Trials

The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees in criminal prosecution that the accused has the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed, the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, the right to be confronted with witnesses against him, the right to obtain witnesses in his favor, and the right of counsel for his defense.

Dismissed Cases

At the law office of Patrick Mulligan, Attorney at Law, we have been very successful in acquiring case dismissals during preliminary trial stages, as well as during later stages of the trial process.

Pre-trial Proceedings

There is a sequence of legal events leading up to the trial which include the following::

  • Complaint: Legal document stating a brief description of the alleged crime, the name of the accused, the date and location where the alleged crime was committed.
  • Summons: Legal document requiring court appearance to answer the charges alleged in the complaint on a specific date at a specific time.
  • Arraignment: Hearing and first appearance before a judge.
  • Preliminary hearing: Hearing held in felony and juvenile cases to determine whether probable cause exists to believe that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed the crime.
  • Dispositional hearing: Hearing, held in certain felony cases, at which defense counsel and the prosecutor attempt to settle charges through negotiation.

Trial Proceedings

Most trials proceed in the following sequence:

  • Jury selection
  • Opening statements
  • Prosecution presents its case with examination of witnesses and presentation of evidence
  • Defense may cross-examine witnesses and evidence
  • Defense presents its case with examination of witnesses and presentation of evidence
  • Prosecution may cross-examine, and rebuttals between prosecution and defense ensue
  • Closing statements
  • Jury deliberates and renders a verdict

More information regarding Colorado judicial procedure may be viewed here.

See examples of dismissals and favorable verdicts Patrick Mulligan has successfully litigated here.

To find out how Patrick Mulligan can help you with your Colorado trial go here or call (303) 860-8100.