Colorado Springs Assault Lawyer
Aggressive Assault Charge Defense
If you've just been charged with assault in Colorado Springs, we know exactly what's running through your mind right now - the fear, the confusion, the uncertainty about what happens next. Assault charges are a serious matter, and the penalties under Colorado law can change your life. But here's what you need to know: an assault charge is not a conviction, and you have rights that deserve to be protected.
We're Colorado Springs Criminal Defense, LLC, and our lead attorney Aaron P. Gaddis has been defending people just like you against criminal charges since 2006. Whether you're facing a third degree assault misdemeanor or a first degree assault felony, we fight aggressively to get you the best possible outcome. Assault charges can be felonies or misdemeanors in Colorado, and each carries different consequences - which is why early representation is vital in assault cases to review evidence and prepare defenses.
Call (719) 578-3344 right now for your free consultation. We're available 24/7.
Why Colorado Springs Trusts Colorado Springs Criminal Defense, LLC
We don't ask you to take our word for it. Here's what backs up our commitment to the people we defend:
Licensed Colorado attorney since 2006 - Aaron Gaddis earned his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and has been practicing criminal defense for two decades
Former Deputy State Public Defender (2006-2013) - years of courtroom trial experience defending felony and violent crime cases across Colorado before entering private practice
Located downtown at 10 Boulder Crescent Street, Ste. 301, Colorado Springs CO 80903 - a short walk from the El Paso County courthouse, because proximity and familiarity with local judges and prosecutors matter
Free consultation within 24 hours of contact - because free legal consultations are crucial for understanding your rights before you make any decisions
Member of the Colorado Bar Association and El Paso County Bar Association
Why Colorado Springs Chooses Aaron Gaddis for Assault Defense
When you're accused of assault, you need more than just a law firm that handles criminal cases - you need a criminal defense attorney who understands how the local legal system works and who will fight for you personally. Aaron doesn't hand your case off to junior staff. He handles your defense himself, from the first phone call through case resolution.
Personal attention from Aaron directly - he explains the strengths and weaknesses of your case clearly so you always know where you stand
Thorough investigation that uncovers what others miss - experienced attorneys can uncover evidence of innocence in assault cases by digging into police reports, witness statements, and forensic details. On April 28, 2025, Aaron secured dismissal of all charges for a client facing multiple felony counts - including two counts of first-degree attempted murder - by exposing investigative flaws and challenging witness credibility
Knowledge of local judicial practices - experience in local courts can significantly influence case outcomes. Aaron has practiced in Colorado courtrooms since 2006, and the bulk of his private practice has been spent in El Paso County courtrooms negotiating with the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's office
Real trial experience - when a plea bargain isn't in your best interest, we take your case to trial without hesitation
Our Colorado Springs Assault Defense Services
Colorado law defines three degrees of assault under C.R.S. §§ 18-3-202 through 18-3-204, each carrying different penalties depending on the circumstances - the severity of bodily injury, whether a deadly weapon was involved, and the identity of the victim. Assault laws in Colorado involve severe penalties based on the charge level. We defend all of them.
Third Degree Assault Defense
Third degree assault is a Class 1 misdemeanor under C.R.S. § 18-3-204. For offenses committed on or after March 1, 2022, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If the alleged victim is a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical provider engaged in their duties, C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501(1.5) requires the court to impose a jail sentence longer than the ordinary maximum, up to twice that maximum - the charge remains a misdemeanor, but jail time becomes mandatory.
Common scenarios we see include bar fights, domestic disputes, and altercations where someone suffered minor injuries. Our defense strategies typically focus on challenging whether the prosecution can prove the required intent - whether conduct was truly knowing or reckless - and whether the injury actually meets the statutory definition of "bodily injury." We've helped many clients get their case dismissed or charges reduced by attacking these elements early.
Second Degree Assault Defense
Second degree assault is a Class 4 felony under C.R.S. § 18-3-203. The presumptive sentence is 2 to 6 years in prison (up to 8 years as an extraordinary risk crime), and most forms of second degree assault are sentenced as crimes of violence, which raises the mandatory range to 5 to 16 years. Fines range from $2,000 to $500,000. These charges cover assault causing serious bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, strangulation, and assault on peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical providers - which under § 18-3-203(1)(c) is a Class 4 felony that carries a mandatory prison sentence.
The law here is still moving. Beginning September 1, 2026, HB 26-1290 requires that anyone convicted of second degree assault by strangulation who has a prior strangulation conviction be sentenced as a crime of violence, with mandatory prison time. And precision matters: in People v. Aragon (Colo. App. April 2, 2026), the Court of Appeals reversed a defendant's assault-on-officer convictions because the trial judge never defined the term "harm" for the jury. We build our strategy around exactly these kinds of legal details - questioning whether the injury qualifies as "serious bodily injury" under statute, whether what was used truly meets the legal definition of a deadly weapon, and whether proper procedures were followed during the investigation and evidence gathering.
First Degree Assault Defense
First degree assault is the most serious assault charge in Colorado - a Class 3 felony under C.R.S. § 18-3-202 that is sentenced as a crime of violence, carrying 10 to 32 years in prison and fines of $3,000 to $750,000. These charges involve intentionally causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon, intentionally causing permanent disfigurement, extreme-indifference conduct creating a grave risk of death, or serious bodily injury to peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical providers, or judicial officers. If the assault occurred in a sudden heat of passion after serious provocation, the statute reduces the charge to a Class 5 felony - a distinction that can mean decades of difference at sentencing.
