Affirmative Defenses

 

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Robert D. Gustafson, Attorney At Law
COLORADO SPRINGS TRIAL LAWYER

6538 Charter Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918-1335
Phone (719) 260-1002
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Affirmative Defenses - Colorado Springs Criminal Defense - alibi, self defense, defense of another person, defense of property, entrapment, procuring agent, duress, choice of evils, intoxication, perjury & retraction.


GENERAL INFORMATION

        The information provided in this web page is a small portion of applicable law, and I have included only the most common affirmative defenses.  Many affirmative defenses will turn on the operative facts.  When it appears an affirmative defense may be relevant, counsel conducts legal research seeking precedent cases with similar fact patterns.

        When a defendant has presented credible evidence of an affirmative defense, the prosecution has the burden of proving the guilt of the defendant to the jury's satisfaction beyond a reasonable doubt as to the affirmative defense, as well as to all the elements of the crime charged.  After considering the evidence concerning the affirmative defenses with all the other evidence in this case, if each juror is not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt, the juror must return a verdict of not guilty.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:01


ALIBI

        Alibi is an affirmative defense to certain crimes or their lesser included offenses - that the defendant was in another location at the time of commission of the alleged offense(s).  Defendant must allege where he / she was located, and offer evidence thereof.  If any credible alibi evidence is presented that the defendant was in a location other than that alleged at the time of commission of the alleged offenses, the prosecution has the burden of proving was not present in the location claimed, but present at the location of the alleged crime at the relevant date and time.
SOURCE: McGregor v. People, 490 P.2d 287, 176 Colo. 309 (1971)
Hampton v. People, 465 P.2d 112, 171 Colo. 101 (1970)
People v. Villa, 605 P.2d 481, 43 Colo. App. 284 (1979)
CRS 16-7-102 and CRS 18-1-407


SELF DEFENSE

CRS 18-1-704. Use of physical force in defense of a person
        (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, a person is justified in using physical force upon another person in order to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.
        (2) Deadly physical force may be used only if a person reasonably believes a lesser degree of force is inadequate and:
                (a) The actor has reasonable ground to believe, and does believe, that he or another person is in imminent danger of being killed or of receiving great bodily injury; or
                (b) The other person is using or reasonably appears about to use physical force against an occupant of a dwelling or business establishment while committing or attempting to commit burglary as defined in sections 18-4-202 to 18-4-204; or
                (c) The other person is committing or reasonably appears about to commit kidnapping as defined in section 18-3-301 or 18-3-302, robbery as defined in section 18-4-301 or 18-4-302, sexual assault as set forth in section 18-3-402, or in section 18-3-403 as it existed prior to July 1, 2000, or assault as defined in sections 18-3-202 and 18-3-203.
        (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, a person is not justified in using physical force if:
                (a) With intent to cause bodily injury or death to another person, he provokes the use of unlawful physical force by that other person; or
                (b) He is the initial aggressor; except that his use of physical force upon another person under the circumstances is justifiable if he withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to the other person his intent to do so, but the latter nevertheless continues or threatens the use of unlawful physical force; or
                (c) The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.

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        Self defense is an affirmative defense to certain crimes or their lesser included offenses - that the defendant used physical force upon another person:
        1. in order to defend himself / herself or a third person from what he / she reasonably believed to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by the victim, and
        2. defendant used a degree of force which he / she reasonably believed to be necessary for that purpose.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:16

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        A person is not justified in using physical force if with intent to cause bodily injury or death to another person, he / she provokes the use of unlawful physical force by that other person.
SOURCE: COLJI 7(13)
CRS 18-1-704(3)(a) non-justifiable use of physical force - provocation

        Self defense remains an affirmative defense if 
        1. defendant was the initial aggressor, but
        2. defendant withdrew from the encounter, and
        3. defendant effectively communicated to the other person his / her intent to do so, and
        4. the other person nevertheless continued or threatened the use of unlawful physical force.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:18 use of physical force - defense of person
CRS 18-1-704(1) & (3)(b) initial aggressor

