Case Results & Dismissals: Getting Results For Our Colorado Criminal Defense Clients
At Black, Blink, & Associates LLC, we have decades of experience helping Colorado residents facing criminal charges. We pride ourselves on working diligently to mitigate or eliminate adverse effects on our clients’ lives and our track record proves it. Look below to view our some highlights and positive outcomes we have attained for our clients. If you are facing criminal charges, call 719-694-0578 to learn what we can do for you.
Criminal Defense Successes
Our defense partner Clifton Black recently negotiated an outstanding deal on behalf of his client who was facing 3x felony charges, each carrying potential prison sentences varying from 1-6 years. Cliff tirelessly researched the charges, reviewed the facts of the case, and worked through extensive plea negotiations with the District Attorney’s office.
Result: Cliff’s client took a deal wherein he’ll be on probation and will not have a felony conviction on his record. (2013)
Cliff had the felony dismissed and received an offer for the client to receive a deferred sentence to a misdemeanor. Provided the client completes some classes and has no new charges, the misdemeanor will be dismissed, preventing a conviction on the client’s record. Cliff also negotiated language in the plea agreement that will allow the client an opportunity to seal all records related to this case.
Result: Deferred sentencing and preventing a misdemeanor conviction on the client’s record. (March 2015)
Attorney Peter Blink’s client was facing charges of Reckless Endangerment, False Reporting, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Prohibited Use of a Weapon. His client believed he was defending his home from burglars and discharged a weapon at the intruders. The client was also struggling with addiction and Peter employed a holistic strategy to mitigate criminal consequences and the underlying addiction.
Result: All charges but Prohibited Use Of A Weapon dismissed, a 12-month probation sentence, required drug treatment and mental health evaluation, and a deferred judgement. (2025)
Attorney Gerald Arrington earned a significant outcome in a complex drugged driving and child abuse case. Because there was a child present in the vehicle, Gerald’s client was facing charges of DUI-Drugs (marijuana), no proof of insurance, equipment violations, an illegal turn, open possession of a marijuana container and Child Abuse (no injury). Gerald negotiated with the DA while being required to communicate with Victim’s Advocate, added an additional wrinkle through the case. Gerald worked to humanize his client, demonstrate rehabilitation efforts and address the legal issues head-on. His client was a Spanish speaker and was able to demonstrate how a communication barrier led to escalated charges.
Result: The client was allowed to plead guilty to a single count of driving under the influence with an 18-month deferred judgment. This will allow the entire case to be dismissed if he satisfies the court’s conditions, which would clear all allegations from his record (including child abuse). (2025)
Attorney Gerald Arrington concluded an Armed Robbery case resulting in a plea to a lesser charge of Robbery resulting in a sentence of just 3 years of probation.
In a contested sentencing hearing, the prosecutor played a video showing our client using a knife to cut a backpack off another individual. The prosecution argued that he placed the victim in grave danger and requested that he receive a more significant sentence than his co-defendants had received.
In rebuttal, Arrington argued that the knife was held as far away from the person as possible and that, in cutting the straps, the backpack straps were pulled far away and carefully cut. Arrington noted our client’s lack of a criminal history and that “it’s rare to see a defendant who has done everything right” after committing a crime. He then pointed out all the positive changes our client has made in his life, his commitment to improving his mental health and maintaining sobriety, and his enrollment in college while working part-time.
In imposing probation instead of prison or Community Corrections, the Court repeated much of what Arrington had pointed out about the positive steps the client had taken since being charged, and that our client was already doing the things requested by the probation office as conditions of his probation.
Result: Three years of probation through pleading to a lesser charge.
Domestic Violence Successes
.Attorney Clifton Black earns misdemeanor dismissal for his client, who was charged with harassment, criminal mischief, domestic violence and child abuse. Utilizing experts in the field, Mr. Black was able to show that his client was non-abusive in nature and did not commit the acts the client was accused of committing, thus saving the client’s career in the military.
Result: Charges dismissed. (2015)
Mr. Black was able to demonstrate that the client was not guilty. The prosecutor agreed to conduct an evaluation of the client and the facts of the case, indicating the client was not domestically violent.
Result: Not guilty, all charges dismissed. (October 2015)
Mr. Black’s client was involved in a family dispute in Denver which resulted in a misdemeanor charge and a civil restraining order against his client. Mr. Black was able to show the prosecutor that the complaining party was the aggressor and had the criminal charge dismissed 5 months ago. Mr. Black conducted a contested hearing this week for the restraining order and was able to provide evidence of the complaining party’s inconsistent statements.
