The Criminal Justice System operates on "jurisdiction" or the authority to act in a particular case. Systems vary by state, but generally start at a local level, like a city municipal court, city court, or a county court, depending on the severity of the crime.

In Colorado, city and municipal courts have jurisdiction over traffic infractions, local ordinance violations, and some misdemeanors. County courts generally have jurisdiction over misdemeanors and any accompanying lesser violations that occurred along with the misdemeanor charges. District courts have jurisdiction over the more serious felony offenses, and any accompanying lesser charges.

A prosecutor has the responsibility of a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate. This responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the defendant is accorded procedural justice and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence. Precisely how far the prosecutor is required to go in this direction is a matter of debate and varies in different jurisdictions. Many jurisdictions have adopted the ABA Standards of Criminal Justice Relating to the Prosecution Function, which in turn are the product of prolonged and careful deliberation by lawyers experienced in both criminal prosecution and defense. Applicable law may require other measures by the prosecutor and knowing disregard of those obligations or a systematic abuse of prosecutorial discretion could constitute a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

However, emphasis must be given to the word "experienced" as most prosecutors are fresh out of law school, highly inexperienced, and often not thoroughly familiar with all the rules, and the decisional case law interpreting the rules, governing their conduct. The fact that their mistakes could cost you dearly is just one more reason to retain counsel promptly in every criminal case. The many and varied stages of a criminal case and the required knowledge of Colorado Criminal Procedure alone could spell disaster for an inexperienced litigator.

Attorney Kelly has the experience necessary to know how to handle your case the way it should be and the way it needs to be handled to maximize your benefit from the outcome. He has the ability to get the job done in the way that legally minimizes your exposure to negative consequences under the law. In short, he gets results. And isn't that what it's all about? Isn't that what you're looking for? Call now. We'll lend you our EAR: Experience Ability Results.