Fort Collins Misdemeanor Lawyers — Misdemeanor Defense in Larimer County
A misdemeanor conviction in Fort Collins carries up to 364 days in county jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that appears in background checks for employment, housing, and professional licensing. In Fort Collins’ technology, healthcare, and education sectors — where background checks are routine and licensing boards scrutinize criminal records — a misdemeanor conviction can have career consequences that far outlast the sentence itself. For CSU students, a misdemeanor arrest can simultaneously trigger the university conduct process, creating two parallel proceedings with different standards and different consequences. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins misdemeanor defense attorneys take every case seriously and fight for dismissal, diversion, and the best available outcome.
Jeremy Wooten, is a seasoned trial attorney who specializes in criminal defense and family law, leveraging a wealth of experience honed over five years at the Colorado State Public Defenders’ Office. Rising to Senior Deputy Public Defender, he successfully managed a diverse caseload, including serious charges like first-degree homicide, drug distribution, and economic crimes, always maintaining an unwavering commitment to client advocacy. Licensed in both Texas and Colorado, Jeremy's legal expertise is defined by strategic planning—meticulously crafting and executing well-thought-out trial strategies—and remarkable resourcefulness in finding innovative solutions to complex legal challenges in both the criminal and family law arenas. His practice is characterized by agile, client-centered advocacy, which relies on adaptability, active listening, and quick thinking essential for effective trial work. Jeremy prioritizes thoroughly understanding his clients' objectives and adapting his strategies dynamically to the evolving nature of trials. His resilience and strategic agility allow him to confidently navigate unexpected developments in the courtroom, ensuring each case is expertly...
Julian Rosielle has been licensed to practice law in Colorado since 2006. Julian is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, where he was on the Dean’s List and an associate editor of the University of Colorado Law Review. Julian practiced exclusively in the area of criminal law for the first thirteen years of his career and has several notable case outcomes to include not guilty verdicts on charges of homicide and assault. Julian has extensive trial experience, ranging from Death Penalty cases to misdemeanor domestic violence to driving under the influence. Beginning in 2019, Julian’s practice has expanded to include domestic relations litigation and civil protection orders. Julian has lived in Colorado since 2004 and when not in Court enjoys hiking with his family and dogs.
Kate strives to have a client-oriented practice where she can assist her clients in all stages of litigation. Prior to joining Burnham, Kate was an associate at an AmLaw Firm where she worked on various types of complex litigation representing large corporations, municipalities, and individuals. Before going into private practice, Kate was an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County where she tried over twenty cases. Kate has been able to develop a well-rounded practice by working in both the private and public sectors. Kate has honed her skill sets from her prior experience so she can be a zealous advocate for her clients. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.
Miguel C. Mondragon is a tenacious and dedicated attorney who is fiercely committed to his clients and their legal outcomes. Recognizing that clients facing divorce or criminal charges are often in their most vulnerable state, Miguel acts as a passionate advocate, ensuring they have a voice within the legal system. Growing up in southern Colorado, Miguel developed a strong work ethic by working in construction, lumber, and brickyards while attending college. Before becoming an attorney, his interest in law was sparked by his work within the Larimer County Corrections system. While attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, he gained valuable experience working with East River Legal Services, the Colorado State Public Defenders Office, and Samuelson Law. Upon graduation, Miguel honed his skills first as a solo practitioner, then at Weaver & Associates, P.C., before founding Mondragon Law, where he specialized in criminal defense and family law. He brings this deep experience and tenacity to his current role...
Misdemeanor Charges in Colorado
Colorado classifies misdemeanors into three classes. Class 1 misdemeanors — the most serious — carry up to 364 days in county jail and up to $1,000 in fines. They include first-offense DUI, assault causing bodily injury, theft between $300 and $750, and driving under restraint. Class 2 misdemeanors carry up to 120 days in jail and up to $750 in fines, covering offenses like harassment, reckless driving, and criminal mischief. Class 3 misdemeanors carry lesser penalties.
Fort Collins’ specific demographics create some misdemeanor categories that arise with particular frequency here. Alcohol-related misdemeanors — DUI, minor in possession, public intoxication — arise regularly given CSU’s student population and Fort Collins’ craft beer culture. Assault and harassment charges arising from interpersonal conflicts in Old Town and campus-area bars. Drug possession misdemeanors. And harassment and stalking charges arising from relationship and social conflicts in the university community.
For professionals in Fort Collins’ technology, clean energy, healthcare, and education sectors, misdemeanor convictions have real and lasting consequences. Engineers, teachers, healthcare workers, financial advisors, and technology professionals all face profession-specific licensing board inquiries triggered by criminal convictions. A misdemeanor involving violence, dishonesty, or controlled substances can affect professional licensing in these fields in ways that far outlast any criminal sentence. These professional consequences require explicit attention in defense strategy from the outset of every misdemeanor case involving a licensed professional.
What Our Fort Collins Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys Do
Evaluate suppression and dismissal: Misdemeanor charges are sometimes filed on insufficient evidence, one-sided accounts of disputed events, or following constitutional violations that make key evidence inadmissible. We evaluate every case for suppression and dismissal options immediately upon being retained.
Pursue diversion for eligible clients: The 8th Judicial District has active diversion programs for eligible misdemeanor defendants, particularly for first-time offenders and cases involving substances or mental health issues. Successful completion results in dismissal without a conviction. We identify eligibility early and advocate aggressively for our clients’ acceptance.