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        If the defendant was not the initial aggressor, and was where he she had a right to be, he / she was not required to retreat to a position of no escape in order to claim the right to employ force in his her own defense. There is no lawful duty of a person to retreat before countering the use of force with force.
SOURCE: People v. Watson, 671 P.2d 973 (Colo. App. 1983)
                Adaptation of COLJI 7(15) - retreat to the wall

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        Where the defendant is the initial aggressor he / she must, in order to rely on self-defense, have withdrawn from the affray and have communicated the desire to withdraw to his / her opponent.
SOURCE: COLJI 7(15) retreat to the wall, CRS 18-1-704(3)(b)

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        A person is not justified in using physical force if the physical force involved was the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.
SOURCE: COLJI 7(13) non-justifiable use of physical force - combat by agreement, CRS 18-1-704(3)(c)

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Evidence of Victim Prior Bad Acts or Aggression

        Specific instances of prior aggression by the victim will only be admissible under the following circumstances:
        1.) defendant makes a prima facie claim of self defense and 
        2.) defendant proves he or she had knowledge prior to acting in self defense. 

        Absent a viable self defense claim, victim's prior specific acts are not admissible. If a witness has first hand knowledge, he / she may or may not be permitted to testify as to his / her opinion as the alleged victim's propensity to peacefulness or violence. As with a defendant's prior history, these evidentiary issues are vehemently disputed by prosecution and defense.




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DEFENSE OF ANOTHER PERSON

        CRS 18-1-704 does not limit the actor's right to use deadly force to those situations in which the aggressor is committing or is about to commit a crime upon on someone other than the actor. People v. Garcia, 1 P.3d 214 (Colo. App. 1999), aff'd, 28 P.3d 340 (Colo. 2001).

        Right to kill in defense of another. Where a known felony is attempted upon a person, the party assaulted may repel force by force, and any other person present may interpose for preventing mischief, and if death ensues the party so interposing will be justified. The right thus to assist applies with peculiar force where a relationship exists, such as father, son, brother, or husband. Bush v. People, 10 Colo. 566, 16 P. 290 (1887).

        See self defense above.


DEFENSE OF PROPERTY

        Defense of property is an affirmative defense to certain crimes or their lesser included offenses - that the defendant:
        1. used reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person;
        2. when to the extent that reasonably believed it was necessary to prevent;
        3. what reasonably believed to be an attempt by the other person to commit theft, criminal mischief or criminal tampering involving property.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:21

        Certain words or phrases have a particular meaning. The following are definitions of these words or phrases.
SOURCE: COLJI 5:01

THEFT: means
a. knowingly obtaining or exercising control over anything of value which was the property of another person without authorization or by threat or deception, with the intent to permanently deprive the other person of the use or benefit of the thing of value; or
b. knowingly using, concealing or abandoning the thing of value in such a manner as to permanently deprive the other person of its use or benefit; or
c. using, concealing or abandoning the thing of value with intent that such use, concealment or abandonment would permanently deprive the other person of the use or benefit of the thing of value; or
d. demanded any consideration to which he/she was not legally entitled as a condition of restoring the thing of value to the other person.
SOURCE: COLJI 16:01

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: means knowingly damaging the real or personal property of one or more other persons in the course of a single criminal episode and the damage has a monetary value to repair or replace.
SOURCE: COLJI 17:01

CRIMINAL TAMPERING: means tampering with the property of another with the intent to cause injury, inconvenience or annoyance to that person.
SOURCE: COLJI 17:06

TAMPER: means to interfere with something improperly, to meddle with it, or to make unwarranted alterations in its condition.
SOURCE: COLJI 5(24)

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        Defense of property is an affirmative defense to certain crimes or their lesser included offenses - that the defendant:
        1. was in possession or control of any building, real estate, or other premises, or was licensed or privileged to be thereon, and
        2. used reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person;
        3. to prevent or terminate what he reasonably believed to be the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful trespass by the other person in or upon the building, real estate, or premises.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:19, CRS 18-1-705




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ENTRAPMENT

        The commission of acts which would otherwise constitute an offense is not criminal if the defendant engaged in the proscribed conduct because he was induced to do so by a law enforcement official or other person acting under his direction, seeking to obtain evidence for the purpose of prosecution, and the methods used to obtain that evidence were such as to create a substantial risk that the acts would be committed by a person who, but for such inducement, would not have conceived of or engaged in conduct of the sort induced. Merely affording a person an opportunity to commit an offense is not entrapment even though representations or inducements calculated to overcome the offender's fear of detection are used.  CRS 18-1-709

        Entrapment is a statutorily recognized affirmative defense of justification or exemption.  CRS 18-1-710.

