Attorney Fayard Fights to Protect Your Record

It’s essential to keep your record as clean as possible. Criminal court matters create stigma, making it harder for you to get past them and build a successful life. If a prosecutor has charged you with a crime or the police suspect you, call a Denver criminal lawyer for help. Michael has years of experience helping individuals avoid charges, convictions, and harsh sentences.

Michael has genuine trial experience as a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Maui County. His work on both sides of the courtroom let him address your case from every angle. He’ll scrutinize the prosecutor’s case, identify any problems with the evidence, and advises you on the best way to proceed. He’ll also explain if you have a good chance of avoiding charges, getting the matter dismissed or reduced, or winning at trial.

Denver Criminal Charges

No allegation is small enough to ignore or handle yourself. You should always hire a criminal defense attorney in Denver to represent you and protect your rights. Michael knows Colorado law and how to navigate the court system. You’re better off not saying anything to the police and letting Michael defend your rights.

DUI Charges

Were you arrested for drunk driving? You’re not only facing a criminal case. — you also need to deal with an automatic license suspension. Michael knows Denver’s DUI laws and, more importantly, how to beat DUI charges, so you get your license back as soon as possible.

Drug Charges

If the police arrested you for a crime involving controlled substances, call a lawyer as soon as possible. Colorado takes drug crimes very seriously and, worse yet, you could face federal charges for large amounts.

Domestic Violence Charges

You can face any number of serious domestic violence charges for actions against someone you have an intimate relationship with. These cases are often complicated and emotional with real penalties. Hire an objective defense lawyer now.

Assault Charges

You can face misdemeanor or felony charges when someone accuses you of assaulting them or someone else. Whether it was during a fight or a deadly weapon was involved, call a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Fraud and Theft Charges

From shoplifting to felony fraud, theft takes many forms. If you’re accused of stealing or taking someone else’s money or property, an experienced lawyer is your best chance of preserving your record and staying out of custody.

Sex Crimes

Sex offenses are some of the most severe crimes on the books. Being convicted can lead to a life sentence in that you will most likely be required to register as a sexual offender or a sexual predator for life. If you’re charged with or even accused, call Michael immediately. He is here to thoroughly investigate the allegations, gather evidence, and fight against a conviction.

Juvenile Crimes

If you or your child are accused of a crime while under 18 years old, they’ll go through the juvenile court system. A minor is always entitled to representation and should have it, especially when minors can be tried in adult courts for serious violent or felony crimes.

Expungements

Colorado allows you to get your criminal record sealed or destroyed under some circumstances. Talk with a criminal lawyer in Denver about whether you’re eligible. If you’re able to clear your record, Michael will guide you through the process.

Traffic Tickets and Crimes

If you simply pay a parking ticket, you’ve pleaded guilty, and it goes on your record. To keep your driving record clean and avoid the consequences of too many tickets, call Michael to fight traffic offenses in court.

Arrested or Accused in Denver? Know Your Rights

You never have to speak to the police. If an officer, detective, or agent contacts you, politely decline to answer any questions. Take the person’s name and information, and say you’ll speak with your attorney first. If they ask you to come down to the station for an interview, say no.

If the police arrest you, they must read you the Miranda rights:

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
  • You have the right to an attorney.
  • If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.
  • Do you understand the rights I’ve just read to you?
  • With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak with me?

It will never help you to talk to the police without your criminal defense attorney present. Your response should always be, “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Then don’t say anything else.

Denver Criminal Courts

All misdemeanor cases start and end in Denver County Court, and most felony cases start here before moving to the Denver District Court.

Denver County Courts:

City Jail (Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center)
490 W. Colfax Ave.

The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse
520 W. Colfax Ave

Denver District Courts:

The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse
520 W. Colfax Ave

The jail and the courthouse are across the street from each other.

If you need to appear in court as an adult or juvenile, contact Michael Fayard right away. It’s better to be represented than go to court alone.

