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Murder

Murder Attorney in Colorado Springs

Serious Charges Need A Steady Defense Team—At Aviso Law LLC, We Break the Mold

A murder or attempted murder accusation changes everything in a moment. You may be in custody, facing a first court appearance, or watching a loved one being led into the El Paso County jail and wondering what will happen next. In that situation, you need a murder attorney in Colorado Springs for calm, informed guidance.

At Aviso Law, we focus on defending people accused of serious crimes in this community. Our firm is led by a former prosecutor, our attorneys include lawyers with military service records, and we have handled more than 1,000 criminal cases since opening in 2015. We pair that experience with empathy, realistic advice, and a free initial phone consultation so you can speak with us quickly when everything feels uncertain.

Contact a murder attorney in Colorado Springs at Aviso Law LLC to protect your rights. We offer free consultations and provide the proven success necessary for these high-stakes cases. Call (719) 356-5552 or reach out online today.

Understanding Murder and Homicide Laws in Colorado

Colorado law classifies homicide into several distinct categories based on the defendant's mental state and the circumstances of the event. Navigating these distinctions is critical, as the difference between degrees can mean the difference between a few years in prison and a life sentence.

First-Degree Murder (C.R.S. § 18-3-102)

This is the most serious level of homicide. Under Colorado law, it generally involves:

  • After Deliberation: The intent to kill was formed before the act, even if only for a moment.
  • Extreme Indifference: Engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death to others under circumstances evidencing an attitude of universal malice.
  • Felony Murder: While recently reformed to a Class 2 felony in many instances, certain predicate crimes or deaths of specific protected individuals (like children or peace officers) can still trigger the highest level of culpability.

Second-Degree Murder (C.R.S. § 18-3-103)

A person commits second-degree murder if they "knowingly" cause the death of another person. Unlike first-degree murder, it does not require premeditation or deliberation. It is a Class 2 felony, but it can be reduced to a Class 3 felony if the defense can prove the act was committed in a "sudden heat of passion" caused by a serious and highly provoking act by the victim.

For service members stationed at Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, or other nearby installations, a murder allegation can trigger both civilian and military consequences. A conviction in El Paso County can affect rank, security clearances, and long-term benefits. Our Colorado Springs attorneys with military backgrounds understand how these systems interact and we keep that in mind when advising clients who wear or once wore a uniform.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Homicide Convictions in Colorado

The penalties for murder in Colorado Springs are designed to be the most punitive allowed by law. While Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020, the remaining consequences are absolute.

  • Class 1 Felony (1st Degree Murder): Mandatory life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
  • Class 2 Felony (2nd Degree Murder): Typically 8 to 24 years in prison, but under "crime of violence" sentencing, this can increase to 48 years.
  • Fines: Courts can impose massive fines reaching up to $1,000,000 in certain felony cases.
  • Parole: Most homicide convictions involve mandatory periods of parole following any term of imprisonment.
  • Loss of Civil Rights: A conviction results in the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms, the right to vote while incarcerated, and the ability to hold many professional licenses.

Given these stakes, we break the mold by treating every case as if it is headed for a jury trial, ensuring no detail is overlooked in our pursuit of your defense.

Why Choose Our Murder Defense Team in Colorado Springs

When so much is at stake, the lawyer you select is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Aviso Law, our team brings together local roots, prosecution experience, and military service, and we apply that perspective to every serious felony case we take. Our combined background helps us see both how the state builds a case and how the defense can challenge it.

Our firm is led by a former prosecutor who used to stand on the other side of the courtroom in serious criminal cases. That experience helps us understand how district attorneys evaluate evidence, when they are likely to file certain charges, and how they approach plea offers and trial strategy. We draw on that insight when we review discovery, prepare motions, and talk with clients about options.

Over the years, we have handled more than 1,000 cases, and we maintain a success rate above 90 percent across our criminal cases. Those numbers reflect years of preparation, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy. No attorney can promise a specific outcome in a murder case, and we do not try to. Instead, we focus on careful review of the facts, honest assessment of risk, and strategies that fit each client’s situation.

What To Do After An Arrest 

After an arrest for murder, the first hours and days can feel overwhelming as you try to address bond, work, childcare, and mounting questions while processing the seriousness of the charges. Taking calm, deliberate steps early on can help protect the accused and prevent avoidable mistakes that could harm the defense.

  • Limit Communication About the Case: The accused should not discuss the facts with law enforcement, cellmates, friends, or family until an attorney is involved. Jail calls are often recorded and can be used by prosecutors.
  • Gather Key Case Information: Obtain the case number, listed charges, and upcoming court dates from the jail or public records to help an attorney quickly assess the situation.
  • Arrange Practical Support: Plan for transportation to court, time away from work, and childcare needs, recognizing that serious charges impact the entire family.
  • Contact an Attorney Immediately: Early legal involvement allows counsel to address bond, manage investigator contact, and preserve critical evidence as soon as possible.

How We Defend Murder Cases in Colorado Springs

Murder and attempted murder cases move through structured stages, beginning with an advisement hearing where charges are read and bond is addressed. We get involved early to understand the facts and advocate effectively. As cases progress into discovery, we analyze police reports, forensic evidence, digital records, and witness statements, searching for inconsistencies, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

We file motions when necessary to challenge improper evidence and carefully evaluate plea offers versus trial risks. If a case proceeds to trial, we prepare thoroughly by developing alternative theories, cross-examining witnesses, and consulting experts. Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication with clients and families, ensuring they understand developments, options, and the strategic decisions ahead.

We don't just wait for the state to hand us evidence; we conduct our own investigation.

  • Independent Forensic Experts: We work with private medical examiners, ballistics experts, and private investigators to find evidence the police may have missed or ignored.
  • Affirmative Defenses: Colorado law allows for strong self-defense claims (C.R.S. § 18-1-704). If you were protecting yourself or others from imminent harm, we build the evidentiary foundation to prove your actions were legally justified.
  • Mental Health Advocacy: We explore whether factors like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, or other mental health conditions impacted your state of mind, which can be vital in reducing charges from murder to manslaughter.
  • Proven Success in High-Stakes Litigation: Our firm’s background allows us to handle the intense media scrutiny and procedural complexity that comes with high-profile murder cases in the Pikes Peak region.

Talk to Our Murder Defense Lawyers in Colorado Springs in a Free Phone Consultation

If you or someone you care about is facing a murder or attempted murder accusation, you do not have to navigate this alone. Our team at Aviso Law brings years of criminal defense experience, former prosecution insight, and a commitment to accessible, realistic guidance for people in crisis.

We invite you to reach out, talk with us about what is happening, and learn how a murder attorney in Colorado Springs can help you plan a path forward. Your first phone consultation is free, and we can often speak with you quickly.

Call (719) 356-5552 or reach out online to speak with our defense team today.

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Why Choose Aviso Law?

  • Clients First

    Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.

  • Proven Success

    To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.

  • Breaking the Mold

    We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court) and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.

Get In Touch With Our Team
Contact our Colorado Springs attorneys today at (719) 356-5552 to learn how we can help you and your family!
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