        Where deception practiced by law enforcement which simply furnishes defendants with an opportunity to engage in illegal drug sales and defendants knowingly and willingly take advantage of this opportunity does not constitute entrapment. There is no entrapment if the defendant was predisposed to commit the crime. The trier of fact must find beyond a reasonable doubt that the offenses committed by the defendant was not procured by duress or unconstitutional police conduct. Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062, 1065 (Colo. 1981).

There are two tests for entrapment - the subjective test and the objective test.
        a.  OBJECTIVE TEST of entrapment grounds the defense on the methods used by government agents to induce the defendant to commit the act as set forth in by minority opinions of the United States Supreme Court. In Hampton v. United States, 425 U.S. 484, 96 S.Ct. 1646, 48 L.Ed.2d 113(1976); United States v. Russell, 411 U.S. 423, 93 S.Ct. 1637, 36 L.Ed.2d 366 (1973); Sherman v. United States, 356 U.S. 369, 78 S.Ct. 819, 2 L.Ed.2d 848 (1958); and Sorrells v. United States, 287 U.S. 435, 53 S.Ct. 210, 77 L.Ed. 413 (1932).
        b.  SUBJECTIVE TEST of entrapment grounds the defense on defendant was not predisposed to commit the act alleged as set forth in the above majority opinions.

        Since the defense of entrapment is not of constitutional stature, states are free to define it as they choose. Most states have adopted the subjective approach. On the other hand, commentators generally favor the objective test. The commentators have likened the entrapment controversy to the debate over the exclusionary rule: if both the government and the citizen break the rules, whose behavior should be punished? Under the objective theory, the defendant is excused because of the misconduct of the government; the subjective approach sanctions police conduct without question as long as the police actions are directed to persons predisposed to commit the offense charged.

        Colorado adheres to the subjective test of entrapment. The defendant's predisposition to commit the crime, rather than the conduct of the government agent, remains the dispositive factor in determining whether entrapment has occurred. Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062, 1067 (Colo. 1981), People v. Sanchez, 40 Colo. App. 552, 580 P.2d 1270 (1978).

        Where deception practiced by law enforcement simply furnishes defendants with an opportunity to engage in illegal drug sales and defendant knowingly and willingly takes advantage of this opportunity, law enforcement conduct does not constitute entrapment. There is no entrapment if the defendant was predisposed to commit the crime. Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062, 1065 (Colo. 1981).

        Entrapment is an affirmative defense which is to be submitted to the trier of fact. Once the defendant has presented credible evidence on the issue, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that no entrapment has occurred. CRS 18-1-407(2), Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062 (Colo. 1981), People v. Sanchez, 40 Colo. App. 552, 580 P.2d 1270 (1978).  However, to be entitled to an entrapment jury instruction, although a defendant should not be required to admit guilt to obtain an entrapment jury instruction, his theory of entrapment must be supported by some evidence of instigation of the offense by the officer. People v. Penson, 184 Colo. 256 (Colo. 1974). (pimping case) Gonzales v. People, 168 Colo. 545, 452 P.2d 46 (1969)

        Merely affording a person an opportunity to commit an offense is not entrapment under CRS 18-1-709. If the trier of fact finds that defendant would have acted the same way if given another opportunity, the prosecution had met its evidentiary burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants had not been entrapped. Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062, 1068 (Colo. 1981)

        Attorney Note:  Entrapment defense would most commonly arise in drug sale or prostitution charges, but could be relevant in other criminal charges.  To put the law in layman's terms, as Flip Wilson said: "the devil made me do it" (the devil being police) or the defendant was led down the paths of unrighteousness by police.