Results

Felony Drug Case Dismissed

Client was charged with multiple counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. State sought prison. Michael got the case dismissed entirely without incarceration or probation.

DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving

Michael represented a client charged with Driving Under the Influence. His independent investigation revealed favorable facts. Through negotiations with the State, Michael got the charge reduced and the client was sentenced to State minimums for non-DUI charges.

Colorado Criminal Law: Felonies & Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor crimes are less severe than felonies. In general, misdemeanors in Colorado are punishable by up to 18 months in a local or county jail. Felonies are punishable by prison sentences, up to and including life.

Just because a misdemeanor is technically less serious doesn’t mean you should handle it yourself. It’s still a crime, and convictions go on your permanent criminal record. This can make getting a job hard. It can also impact child custody and immigration.

 
He is relentless to ensure his clients are well taken care of.”

- Cliff T

Denver Criminal Penalties

If you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony crime, here are the potential sentences:

  • Class 3 Misdemeanor: Up to six months in jail and a fine up to $750.
  • Class 2 Misdemeanor: Between three months and 364 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
  • Class 1 Misdemeanor: Between six and 18 months in jail and a fine up to $5,000.
  • Class 6 Felony: Between one year and 18 months in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
  • Class 5 Felony: Between one and three years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
  • Class 4 Felony: Between two and six years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
  • Class 3 Felony: Between four and 12 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.
  • Class 2 Felony: Between eight and 24 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
  • Class 1 Felony: Up to life in prison.

The penalty you face can differ if there are mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Also, Colorado felony drug crimes are charged and sentenced differently. An attorney can explain the precise sentence you’re facing.

Additional Penalties of a Conviction

Aside from incarceration and fines, you may experience:

  • Difficulty obtaining housing;
  • Difficulty finding and keeping a job;
  • Ineligibility for government loans, depending on the crime;
  • Immigration trouble, including deportation;
  • Child custody and visitation changes;
  • Loss of the right to own a gun; and
  • Loss of voting rights during incarceration for a felony conviction.

The Best Possible Defense for the Best Result

No two cases are the same, which is why attorney Fayard gets to know you and your situation. He thoroughly reviews the facts and has a team of investigators that work tirelessly to help develop the facts and defenses for your case. Depending on the circumstances, he may help you clear up a misunderstanding and avoid charges or get the charges dismissed.

It isn’t always possible to avoid charges. Michael may get your charges reduced, which is a significant victory if the prosecutor lowers a felony to a misdemeanor. He may also recommend negotiating a plea agreement or preparing for trial. He’ll always be honest about your chance of winning in court.

Resources & FAQs for the Accused

The police arrested my loved one. How do I know where they went?

Use the inmate locator to determine where the police are holding them and get a lawyer to them right away. The online system can take time to update, so you might not see them right away. Denver has two jail facilities, the Denver County Jail at 10500 East Smith Road and the Denver City Detention Center (Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center) at 490 W. Colfax Avenue. If the police arrested your loved one in Denver, they’re at one of these facilities.

How do I get a loved one out of jail in Denver?


Getting a friend or relative released from jail usually requires bail. If they can’t afford the bail bond on their own, you’ll need to choose a bail bond service, which charges an extra fee. There are many bail bondsmen in Denver with high ratings. If you have questions about bonding procedures, you can call the Bonding Office at 720-337-0062.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer in Denver cost?

Different criminal cases call for different fees. At 303 Law Help, we believe in affordable, flat fees based on the case’s complexity, and we don’t charge anything for consultations. We’re here to help you, not take advantage during a tough time.

What can a criminal defense lawyer do to help me?


A Denver criminal defense attorney thoroughly reviews the allegations against you and the prosecutor’s evidence. This is essential. Your attorney can gauge the strength and weaknesses of the prosecutor’s case. It may be the prosecutor has a weak case, and you can avoid charges. If the prosecutor has a strong case, your attorney prepares an equally strong defense.