Result: The court did not find credible evidence that Mr. Black’s client caused any harm to the complainant and that it was not likely that there would be any future harm. The court dismissed the restraining order. (May 2015)
Mr. Blink’s client was facing charges of second-degree assault (strangulation), third-degree assault, harassment and facing severe long-term consequences. Evidence showed that alcohol was a factor in the argument that led to the charges and the alleged victim was actually the aggressor. Mr. Blink convinced the court to modify the protection order to allow the couple to address their relationship safely and constructively.
Result: All charges dismissed after examining all evidence and filing a Motion to Dismiss. This also sealed the case instantly, restored the client’s gun rights, preserved the client’s reputation and allowed him back into his home. (2025)
Attorney Gerald Arrington earned a full dismissal and immediate sealing for a client charged with third-degree assault and harassment. His client was involved in an argument in which the alleged victim insisted no crime occurred, but the police had to make an arrest under Colorado law. Gerald acted swiftly by filing a motion to allow the client to return home and focused his defense around clarifying the misunderstanding, demonstrating alcohol played a role in the incident and presented the mutual desire of both the client and victim to resolve the issue amicably.
Result: All charges dismissed, preserving the client’s gun rights, reputation and the ability to return to his home. (2025)
Drug Charges Successes
Attorney Peter Blink’s client was accused of growing more than 30 marijuana plants and charged with Marijuana Cultivation, with a misdemeanor conviction carrying penalties that could include both jail and fines. Peter negotiated with the District Attorney and challenged everything from the allegations to the manner in which the evidence was obtained.
Result: Twelve months probation after convincing the prosecution to plead guilty to Marijuana Cultivation – 6 plants, which is a less severed charge than the initial charge, and all remaining charges were dismissed. (2025)
DUI And Drunk Driving Successes
Cliff’s client was charged with DUI, careless driving, and driving without a license. The offer was for Cliff’s client to plead guilty, and the DA was seeking jail time. Cliff motioned the Court for dismissal of the case due to lack of evidence.
Result: The judge hearing the matter granted Cliff’s motion, and all charges were dismissed the day trial was to commence. (November 2013)
Attorney Gerald Arrington’s client was charged with driving under the influence of drugs (fentanyl) and reckless driving, resulting in a traffic accident. Gerald crafted a strategy around accountability, rehabilitation and long-term stability. After negotiations with the prosecution, the client was allowed to plead to driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and enter a 12-month deferred judgement. If the terms of the agreement are satisfied, the case will be dismissed.
Result: Charges reduced and potentially dismissed. (2025)
Sex Offense Charges Successes
Peter Blink’s client was charged with sexual assault with a weapon and kidnapping. Through extensive review of the discovery and DNA evidence, none of which belonged to the client, Peter was able to see what the evidence proved as well as did not. This case took two years and multiple trials to resolve. (2025)
Result: Acquittal
Theft Offenses Successes
Mr. Black was able to demonstrate in this theft case that the item to have allegedly been stolen did not belong to the complaining party, had no value, was more likely an issue of a family feud, and that the criminal court was not the appropriate forum to resolve family issues.
Result: Charges dismissed (April 2015)
Animal Cruelty Case Successes
Clifton Black recently represented a client who was charged with cruelty to animals. Client initially represented himself and received a plea offer from the prosecutor that would have required the client to plead guilty, complete various requirements, and have a negative mark on his record. This could have resulted in the client losing his security clearance, potentially being passed over for promotions, and any potential future employers being able to see the results of the plea agreement.
Client took advantage of the free consultation for criminal defense cases. At the consultation client learned that the allegations against him were weak and that there were defenses in his case.. Cliff subpoenaed various documents from the treating veterinarian, that the prosecutor claimed did not exist. Cliff was able to discuss the situation with the vet. The attorney had the vet agree to the fact that animals can get sick for a variety of reasons, which do not amount to animal cruelty.
Result: The attorney presented this information to the prosecutor and the prosecutor agreed to dismiss. (2013)
Personal Injury Successes
Wrongful Death Claim Success
Adam Smestad represented the estate of a client who was killed while riding his motorcycle through an intersection after being struck by a car. Through extensive investigation and intense negotiation, Mr. Smestad was able to obtain a $1,250,000 settlement for the family of the deceased.
Result: $1.25 million-dollar settlement.
Sexual Harassment at Work Claim Success
Adam Smestad was retained to represent a client who had suffered a severe and long running pattern of sexual harassment and retaliation at work, where she was pressured to become romantically involved with her supervisors in exchange for favorable work arrangements. Mr. Smestad pursued this claim, fighting the employer and negotiated a $150,000 settlement through mediation.
Result: $150,000 settlement
Mr. Smestad obtained a $215,000 settlement for a female employee of a large automobile dealership chain who had no only been repeatedly sexually harassed by several of her supervisors, but was also subject to racial and sexual discrimination. Through his diligent investigation and pressure, Mr. Smestad forced the employer into mediation where he negotiated a settlement far more than the employer was originally willing to offer.
Result: $215,000 settlement