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Law Enforcement Outrageous Conduct 
Due Process of Law

        In addition to statutory entrapment defense, a defendant may move to suppress evidence on the basis of 14th Amendment grounds: that the conduct of the law enforcement agents was so outrageous and egregious that it deprived him / her of due process of law under the federal and state constitutions. As with entrapment affirmative defense, outrageous conduct and denial of due process of law defense will turn upon the facts of the case.

        The trier of fact must find beyond a reasonable doubt that the offenses committed by the defendant was not procured by duress or unconstitutional police conduct. Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062, 1065 (Colo. 1981).

        In regard to such a claim, an asserted denial of due process must be tested by an appraisal of the totality of facts in a given case. People v. Vega, 870 P.2d 549 (Colo. App. 1993). Government officers can employ appropriate artifice and deception to ferret out illegal activities. People in Interest of M.N., 761 P.2d 1124 (Colo. 1988).

        Where:
        a. The investigation was initiated and conducted without any actual knowledge or belief that the respondent was involved in prostitution-related activities.
        b. A law enforcement agent told the respondent that he was from the east coast and was a member of an organization that was attempting to establish a prostitution service in Denver to serve wealthy travelers from the New York area
        c. The law enforcement agent offered respondent a financial interest in the proposed venture.
        d. The record fails to demonstrate that the conduct of the undercover agents was violative of due process of law and was not outrageous conduct.
        People v. Morley, 725 P.2d 510 (Colo. 1986). (soliciting for prostitution); e.g., United States v. Kelly, 707 F.2d 1460 (D.C. Cir. 1983); United States v. Jannotti, 673 F.2d 578 (3d Cir. 1982), cert. denied, 457 U.S. 1106 (1982).

In Morley, respondent eagerly offered for sale his counsel and assistance in the formation of an illegal enterprise. The respondent's decision to engage in this conduct was made freely and knowingly, out of an obvious predisposition to do so, and not as the result of some overbearing inducement by the federal agents. See Hampton v. United States, 425 U.S. 484 (1976); Evans v. People, 706 P.2d 795 (Colo. 1985); Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062 (Colo. 1981).  Further, there was no evidence that the undercover agents were pursuing a course of harassment or engaging in gross improprieties during their contacts with the respondent. See People v. Ressin, 620 P.2d 717 (Colo. 1980)

        If the governmental officials acted outrageously or in bad faith in obtaining the challenged evidence, then due process of law requires the exclusion of such evidence or perhaps the even more drastic remedy of dismissal. There is no "bright line" or "per se" rule in this area of the law, and each case must be decided on the basis of its own peculiar facts. People v. Harfmann, 638 P.2d 745, 748 (Colo. 1981); see Emslie v. State Board of California, 11 Cal.3d 210, 520 P.2d 991, 113 Cal. Rptr. 175 (1974).

        While the undercover operation may have itself been built on deceit, governmental activity in the pursuit of crime "is not confined to behavior suitable for the drawing room." United States v. Murphy, 768 F.2d 1518, 1529 (7th Cir. 1985); see United States v. Qaoud, 777 F.2d 1105 (6th Cir. 1985), cert. denied, 106 S. Ct. 1499 (1986).




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PROCURING AGENT DEFENSE
SALE OF DRUGS

        When a defendant is charged with sale of narcotic or other illicit drugs, procuring agent has previously been an affirmative defense.  The defense is that the defendant acts as an exclusive agent for a buyer - the law enforcement officials who bought the drugs. As such, the defendant becomes a principal or conspirator in the purchase rather than the sale of the narcotics and, therefore, cannot be convicted of sale or conspiracy to sell narcotic drugs under CRS 12-22-302. People v. Smith, 623 P.2d 404 (Colo. 1981); People v. Fenninger, 191 Colo. 334, 552 P.2d 1018 (1976). In Fenninger and Smith, the defendants never handled either the money or the drugs, although they were present at some drug transactions.  People v. Palmer, 652 P.2d 1092 (Colo. App. 1982), People v. McGhee, 677 P.2d 419 (Colo. App. 1983)

        If defendant is contacted by law enforcement agents and asked if he / she could obtain narcotics, and
        defendant does locate and purchase narcotics from his / her sources, and
        defendant delivers the narcotics to law enforcement agents, and
        defendant receives payment from law enforcement agents, then
        the procuring agent defense does not apply where the defendant sells narcotic drugs to the law enforcement agents.
        Bailey v. People, 630 P.2d 1062, 1069 (Colo. 1981).

