reputation.

Building a Strong Defense

Our defense approach includes:

• Self-defense or defense of others

• Challenging intent or proving provocation

• Proving police misconduct or rights violations

• Exposing mistaken identity or unreliable evidence

We gather evidence, challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case, and build a powerful narrative to protect your freedom.

Why Choose McClintock Criminal Defense

Attorney Ted McClintock has a proven track record in handling assault cases in Colorado Springs. His deep familiarity with local prosecutors and juries, combined with aggressive courtroom defense, has secured case reductions, dismissals, and acquittals—even when facing serious charges.

Act Now—Your Future Depends On It

Assault charges change lives. Immediate legal action is essential.

Call McClintock Criminal Defense, P.C. at (719) 520‑3968 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 and ready to fight for your rights.