Penalties for assault can include jail or prison time that changes the entire course of your life. Our comprehensive defense approach for these high-stakes cases includes examining every piece of forensic evidence, cross-examining the prosecution's evidence, and building the strongest possible defense. Real trial experience is essential at this level - and Aaron has it.
Domestic Violence Assault Defense
When assault charges carry a domestic violence designation, the consequences multiply. Enhanced penalties, mandatory protection orders, firearm surrender, and potential impacts on child custody cases and employment make these among the most complex cases we handle. These cases affect every part of your life - your family relationships, your housing, and your future.
We have extensive experience with domestic violence defense in El Paso County, including civil protection order hearings and the criminal case itself.
How Our Assault Defense Process Works
From your first call to final resolution, here's exactly what working with us looks like - so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Free Consultation Within 24 Hours
Free consultations are available for assault cases in Colorado Springs, and consultations can help assess the strengths of your case. During your confidential consultation, Aaron reviews your charging documents, police reports, and any evidence you have. He'll assess what the prosecution needs to prove, identify early weaknesses in their case, and give you an honest evaluation of your situation.
Bring everything you have: charging documents, police reports, witness information, photos, video - anything related to your case. We'll answer questions about the legal process and what to expect going forward.
Step 2: Thorough Investigation and Defense Strategy
We don't just take the prosecution's version at face value. We examine every police report, witness statement, and piece of physical evidence looking for inconsistencies and procedural mistakes. Self-defense under C.R.S. § 18-1-704 can be a valid defense against assault charges, and we also evaluate defense of others, lack of intent, and constitutional violations.
Step 3: Aggressive Advocacy Through Resolution
Whether we're negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or preparing for trial, we keep you informed at every step of the legal proceedings. We discuss every option, explain every decision, and make sure you understand what's happening in your case before it happens. When you appear in court, we prepare you so you know exactly what to expect.
Many law firms offer free, confidential consultations for defendants - but not every law office provides the combined experience of someone who has been navigating the court system in Colorado for twenty years.
Areas We Serve
We defend clients across the entire Colorado Springs area and throughout El Paso County, including:
Downtown Colorado Springs
Old Colorado City
The Broadmoor area
Security-Widefield
Fountain
Monument
Manitou Springs
Falcon
Cimarron Hills
Black Forest
We handle cases in all El Paso County courts, including Colorado Springs Municipal Court and El Paso County District Court. Whether your case is a minor assault ordinance violation or a serious felony, we know where your case will be heard and what to expect from the prosecutors and judges involved.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients consistently highlight Aaron's personal attention, clear communication, and aggressive defense.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its own facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs Assault Charges
How Much Will My Assault Defense Cost?
We believe in transparent pricing. Aaron charges a fixed hourly rate - no surprise bills, no hidden fees. Your free consultation is exactly that: free. We discuss fees upfront so you know what to expect. For defendants facing serious criminal charges with limited resources, we can discuss payment arrangements during your initial meeting.
Should I Talk to Police If I'm Charged With Assault?
No. Invoke your right to remain silent and contact us immediately. Anything you say to police - even things you think are helpful - can be used against you by prosecutors. The legal system is designed so that you have the right to an attorney before answering questions. Exercise that right. Call us first.
What Are the Chances of Getting Assault Charges Dismissed?
Every case is different, and we won't make promises we can't keep. What we can tell you is that Aaron has a record of getting charges dismissed and reduced - including a case where prosecutors demanded a plea to 25 to 40 years on attempted first-degree murder charges and the client instead walked away with every count dismissed. Factors that improve your chance at dismissal include weak physical evidence, inconsistent witness statements, procedural errors by law enforcement, and viable self-defense claims. Choose an attorney who focuses exclusively on criminal defense to give you the strongest defense possible.
Will an Assault Conviction Affect My Job or Professional License?
Yes - and this is one of the most important reasons to fight your charges aggressively. Defendants may face jail time for assault convictions in Colorado, but the consequences extend far beyond that. If found guilty, a criminal record from an assault conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, firearms rights, and even immigration status. Any felony conviction in Colorado results in losing the right to possess firearms, and a domestic violence misdemeanor conviction does as well under federal law.
We work to minimize these impacts - whether through dismissal, charge reduction, or exploring options to seal records after resolution. A favorable outcome isn't just about avoiding prison; it's about protecting your life and your future.
Can a Civil Lawsuit Come From My Assault Charges?
An assault charge is a criminal matter brought by the district attorney, but the person who was injured can also file a separate civil lawsuit seeking damages. While personal injury attorneys handle the civil side, we focus on your criminal defense - because a criminal conviction makes a civil lawsuit much harder to defend against. Protecting you in the criminal case is your priority right now.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Assault charges in Colorado Springs are serious - but they are defendable. Every person accused of a violent crime deserves aggressive, knowledgeable legal help from someone who knows these courts, these prosecutors, and this law inside and out. Aaron Gaddis has been doing exactly that since 2006, and he's ready to discuss your case right now.
Don't wait. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect your rights and build your defense. Contact our office today.
Colorado Springs Criminal Defense, LLC · (719) 578-3344 · 10 Boulder Crescent Street, Suite 301, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
