If you’ve already gone to court without a lawyer, you’re not alone—and it’s not too late to get legal help. At Path Forward Legal, we often hear from people who attended their first hearing thinking they could handle things on their own, only to realize how complex and overwhelming the process really is. The good...Read More

If you’ve recently received a ticket or summons, you might have noticed the letters “FAC” listed as your courtroom. This can cause confusion, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system in Colorado. So, what does “FAC” mean—and what should you expect? “FAC” Stands for “First Appearance Center” In many Colorado...Read More

If you’re facing criminal charges in Colorado and have a release condition (sometimes called a “no-contact order” or a “protection order”) that says you can’t return to your home or have contact with the alleged victim, it’s natural to feel confused—especially if your partner or family member is now asking you to come back. Here’s...Read More

If you’ve received a summons in Colorado, you might be wondering what it means and what to expect next. A summons, sometimes entitled a “Uniform Summons and Complaint or Penalty Assessment,” is a legal document given to you by a police officer, ordering you to appear in court to answer for criminal or traffic charges....Read More

Every year, thousands of Americans navigate the legal system while trying to maintain their daily lives. A common stumbling block? Understanding travel limitations when charged with a crime. If you’re charged with a crime in Colorado, can you leave the state? What if you were just visiting: can you return home? The answer to this...Read More

The Colorado Supreme Court just clarified an important question about restitution orders in criminal cases: how much oversight is the trial court decision going to get on appeal? A trial court must order a defendant convicted of a felony to pay restitution for any pecuniary loss he proximately caused his victim. §18-1.3-602(3)(a), C.R.S. (2023). In...Read More

Struggling with the burden of a previous arrest or criminal conviction? You’re far from alone. In Colorado, thousands grapple with the weight of a criminal record. At Path Forward Legal, we often get asked if there is a way to expunge or seal a criminal record. There is, but there is a difference between sealing...Read More

When facing criminal charges in Colorado, navigating the legal system can be daunting. One of the crucial stages in this journey is the preliminary hearing. This page aims to demystify the process, shedding light on what a preliminary hearing in Colorado entails, its significance, and how a skilled Colorado criminal defense lawyer can significantly impact...Read More

If you’ve been in criminal court, you may have heard the judge ask if a prosecutor is “VRA compliant.” Or, you may have been told that a plea offer needs to be “VRA’d.” But what does VRA or the Victim’s Rights Act mean in a criminal case? Before we answer 5 common questions about the...Read More

Navigating the maze of law and criminal procedure can be complex, especially when it comes to delicate situations like domestic violence. Understanding your rights and the powers that others have in your case can make all the difference in finding the best path forward. We at Path Forward Legal are dedicated to helping you gain...Read More