        There appears to be no case in this jurisdiction which has held the procuring agent theory of defense applicable to a charge of mere possession of narcotic drugs.  People v. Dodd, 195 Colo. 408, 409 (Colo. 1978).  It is established law that the crime of possession is complete when the defendant has knowingly acquired dominion and control over the contraband substance. People v. Dodd, supra at 410.  See, e.g., People v. Eades, 187 Colo. 74, 528 P.2d 382 (1974); People v. Bennett, 183 Colo. 125, 515 P.2d 466 (1973); People v. Chaves, 182 Colo. 216, 511 P.2d 883 (1973); and Duran v. People, 145 Colo. 563, 360 P.2d 132 (1961).  We, therefore, rule that the procuring agent defense should not be extended to mere possession cases.  People v. Dodd, supra at 410.

        Subsequent to the Colorado Supreme Court's decisions in People v. Dinkel, 189 Colo. 404, 541 P.2d 898 (1975) and People v. Fenninger, supra, the General Assembly enacted comprehensive changes in the laws related to controlled substances.  Accordingly, where the information charges defendant with "sale and distribution" of a controlled substance, refusal to instruct on the procuring agent defense may not be error.  People v. Farris, 812 P.2d 654 (Colo. App. 1991)  Put another way, the procuring agent defense may not be available.


DURESS

CRS 18-1-708. Duress.
        A person may not be convicted of an offense, other than a class 1 felony, based upon conduct in which he engaged at the direction of another person because of the use or threatened use of unlawful force upon him or upon another person, which force or threatened use thereof a reasonable person in his situation would have been unable to resist. This defense is not available when a person intentionally or recklessly places himself in a situation in which it is foreseeable that he will be subjected to such force or threatened use thereof. The choice of evils defense, provided in CRS 18-1-702, shall not be available to a defendant in addition to the defense of duress provided under this section unless separate facts exist which warrant its application.

        Because duress is an affirmative defense, the prosecution must establish the defendant's guilt as to that issue beyond a reasonable doubt by competent evidence. CRS 18-1-407(2)

        A defendant may claim that express or implied threats by law enforcement agents constituted duress. To claim duress, there must be a factual basis of law enforcement agents using actual force, or defendant must infer from the agents' statements that he / she was in any immediate danger. The defense of duress is not available unless a defendant shows a specific and imminent threat of injury to his person under circumstances which leave him no reasonable alternative other than the violation of the law for which he stands charged; mere speculation that injury may occur is not sufficient. People v. Trujillo, 41 Colo. App. 223, 586 P.2d 235 (1979).

        The threat which constitutes duress originates from a third person (or person) who need not be law enforcement agents.  People v. Maes, 41 Colo. App. 75, 583 P.2d 942 (1978).

        Although CRS 18-1-708 does not require that the defendant act at the direction of another person at the time of the crime, caselaw requires such a condition to exist. People v. Yaklich, 833 P.2d 758 (Colo. App. 1992).


CHOICE OF EVILS

CRS 18-1-702. Choice of evils
        (1) Unless inconsistent with other provisions of sections 18-1-703 to 18-1-707, defining justifiable use of physical force, or with some other provision of law, conduct which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal when it is necessary as an emergency measure to avoid an imminent public or private injury which is about to occur by reason of a situation occasioned or developed through no conduct of the actor, and which is of sufficient gravity that, according to ordinary standards of intelligence and morality, the desirability and urgency of avoiding the injury clearly outweigh the desirability of avoiding the injury sought to be prevented by the statute defining the offense in issue.
        (2) The necessity and justifiability of conduct under subsection (1) of this section shall not rest upon considerations pertaining only to the morality and advisability of the statute, either in its general application or with respect to its application to a particular class of cases arising thereunder. When evidence relating to the defense of justification under this section is offered by the defendant, before it is submitted for the consideration of the jury, the court shall first rule as a matter of law whether the claimed facts and circumstances would, if established, constitute a justification.

