A criminal charge can have consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. For a young person with a promising future, a felony conviction can create obstacles that follow them for years, potentially affecting employment opportunities, professional advancement, housing applications, and career development.
But being charged with a felony does not mean that a person should automatically lose their future.
Recently, I represented a young individual facing serious felony allegations, including robbery, theft, and harassment. A felony conviction could have dramatically changed the course of this person's life.
After carefully evaluating the circumstances and presenting the case to the District Attorney, we were able to pursue an alternative resolution that offers my client an opportunity to avoid a felony conviction and protect their future.
My client is now in the process of applying for a criminal diversion program. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges will be dismissed, and the case will be eligible for sealing under applicable Colorado law.
A Criminal Charge Can Change the Course of a Young Person's Life
One of the most important things to understand about felony charges is that the consequences can extend well beyond the courtroom.
For a young person who has never been in trouble before, a felony conviction can create significant barriers.
Consider some of the potential consequences:
- Employment: Many employers conduct criminal background checks. A felony conviction can create obstacles when applying for jobs or seeking career advancement.
- Professional opportunities: Certain professions, licenses, and positions may be affected by criminal history.
- Housing: Landlords and property management companies may consider criminal history when evaluating rental applications.
- Future opportunities: A felony conviction can follow someone through important life transitions, creating complications long after the criminal case has ended.
A person who has spent years working toward a career and building a future can suddenly find those opportunities threatened by a single criminal case.
That is why defending a young person facing felony charges requires looking beyond the allegations and considering the long-term consequences of a conviction.
Looking Beyond the Criminal Allegations
In this case, my client was facing serious felony allegations arising from a dispute involving another individual.
There was considerably more to the situation than what initially appeared in the criminal allegations. The circumstances leading up to law enforcement's involvement were important, and understanding the complete picture was essential to evaluating the case fairly.
My client had no prior criminal record and had a promising future ahead.
I believed it was important for the District Attorney to understand the full circumstances, including the conduct of the other individual involved, my client's background, and the potential long-term consequences of pursuing a felony conviction.
A criminal case should not be evaluated solely by looking at the names of the charges. The surrounding circumstances, the available evidence, the defendant's background, and the appropriate objectives of the criminal justice system all deserve consideration.
Why Criminal Diversion Can Make a Difference
One option available in appropriate Colorado criminal cases is a diversion program.
Diversion can provide eligible individuals with an opportunity to address the circumstances surrounding an alleged offense without proceeding through the traditional criminal prosecution process to a conviction.
Depending on the program and the circumstances, participants may be required to complete educational courses, counseling, cognitive-thinking programs, or other conditions designed to encourage better decision-making and reduce the likelihood of future criminal conduct.
In this case, I presented the circumstances to the District Attorney and explained why diversion was an appropriate resolution.
I emphasized that my client had no prior criminal record, had a promising future, and deserved an opportunity to learn from the circumstances rather than have a felony conviction potentially follow them for the rest of their life.
The District Attorney recognized that the situation was more complicated than the initial allegations suggested and agreed to allow my client to pursue diversion.
The proposed program includes classes focused on cognitive thinking and making better decisions.
My client is currently going through the application process. Upon acceptance and successful completion of the program, the charges will be dismissed, and the case will be eligible for sealing under Colorado law.
Protecting a Client's Future Is an Important Part of Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is not simply about trying to avoid jail or prison. It is also about understanding how a criminal conviction can affect every aspect of a person's future.
For a young person with no prior criminal record, the difference between a felony conviction and successful completion of a diversion program can be enormous.
It can mean preserving employment opportunities, maintaining the ability to pursue professional goals, avoiding the long-term consequences associated with a felony conviction, and moving forward without the burden of a criminal case appearing in the ordinary public record after the case is properly sealed.
Of course, diversion is not available in every case. Eligibility depends on the charges, the circumstances, applicable law, and the prosecutor's agreement.
But when diversion is a viable option, it can provide an opportunity for accountability, education, and rehabilitation while protecting a person's ability to move forward.
In this case, we were able to secure an opportunity for my client to pursue exactly that.
At Black, Blink and Associates, LLC, we believe that a person's future should not be defined solely by the fact that they have been accused of a crime. Every case deserves individual attention, and every client deserves an attorney willing to examine the circumstances and pursue the best available resolution.
If you or someone you care about is facing felony charges in Colorado, it is important to understand all available options before making decisions that could affect the rest of your life.
Contact Black, Blink and Associates, LLC to discuss your situation and learn how experienced criminal defense representation may help protect your future.
Clifton Black is a founding partner of Black, Blink and Associates, LLC, and represents individuals facing criminal charges in Colorado.