Navigate CSU parallel proceedings: For CSU student clients, a misdemeanor arrest can trigger the university’s Student Resolution Center process alongside the criminal case. We advise on how to navigate both proceedings and develop strategy that protects academic standing while defending the criminal charge.
Negotiate professional-consequence-aware plea agreements: When dismissal or diversion is not available, we negotiate plea agreements with explicit attention to professional licensing consequences — structuring outcomes to avoid the specific conviction types that create the most serious professional licensing risk.
Try cases when the facts support it: Some Fort Collins misdemeanor cases should go to trial — when the evidence is weak, when constitutional violations affected the case, or when the client has a strong factual defense. We try misdemeanor cases in Larimer County courts when trial is the right strategy.
How Misdemeanor Cases Work in Larimer County
Misdemeanor cases in Fort Collins are typically handled in Larimer County Court for most Class 1, 2, and 3 misdemeanor offenses not connected to pending felony charges. The case begins with an arraignment, proceeds to a pre-trial conference where potential resolution is discussed, and moves to trial if no resolution is reached. Most Larimer County misdemeanor cases resolve at or before the pre-trial conference stage.
The 8th Judicial District’s active diversion programs create meaningful opportunities for first-time and appropriate misdemeanor defendants to avoid convictions entirely. Fort Collins’ community culture supports rehabilitative approaches, and the DA’s office uses diversion actively — particularly for alcohol, drug, and first-time offense cases. Identifying eligibility for diversion and advocating effectively for acceptance is often the highest-value action a defense attorney can take on an eligible misdemeanor case.
Cases that don’t resolve through diversion or plea proceed to trial. Misdemeanor trials in Larimer County follow Colorado’s Rules of Criminal Procedure. The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. For Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors, the defendant has the right to a jury trial.
Why Burnham Law for Misdemeanor Defense in Fort Collins
Larimer County diversion knowledge. We know the 8th Judicial District’s diversion programs — who is eligible, what the programs involve, and how to advocate effectively for our clients’ acceptance. Diversion is often the best available outcome for eligible first-time misdemeanor defendants.
Technology and professional licensing awareness. Fort Collins’ technology, clean energy, and professional services community faces specific licensing board consequences from misdemeanor convictions. We address these consequences explicitly in every case involving a licensed or professionally regulated client.
CSU student dual-process navigation. We advise CSU student clients on both the criminal defense and the parallel university conduct implications, developing strategy that protects academic standing alongside the criminal record.
Taking Fort Collins misdemeanors seriously. In Fort Collins’ professional and university community, the consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are disproportionate to the criminal charge level. We invest in misdemeanor defense accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Collins Misdemeanor Defense
What is the 8th Judicial District’s diversion program for misdemeanors?
The 8th Judicial District’s misdemeanor diversion program allows eligible first-time or appropriate misdemeanor defendants to complete a supervised period with specific requirements — community service, counseling, education, or other conditions depending on the offense — in exchange for dismissal upon successful completion. Diversion avoids a conviction on the record and preserves eligibility for record sealing later. The 8th Judicial District uses diversion programs actively, particularly for alcohol, drug, and first-time offense cases, reflecting the community’s rehabilitative orientation.
How does a misdemeanor affect a CSU student’s standing?
Whether a misdemeanor arrest or conviction affects a student’s CSU standing depends on whether the conduct falls within the university’s jurisdiction and whether it implicates the Student Code of Conduct. Off-campus conduct can trigger the Student Resolution Center process if it involves another student, occurs at a university-affiliated event, or the university determines it affects the campus community. The conduct process operates under its own standards and can result in probation, suspension, or expulsion independent of the criminal outcome.
Can a misdemeanor affect my technology career in Fort Collins?
Potentially yes — Fort Collins’ technology employers typically conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and many technology positions require access to sensitive systems, client data, or security-relevant infrastructure. A misdemeanor involving theft, fraud, dishonesty, or unauthorized access is particularly likely to affect employment in technology. Some technology roles also require security clearances or professional licenses that have their own criminal conviction standards. The specific impact depends on the employer, the role, and the nature of the conviction.
What misdemeanor convictions cannot be sealed in Colorado?
DUI and DWAI convictions cannot be sealed in Colorado regardless of age. Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offenses are not sealable. Convictions for offenses involving unlawful sexual behavior have sealing restrictions. Beyond these specific categories, most other Colorado misdemeanor convictions can be sealed after applicable waiting periods — 2 years for Class 2 and 3 misdemeanors, 3 years for Class 1 misdemeanors — following completion of the sentence.
Is a misdemeanor trial available in Larimer County?
Yes. Defendants charged with Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors in Colorado have the right to a jury trial. Class 3 misdemeanor cases are tried by a judge (bench trial). Misdemeanor jury trials in Larimer County follow Colorado’s Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. When the evidence is weak or the facts support a strong defense, trial can be the best available strategy — and we are prepared to try misdemeanor cases in Larimer County courts when that is the right approach for our clients.
Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Misdemeanor Lawyer
A misdemeanor charge in Fort Collins deserves serious defense — particularly for professionals and students whose careers and academic standing are at stake. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins misdemeanor defense attorneys will fight for the best available outcome in your case.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. We defend misdemeanor charges throughout Larimer County.