        Before a choice of evils defense may be presented to the jury, the trial court must make an initial determination of whether the allegations of facts by the defendant, if proven, would constitute legal justification for the prohibited conduct. Andrews v. People, 800 P.2d 607 (Colo. 1990); People v. Brandyberry, 812 P.2d 674 (Colo. App. 1990).

        Test for sufficiency of offer of proof. A sufficient offer of proof must establish that: 
        (1) All other potentially viable and reasonable alternative actions were pursued or shown to be futile;
        (2) the action taken had a direct causal connection with the harm sought to be prevented and would bring about the abatement of the harm; and 
        (3) the action taken was an emergency measure pursued to avoid a specific, definite, and imminent injury about to occur.
        Andrews v. People, 800 P.2d 607 (Colo. 1990).  

        Offer of proof is insufficient if the defendant fails to show that his / her criminal actions, rather than legal actions taken by themselves and others, brought about the abatement of the harm or if the offer merely alleges that other persons have attempted to pursue reasonable alternatives or that the criminal action taken was a more effective alternative. Andrews v. People, 800 P.2d 607 (Colo. 1990).

        For this defense to be available, it must first be shown that defendant's conduct was necessitated by a specific and imminent threat of injury to his person under circumstances which left him no reasonable and viable alternative other than the violation of the law for which he stands charged. People v. Robertson, 36 Colo. App. 367, 543 P.2d 533 (1975); People v. Handy, 198 Colo. 556, 603 P.2d 941 (1979); People v. Strock, 623 P.2d 42 (Colo. 1981); Andrews v. People, 800 P.2d 607 (Colo. 1990).  The threat to defendant's person must be so definite, specific, and imminent as to rise beyond mere speculation. People v. Robertson, 36 Colo. App. 367, 543 P.2d 533 (1975); People v. Handy, 198 Colo. 556, 603 P.2d 941 (1979).

        Once some credible evidence is presented by defendant to raise the choice of evils defense, the burden of proof shifts to prosecution to disprove the defense beyond a reasonable doubt as to that issue as well as all other elements of the offense. People v. Strock, 42 Colo. App. 404, 600 P.2d 91 (1979), rev'd on other grounds, 623 P.2d 42 (Colo. 1981).




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INTOXICATION

 

Voluntary or Self Induced Intoxication

 

        Voluntary or self-induced Intoxication is an affirmative defense to certain crimes or their lesser included offenses - that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), because of intoxication, the defendant did not have the capacity to form the specific intent required by that offense.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:13, COLJI 6(12), CRS 18-1-801(1)
                People v. White, 191 Colo. 353, 553 P.2d 68 (1976)

        Certain words or phrases have a particular meaning. The following are definitions of these words or phrases.
SOURCE: COLJI 5:01

        INTOXICATION: means a disturbance of mental or physical capacities resulting from the introduction of any substance into the body.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:68 § 7(2), CRS 18-1-804(4)

        SELF-INDUCED INTOXICATION: means intoxication caused by substances which the defendant knows or ought to know have the tendency to cause intoxication and which he knowingly introduced or allowed to be introduced into his body, unless they were introduced pursuant to medical advice or under circumstances that would afford a defense to a charge of crime.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:68 § 7(5), CRS 18-1-804(5)

        Intoxication does not negate culpability element of "knowingly". Evidence of self-induced intoxication is not admissible to negate the culpability element of "knowingly". People v. Aragon, 653 P.2d 715 (Colo. 1982); People v. Breland, 728 P.2d 763 (Colo. App. 1986).

        Consumption of heroin by an addict causes self-induced, not involuntary, intoxication. Tacorante v. People, 624 P.2d 1324 (Colo. 1981).

        Voluntary intoxication is sufficient to support general intent for crime. One who voluntarily drinks himself into unconsciousness intends whatever the foreseeable consequences or inevitable results of such intoxication are, and that intent is sufficient to supply general intent for second degree murder. Watkins v. People, 158 Colo. 485, 408 P.2d 425 (1965).

