Fort Collins Criminal
Defense Attorney

Bruno Lilly LeClere

Get Help From a Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer

At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys are committed advocates for clients in the Fort Collins area. Everyone deserves their day in court, and we are here to help protect you from criminal charges in Fort Collins, CO. If you were arrested and charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Larimer County, call our firm to receive legal counsel. We take a thorough, personalized approach to every case and are confident in our ability to pursue the best possible outcome for you.

Our attorneys aggressively defend clients facing criminal charges and build every case with the care and preparation it deserves.

To set up a strictly confidential, no-obligation consultation with a Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer, please call us at 720-340-1373 or reach out online.

We Defend Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Charges in Fort Collins, CO

Our Fort Collins criminal defense law firm provides comprehensive legal representation. With deep knowledge of both misdemeanor and felony cases, we are here to protect your rights throughout the criminal justice process. Criminal cases we help clients with in Fort Collins include:

DUI/DWAI

In Colorado, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or greater or while substantially impaired by marijuana. If you were arrested for drunk driving in Fort Collins, contact our criminal lawyers for immediate assistance.

Drug Charges

Facing drug-related charges in Fort Collins? With deep knowledge of a full range of charges — including drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing — our criminal defense attorney can help you pursue the best possible outcome. Our firm also handles parole hearings in Fort Collins — a single violation could result in revocation, so having legal representation at your hearing is critical.

Domestic Violence

We have extensive knowledge of domestic violence charges in Colorado. We understand how challenging and sensitive these charges are. If you were arrested, call our Fort Collins domestic violence defense attorneys for help.

Juvenile Justice

Colorado has a specialized criminal justice process for juveniles. A mistake by a teenager should not define their future. Our team knows how to pursue rehabilitative options that protect what comes next. If your child was arrested in Larimer County, our Fort Collins juvenile defense attorneys can help.

Sex Crimes

From harassment to rape accusations, our sex crime lawyers are prepared to defend your rights and build a strong defense. Contact us today to get started.

Other Cases We Handle in Fort Collins

• Misdemeanor and felony cases
• Protection and restraining orders
• Traffic violations
• Violent crimes
• Harassment
• Menacing
• License suspensions

No matter the nature of the charges you face, you have the right to a strong defense.

Common Types of Defenses For Criminal Offenses

Our criminal lawyers safeguard the legal rights of individuals facing a criminal conviction in Fort Collins. We use a wide array of defense strategies to ensure a fair trial and just outcomes. Common defenses include:

• Accidents: Our defense attorney may argue that the alleged criminal act was a result of an unforeseen accident, lacking any intention or mens rea (guilty mind). This strategy often applies to cases where the accused had no control over the situation leading to the allegation.
• Alibi: This involves presenting evidence that the accused was in a different place at the time the crime was committed, thereby disproving their involvement in the offense.
• Coerced Confession: If law enforcement obtained a confession under duress, threat, or coercion, a defense attorney can argue that the confession is inadmissible as evidence due to its involuntary nature.
• Double Jeopardy: When an individual is being tried for the same crime more than once, a defense attorney can invoke the principle of double jeopardy to prevent such retrials, protecting their client from being unfairly subjected to multiple prosecutions.
• Duress: The duress defense asserts that the accused committed the crime under threat or fear of harm to themselves or someone they care about. This defense highlights the lack of voluntary criminal intent.
• Entrapment: Your attorney may use the entrapment defense if they can prove that law enforcement induced the accused to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
• False Accusation: A common defense taken is that the charges stem from false allegations, perhaps due to personal vendettas, biases, or misunderstandings.
• Insanity: The insanity defense posits that the accused was not mentally capable of understanding the nature of their actions at the time of the crime. This defense requires expert testimony and thorough evaluation.
• Involuntary Act: This defense maintains that the accused committed the crime involuntarily due to circumstances beyond their control, such as a medical condition or an external force.
• Mistaken Identity: You could develop an argument that you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator due to confusion, poor lighting, or unreliable eyewitness testimony.
• Mistaken Fact: When the accused has a mistaken belief about a crucial fact that negates the intent required for the crime, a defense attorney can use this as a defense.
• Necessity: The necessity defense asserts that the accused committed the crime to prevent greater harm. The defense relies on evidence that what you did prevented something much worse from happening.
• Police Misconduct: Our firm may challenge evidence obtained through illegal searches, seizures, or other forms of police misconduct, seeking to have such evidence suppressed in court.
• Probable Cause: If an arrest was made without proper probable cause, a defense attorney can argue that the arrest was unlawful, potentially leading to the exclusion of evidence obtained as a result of that arrest.
• Self-Defense, Defense of Someone Else, or Defense of Property: This defense is commonly seen but can present evidence that the client’s actions were taken in self-defense, the defense of another person, or to protect their property, asserting that the use of force was justified.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Fort Collins

Where will my criminal case be heard in Fort Collins?

