Violent Crimes Lawyer in Fort Collins, CO

Fighting for the Accused in Larimer & Weld Counties

Being accused of a violent crime is one of the most serious situations you can face. These charges carry life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, loss of civil rights, and permanent damage to your reputation. Even before your case reaches trial, you may face social stigma, job loss, or restrictions that impact your freedom and family life.

At The Law Offices of Thomas W. Martin, LLC, we know that every story has two sides. Many violent crime allegations arise from chaotic situations where emotions run high, facts are unclear, and witnesses disagree. You may have acted in self-defense, or the incident may have been exaggerated or misrepresented. Whatever the circumstances, we are here to protect your rights and present your side of the story.

Call (970) 444-9448 or reach us online for a free case evaluation with a Fort Collins violent crimes attorney. We offer virtual consultations for your convenience. 

How Accusations of Violence Impact the Accused

An allegation of a violent crime instantly jeopardizes every aspect of your life, long before a conviction is reached:

• Mandatory arrest and bond. Colorado has strict mandatory arrest laws, especially in domestic violence cases. Once arrested, bond can be set extremely high, and the court will automatically issue a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO), instantly forcing you to vacate your home and cease all contact with the alleged victim.
• Reputation and employment. Charges carry a massive social stigma. Even an arrest can lead to the termination of professional licenses, immediate job loss (especially in high-trust professions), and permanent damage to your standing in the community.
• Sentencing enhancement. In Colorado, many felony offenses involving force are designated as "crimes of violence." This designation strips the judge of sentencing discretion, typically requiring a prison sentence at least at the midpoint of the presumptive range and often extending to the maximum term.
• Loss of rights. A felony conviction results in the permanent loss of the right to own or possess a firearm under both state and federal law.

Our Strategic Approach to Violent Crime Defense

We provide comprehensive defense representation from the moment of arrest through trial. Our firm's two decades of focused criminal defense experience enable us to launch an immediate and aggressive investigation into the facts of your case.

We can assist clients by taking the following steps:

• Challenging probable cause. We immediately scrutinize the police investigation, looking for errors in search procedures, witness collection, and the grounds for the initial arrest.
• Self-defense claims. In many cases, we argue that you were exercising your right to defend yourself, your family, or your property. Police are not required to believe this initial claim, but we work to establish this crucial legal defense at every stage of the process.
• Modifying protection orders. We immediately file motions to modify overly restrictive MPOs (Mandatory Protection Orders) to fight for your rights to retrieve property, and, if possible, arrange for contact with children.
• Attacking the evidence. We challenge the core elements of the charge, including your state of mind (intent/recklessness) and the severity of the alleged physical injuries of the victim, which are key to determining the final charge.
• Negotiation and sentencing. Where a conviction is unavoidable, we leverage every mitigating factor to argue against the enhanced "crime of violence" penalties. We fight to reduce the prison sentence and explore alternatives like probation or community corrections (a structured residential program that allows offenders to live and work under strict supervision).