 

Involuntary or Self Induced Intoxication

 

        Voluntary or self-induced Intoxication is an affirmative defense to certain crimes or their lesser included offenses - that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), lacked the capacity to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law because of intoxication that was not self-induced.

        Intoxication of the accused is not a defense to a criminal charge, except that a person is not criminally responsible for his conduct if intoxication was not self-induced and was intoxicated to a degree that was unable to formulate the requisite specific intent or to act knowingly or recklessly with respect to the circumstance.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:14, COLJI 6(12), CRS 18-1-801§§(1),(3)
                People v. White, 191 Colo. 353, 553 P.2d 68 (1976)
                Involuntary intoxication, in contrast, is without moral culpability and, for this reason, is a complete defense to all crimes. Hendershott v. People, 653 P.2d 385 (Colo. 1982), cert. denied, 459 U.S. 1225, 103 S. Ct. 1232, 75 L. Ed.2d 466 (1983); People v. Turner, 680 P.2d 1290 (Colo. App. 1983).

        Involuntary intoxication as an affirmative defense. Where the defendant presented evidence that he was unaware of the effect of ingesting excessive doses of a prescribed drug, it is reversible error not to submit that issue to the jury. People v. Turner, 680 P.2d 1290 (Colo. App. 1983).

        Certain words or phrases have a particular meaning. The following are definitions of these words or phrases.
SOURCE: COLJI 5:01

        INTOXICATION: means a disturbance of mental or physical capacities resulting from the introduction of any substance into the body.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:68 § 7(2), CRS 18-1-804(4)

        SELF-INDUCED INTOXICATION: means intoxication caused by substances which the defendant knows or ought to know have the tendency to cause intoxication and which he knowingly introduced or allowed to be introduced into his body, unless they were introduced pursuant to medical advice or under circumstances that would afford a defense to a charge of crime.
SOURCE: COLJI 7:68 § 7(5), CRS 18-1-804(5)


PERJURY - RETRACTION

        It is an affirmative defense to the crime of perjury in the first degree that the defendant retracted his / her false statement during the same proceeding in which it was made. Statements made in separate hearings at separate stages of the same trial or administrative proceedings shall be deemed to have been made during the same proceeding.

SOURCE: COLJI 7:48, CRS 18-1-508


ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION
AND DECLINED MATTERS
 

NOTICE:  I NO LONGER ACCEPT CASES:
SEXUAL ASSAULT (RAPE) or SEXUAL ASSAULT ON A CHILD

 
NOTICE:  I DO NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING CASES
ROBBERY, FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT or MURDER CHILD ABUSE HOMICIDE OR FELONY CHILD ABUSE
 
SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS CRIMINAL DEFENSE TRAFFIC DEFENSE DRUNK DRIVING - DUI DEFENSE
DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE FAMILY LAW  DEBT COLLECTION COMMUNITY RESOURCES
FIRST CONSULTATION ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE PRIMARY WEBSITE INDEX
ATTORNEY SELECTION RETAINING GUSTAFSON ADVICE BY LAYMEN
 

I welcome representation inquiries however please refer to first consultation - the purpose is not to provide free legal advice to the general public.  Unless seeking to retain counsel, please do not email or call.  I do not provide legal opinions, answers or information in response to questions submitted from non-clients.  Given the scope of internet accessibility I can not be the free "Colorado answer man" and will politely decline.

 

ALTERNATIVES

FIND A LAWYER

if you are seeking the below
please refer to above links for helpful information
sole practitioner attorney does not accept these matters
 

a.  a pro-bono (free) lawyer
b.  an attorney who may take lower fees - economic hardship
c.  an attorney who may take installment payments

Attorney Welcomes

third party payment authorization
charge card merchant discount
 
MID-LITIGATION REPRESENTATION
alternatives and find a lawyer links provided as a courtesy

Attorney Policies
Defendant Pro Se - Attempt to Defend Own Case

1.  Adequate Time.  If sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your defense and if prospective client approves this attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will likely accept defense representation.  This shall not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and prospective client retain discretion through first consultation.

