Attempted Murder

Attempted Murder Charges in Colorado: A Comprehensive Guide

As seasoned Denver Criminal Defense Attorneys, our team is committed to providing expert legal representation for those facing serious charges such as attempted murder in Colorado. Understanding the complexities of attempted murder laws is crucial for anyone navigating the Colorado legal system. This comprehensive guide will break down the key aspects of attempted murder charges in our state.

1. Legal Definition of Attempted Murder in Colorado

In Colorado, attempted murder is defined as the unsuccessful attempt to end another person's life. The law distinguishes between two degrees of attempted murder:

Attempted First-Degree Murder

This occurs when an individual, with premeditation, tries to kill someone but fails. Examples include:

  • Shooting at someone's vital organs with intent to kill, but missing or causing non-fatal injuries

  • Deliberately poisoning someone's food, but the victim survives

  • Attempting to strangle someone to death, but the victim escapes or is rescued

Attempted first-degree murder also includes actions that demonstrate an extreme indifference to human life in general, such as indiscriminately firing into a crowd or setting off explosives in public spaces.

Attempted Second-Degree Murder

This charge applies to failed homicides without premeditation or extreme indifference to human life. It typically involves a single targeted victim and actions that the perpetrator should have known were likely to cause death.

2. Penalties for Attempted Murder in Colorado

The consequences of an attempted murder conviction in Colorado are severe:

Attempted First-Degree Murder

  • Class 2 felony

  • Base penalty: 8 to 24 years in prison and/or fines of $5,000 to $1 million

  • If classified as a crime of violence: 16 to 48 years in prison

Attempted Second-Degree Murder

  • Class 3 felony

  • Base penalty: 4 to 12 years in prison and/or fines of $3,000 to $750,000

  • If classified as a crime of violence: 10 to 32 years in prison

It's important to note that if the victim dies during the course of the case, charges can be upgraded to murder, potentially resulting in life imprisonment for first-degree murder or 16 to 48 years for second-degree murder.

3. Strategies to Fight Attempted Murder Charges

  1. Proving the act was accidental

  2. Demonstrating lawful self-defense or defense of others

  3. Showing the defendant's actions did not create a grave risk of death

  4. Exposing false accusations or mistaken identity

  5. Arguing lack of intent or knowledge

  6. Challenging the legality of evidence collection or confession

  7. Presenting an insanity defense

  8. Demonstrating abandonment of the criminal attempt

In cases of attempted first-degree murder involving "extreme indifference," we may argue that the defendant's actions were specifically directed at one person, potentially reducing the charge to attempted second-degree murder.

Choose an Experienced Attorney

Facing attempted murder charges in Colorado is a grave situation that requires expert legal representation. As Denver Attempted Murder Attorneys, Mile High Legal has the experience and knowledge to navigate these complex cases. From challenging evidence to negotiating with prosecutors, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one is facing attempted murder charges in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, or anywhere in Colorado, don't hesitate to contact us. Remember, in our legal system, you're innocent until proven guilty. With the right legal representation, you can fight these charges and work towards preserving your freedom and future.