Being arrested for a felony is one of the most serious and overwhelming experiences a person can face
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Being arrested for a felony is one of the most serious and overwhelming experiences a person can face. Whether you’re innocent, made a mistake, or were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, what you do next can have a lasting impact on your future. If you or someone you love has been arrested in Denver, it’s crucial to understand your rights immediately — starting with your right to remain silent. Before saying anything, read this. Then, call an experienced Denver felony lawyer as soon as possible.
One of the most important rights you have after a felony arrest is the right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are protected from self-incrimination. That means you are not obligated to answer questions from the police or investigators.
It might feel natural to want to explain your side of the story, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. But anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Even seemingly harmless or innocent statements can be misinterpreted or twisted by prosecutors later on.
Pro tip: Simply state, “I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney.”
Once you’re taken into custody, you have the right to legal representation. This means you can — and should — request to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. This is where having a knowledgeable Denver felony lawyer can make a world of difference. Your lawyer will ensure your rights are protected, assess the strength of the prosecution’s case, and start building your defense from day one.
If you can’t afford a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. However, if you’re facing serious felony charges — which can carry long prison sentences, hefty fines, and lifelong consequences — hiring an experienced private defense attorney can provide more focused time and resources for your case.
After a felony arrest, you have the right to be informed of the specific charges being brought against you. These might include crimes like assault, burglary, drug trafficking, weapon violations, fraud, or other serious offenses.
In Colorado, felonies are divided into six classes, with Class 1 felonies (like first-degree murder) being the most severe and Class 6 felonies the least. Each class comes with its own potential penalties, and your attorney can walk you through exactly what you're facing.
The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to a fair and speedy trial. You will be arraigned, which is the first court hearing where charges are formally read, and you enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the case will move through pre-trial motions, discovery, and potentially to trial.
Throughout this process, your Denver felony lawyer will fight to ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld — including the right to challenge evidence, confront witnesses, and present a defense on your behalf.
In most felony cases (excluding some extremely violent or repeat offenses), you have the right to post bail. Bail allows you to remain free while your case is pending. The amount of bail will vary depending on the nature of the charges, your criminal history, and whether you're considered a flight risk.
A skilled lawyer can request a bail hearing and argue for a reduction or even a personal recognizance bond (meaning no money is required to be released).
Don’t speak to police without a lawyer present. Even if you’re trying to help yourself, you could unknowingly say something incriminating.
Don’t talk about your case on social media. Prosecutors may monitor your posts and use them against you.
Don’t try to contact alleged victims or witnesses. This can lead to additional charges or complicate your case.
Don’t assume you can handle the situation alone. Felony charges are serious — professional legal help is essential.
The criminal justice system is complex, and felony charges in Colorado carry serious, long-lasting consequences — including prison time, loss of civil rights, and a permanent criminal record. A knowledgeable Denver felony lawyer can evaluate the evidence against you, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome. That may mean getting charges reduced or dismissed, negotiating a favorable plea deal, or taking your case to trial if necessary.
If you’ve been arrested for a felony in Denver, don’t panic — but don’t speak until you’ve consulted an attorney. The decisions you make early on can affect the entire outcome of your case. By understanding your rights and getting strong legal representation, you give yourself the best possible chance at a favorable resolution.
If you or a loved one needs help now, contact an experienced Denver felony lawyer today for a confidential consultation.
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