2.  Insufficient Time.  If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not sufficient time to prepare an adequate defense before a contested court proceeding, please do not call.  I decline.

3.  Limited Assistance.  Please do not call requesting instruction, directions, legal theory, forms completion or limited document drafting, partial representation, or an explanation of applicable law to assist you in defense of your own case.  I decline.

Attorney Policies
Representation by Previous Attorney

1.  Current Attorney.  Until an order has entered withdrawing representation by an attorney, an ethical rule violation exists if counsel knowingly speaks to another attorney's client without current attorney's consent.  This ethical rule governs all attorneys.  Please do not call until after you have terminated representation by a former attorney.  Please be aware, after other counsel's withdrawal it may be difficult for the the new attorney to "catch up."

2.  Adequate Time.  If prospective client terminates employment of the former attorney, if sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your defense, and if prospective client approves this attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will likely accept defense representation.  This shall not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and prospective client retain discretion through first consultation.

3.  Insufficient Time.  If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not sufficient time to prepare an adequate defense before a contested court proceeding, please do not call.  I decline.

4.  Second Opinion.  I will not arm chair quarterback another attorney's defense tactics or theory of defense.  Please do not call for a second opinion or an opinion regarding the competence of your current defense.  I decline.

 
 
POST SENTENCING MATTERS
PROBATION REVOCATION  *  PAROLE VIOLATION
DEFERRED SENTENCE REVOCATION  *  APPEALS

Post Sentencing.  I do not accept post sentencing matters in any criminal, DUI or traffic case unless I provided representation during the case in chief at the trial court level and am familiar with the facts, testimony and exhibits received into evidence, rulings & meritorious issues. That's been my policy for years.  Please do not call or inquire regarding post sentencing matters if you are not a former client.

This includes appeals or plea to domestic violence or other criminal charge, DUI, DEAC or DWAI charge or other traffic charge and probation, deferred sentence, parole or incarceration or revocation proceedings based upon alleged failure to comply.

 

Exceptions.  If the underlying criminal case qualifies, refer to sealing criminal records.  I accept meritorious sealing cases regardless of whether or not you are a former client.  NOTICE: alcohol related traffic offenses, other traffic offenses or traffic infractions are a specifically excluded in the sealing statute and can not be sealed.  If relevant, I also accept meritorious collateral attack cases.

 
 
Attorney Trade Area and Travel
CASES OUTSIDE EL PASO COUNTY
GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Colorado is a big state.  Easy communication access via
internet, email and toll free phone doesn't change that fact.

Attorney is very willing to travel outside the Colorado Springs area to present or defend a case, but please be aware travel time, mileage and expense would apply.  If you are from out of state or are unfamiliar with Colorado geography, refer to the map to determine where Colorado Springs is located in relation to the county of your court case or hearing.

Colorado  MAP

Southern Colorado Area

If travel is necessary, a trust deposit would be required to cover anticipated travel time, mileage & expenses.  If it is not economically justifiable to retain my services with travel, please contact counsel in the locale of your case.

COUNTIES

CITIES / TOWNS

El Paso County

Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs / Fountain

Chaffee County

Salida

I welcome new cases.  Intent is not to be harsh
or to discard potential new business, but to be practical.
Crowley County

Ordway

Custer County Westcliffe Metro Denver Area
Douglas County Castle Rock COUNTIES CITIES / TOWNS
Elbert County Kiowa / Simla City and County of Denver Denver
Fremont County Canon City / Florence / Penrose Adams County Brighton Thornton Federal Heights
Huerfano County Walsenburg Arapahoe County Littleton / Centennial / Englewood
Las Animas County Trinidad Arapahoe County - East Aurora
Lincoln County Hugo (county seat) / Limon Broomfield County Broomfield
Otero County La Junta Gilpin County Blackhawk / Central City
Park County Fairplay Jefferson County Golden / Wheat Ridge
Pueblo County Pueblo
Teller County Cripple Creek / Woodland Park

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attorney reserves the right to decline any legal matter
 

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