Facing an accusation of attempted murder feels like the ground beneath you has suddenly vanished. You are likely overwhelmed by fear, unsure if you will ever see your home or family outside of a visitation room again, and terrified by the sheer weight of the government’s power against you. We understand that you feel isolated, judged, and uncertain about who you can truly trust with your life and your future.
At Triple L Law PC, we see the person behind the charges, and we know that a police report never tells the whole story. When the stakes are this high, you need an experienced attempted murder defense attorney in Jefferson County. We stand ready to be your voice, your shield, and your aggressive advocates in the courtroom.
What Is Attempted Murder in Colorado?
Attempted murder occurs when a person acts with the specific intent to kill and takes a direct action to make that intent a reality. The law requires the prosecution to prove that you took a substantial step toward the commission of the crime, meaning that your actions must go beyond mere preparation and strongly validate your intent to complete the offense.
What Is the Difference Between First and Second-Degree Attempted Murder?
Understanding the specific degree of the charge is vital because it dictates the potential penalties and the defense strategy we will employ on your behalf. While both charges are felonies, the chaos of the moment can blur the line between them. We scrutinize the prosecution’s theory of your mental state to ensure you are not facing elevated consequences for actions that lacked actual deliberation.
Attempted First-Degree Murder
This charge involves specific intent and deliberation. The state must prove that you decided to kill, planned the act (even if only for a moment), and acted on that decision. They must prove you acted after deliberation, meaning you reflected upon the decision rather than acting on a hasty impulse.
Attempted Second-Degree Murder
This charge typically applies when a person knowingly engages in conduct that creates a grave risk of death but lacks the specific aspect of deliberation. It often covers heat-of-passion scenarios or acts where the intent was to cause serious harm that could result in death, rather than a calculated plan to kill.
What Are the Potential Penalties for a Conviction?
The consequences of a conviction in Jefferson County are severe and life-altering. Attempted first-degree murder is generally a Class 2 felony. If convicted, you face the following statutory penalties:
- Prison term—a presumptive range of 8 to 24 years in the Department of Corrections;
- Parole—a mandatory parole period of 5 years upon release; and
- Fines—potential fines ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000.
Because attempted murder is considered a crime of violence, you may also face additional enhancements that will increase the penalties as follows:
- Mandatory prison term—the judge must sentence you to at least the midpoint of the presumptive range, but it can go up to twice the maximum term for 16 to 48 years;
- Consecutive sentences—if multiple victims were involved, the sentences typically must run consecutively (back-to-back) rather than concurrently; and
- No probation—you lose the eligibility for probation or a suspended sentence.
Because these enhancements drastically increase the stakes, retaining a Jefferson County attempted murder defense attorney who understands how to challenge the crime of violence designation is essential.
Why Is Early Intervention in an Attempted Murder Case Critical?
Time is the enemy in a criminal defense case. Engaging a defense lawyer immediately will allow us to intervene early so we can:
- Protect your rights—we ensure you do not inadvertently waive your right to silence or consent to unlawful searches;
- Secure release—we advocate for reasonable bond conditions at your first court appearance, fighting to keep you out of jail so you can actively assist in your own defense;
- Influence filing decisions—we proactively contact prosecutors before they file formal charges to present mitigating facts, potentially convincing them to file lesser charges, such as assault, instead of attempted murder;
- Preserve evidence—surveillance video and physical evidence can disappear quickly, but we can issue preservation letters to stop this; and
- Obtain witness testimony—we interview witnesses while the events are still fresh in their minds, before their stories become distorted.
The sooner we stand between you and the state, the better we can protect your future.
Why Choose an Attempted Murder Defense Attorney in Jefferson County?
We are not just attorneys; we are warriors for justice with a proven track record of excellence. Triple L Law PC is a veteran-owned firm, led by two former Judge Advocates who are well-versed in military law and bring the discipline and precision of the armed forces to your defense.
We take immense pride in our trial expertise, evidenced by our recognition as Litigator of the Year for 2022 and membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, the Nation’s Top One Percent. When you hire us, you gain a team that believes in being ready for trial from day one and promises to fight for you with the same dedication we served our country.
Get the Defense You Deserve Today
When your life is on the line, you need a legal team that refuses to back down. Contact Triple L Law PC to secure an attempted murder defense lawyer in Jefferson County who refuses to back down. Call us now for your free evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Elements Must the Prosecution Prove for Attempted Murder In Colorado?
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you possessed the specific intent to cause death. Additionally, they must show you took a substantial step toward completing the crime, which is an act strongly corroborative of your intent.
What Is the Difference Between Attempted Murder and Assault?
The key difference is intent. Attempted murder requires the specific intent to end a life. First-degree assault only requires the intent to cause serious bodily injury or disfigurement, even if the physical act was identical.
What Penalties Does Attempted Murder Carry in Colorado?
As a Class 2 felony and a crime of violence, attempted murder carries a mandatory prison sentence between 16 and 24 years. If the court finds aggravating circumstances, the sentence may rise to 48 years, and probation is not an option.
Can Attempted Murder Charges Be Reduced to Lesser Offenses?
Yes, prosecutors frequently reduce charges during plea negotiations or at trial. We often argue for reductions to First-Degree Assault or Attempted Second-Degree Murder by proving a lack of deliberation or specific intent to kill.
What Defenses Are Available in Attempted Murder Cases?
Common defenses include self-defense, where we prove you acted to save your own life. We can also use the abandonment defense if you voluntarily stopped the crime, or argue that intoxication prevented you from forming the necessary intent.
Resources:
Felony Presumptive Penalties Prison and Parole, Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-1.3-401(V.5)(A), link.
Felony Presumptive Penalties Fines, Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-1.3-401(III)(A)(2), link.
Mandatory Sentences for Violent Crimes, Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-1.3-40(1)(b), link.
Assault in the First Degree, Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-3-202, link.
Use of Physical Force in Defense of a Person, Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-1-704, link.