That depends on the nature of your charges. Felony cases in Fort Collins are handled by the District Court, while misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and traffic infractions are handled by the County Court. Larimer County Both courts operate out of the Larimer County Justice Center, located at 201 Laporte Ave. in Fort Collins, and are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If your charge stems from a municipal ordinance violation within city limits, it may instead be heard at Fort Collins Municipal Court. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over your case is one of the first things we assess when you contact us.

What is the Eighth Judicial District?

Larimer County and Jackson County together make up the Eighth Judicial District of Colorado. Larimer County Larimer County has seven district judges and four magistrates who handle a wide range of cases, including criminal matters. When you are charged with a crime in Fort Collins, your case moves through this district’s court system. Having an attorney who is familiar with how prosecutors, judges, and local procedures operate within the Eighth Judicial District can make a meaningful difference in how your case unfolds.

Are there specialty courts available for criminal defendants in Larimer County?

Yes. Larimer County has four specialty courts: Adult Drug Court, Wellness Court, DUI Recovery Court, and Juvenile Recovery Court. Each is designed as an alternative to the standard criminal justice process for high-risk offenders, with an emphasis on reducing repeat offenses through community-based treatment and support. Whether a specialty court is a viable option for your situation depends on the nature of your charges and your history. Our attorneys can help you understand whether this path may be available to you and whether it aligns with your goals.

What happens at my first court appearance in Fort Collins?

After receiving a summons, you will report to the Larimer County Justice Center, check in with the courts, and wait for your advisement. You will then have an opportunity to speak directly with a Deputy District Attorney about your case, who may present an offer for resolution, such as taking classes or probation. You are not required to accept any offer on the spot. You have the right to take more time to think or to consult with an attorney before making any decisions. We strongly recommend having legal representation with you before that first appearance, not after.

What is a deferred sentence in Colorado?

Colorado law allows a person to plead guilty to a criminal offense while postponing sentencing for up to two years on a misdemeanor or four years on a felony. During that time, the defendant must remain law-abiding, pay restitution and court costs, and complete any court-ordered conditions. If all conditions are fully met, the defendant may withdraw the guilty plea and have the charge dismissed. A deferred sentence is not guaranteed and depends heavily on the specific charges and your record. Our Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys can evaluate whether this outcome may be achievable in your case.

What should I do if I missed a court date in Fort Collins?

Missing a court date in Larimer County is serious and can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. It is important to contact the court as soon as possible if you missed your appearance. If you had a bondsman, notifying them promptly is also advisable. Do not wait to address this. Contacting a criminal defense attorney right away gives you the best opportunity to handle the situation before it escalates.

How does juvenile criminal defense work in Fort Collins?

Juvenile criminal cases in Fort Collins are typically prosecuted in the District Court Magistrates court. The Juvenile District Court Division handles cases involving offenders under 18 who have been charged with petty offenses, misdemeanors, or felonies, while juveniles with traffic offenses are seen in County Court. Colorado’s juvenile system does prioritize rehabilitative outcomes, but that does not mean charges should be taken lightly. Our attorneys understand how to navigate the Larimer County juvenile system and work to protect your child’s future.

You Can Rely On Our Criminal Defense Law Firm

There are few things more stressful than being arrested and facing jail time. As a former prosecutor, our managing attorney, Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly, knows exactly how the criminal justice system operates from both sides. Our Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys are ready to:

• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case to help in developing the best defense for your situation.
• Answer your questions and explain the charges against you.
• Investigate your case, working diligently to secure any exonerating evidence.
• Represent you in any negotiation with prosecutors.
• Take your case as far as needed to get justice and the best outcome. Our lawyers are not afraid of a trial.