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Robert D.
Gustafson, Attorney At Law
COLORADO SPRINGS TRIAL LAWYER
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6538 Charter
Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918-1335
Phone (719) 260-1002
Toll Free (800) 410-1002
E-MAIL
ATTORNEY
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Attorney
Business Hours
Attorney
Availability Status
FREE
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Fax (719) 260-1003
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
COLORADO SPRINGS CRIMINAL DEFENSE
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WELCOME
I appreciate your interest
perhaps I will become your attorney |
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All inquiries will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to any third
person absent consent of the client or prospective client. However I accept no responsibility for
disclosure through unauthorized interception during email transit, access by
other persons sharing your email account password or interception of
conversations involving cordless, wireless or cell phone technology.
You have visited my website anonymously. The site is not encrypted or
otherwise secure, however no client information is retained in the
website. My websites do not surreptitiously glean information - my sites
do
not use "cookies" or otherwise gather personally identifiable
information except that which a visitor knowingly provides by email or phone
call. I'm an attorney - not a techie or a telemarketer. However, be aware cookies will be required at the
professional payment checkout site if you make an on-line
payment. For future
reference in communications with you, I print emails to scan or make brief
notations in a phone log regarding conversations. These are not shared
with any other person or business absent express consent of the client or
prospective client.
To keep client documents confidential I utilize protections including burglar /
fire alarm, computer virus detection, firewall, spyware filter, web bug filter,
and email filters.
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EMAIL
CONCERNS AND SECURITY |
CONFIDENTIALITY
I
usually check email multiple times daily - it will likely get my attention as
fast as voicemail. Email is not encrypted and may be subject to
interception while in transit. If you are not a client at present, by
using email you may not be covered by the attorney-client communication
privilege. The attorney can not and will not warrant or
guarantee confidentiality in the internet medium. Confidential or time
sensitive maters or information should be limited to direct phone conversation with
counsel.
VIRUS, TROJAN or WORM
All
incoming and outgoing email +
attachments are automatically scanned by Norton AntiVirus and a spyware sweeper.
I open attachments received from clients or opposing counsel in a particular
litigation case. For clients or counsel, I can open or convert most word
processing, image or spreadsheet files. If you are not a client, please do
not attach any files or documents to an email you may send me. Due to the
potential for virus, trojan or worm transmission, any email attachment received
from a person I don't know is deleted without opening.
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NOTICE
- DISCLAIMER
important information
regarding use of this website or primary website
PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER
BEFORE USING ANY INFORMATION IN ATTORNEY'S WEBSITES
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ATTORNEY
ETHICS
& CLIENT DISCLOSURES
Prior Convictions or
Bad Acts
important warning information before disclosure |
contact & Privacy
Confidentiality & Privacy Policy
email, and cordless, wireless or cell phones |
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For visitors' convenience and education, I have provided a substantial amount of information in the
linked pages contained in this website, and my linked
primary
website, including governmental and other community agencies or resources
(addresses, phone numbers and links), law, procedure
and forms, as well as legal
research resources. In each law topic I have included an information page which answers common
questions people have asked and which may address
aspects of litigation relevant to your current circumstances. I hope some of the information provided
in my site may be useful to
you, however this information is not legal advice - you should not rely on it.
Everything on these web pages should be construed only as general educational
information to the public. Although I have made sincere efforts to provide
correct information, law changes rapidly and I do not warrant or guarantee the
accuracy or current status of any information contained in this website. Do
not assume the information provided herein pertains to your given facts or
circumstances or rely upon it. Applicable law may vary depending on the facts of each case.
If you have a legal question or problem,
consult an attorney licensed in the relevant state. |
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CAVEAT: I make no promise or guarantee that
any agency or website will remain at the locations indicated, or remain active.
All linked sites
were free when last visited unless otherwise indicated - but I make no promise
they'll stay free.
No warranty is made regarding reliability, efficiency or integrity of any agency
or website referenced herein. |
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NOTICE: attorney does not endorse any
referenced agency, website or product
sole exception -
Mr.
Rogers and his neighborhood * trolley - Fred Rogers was a role model
There wouldn't be a need for courts or lawyers if we were all as decent, gentle,
kind, considerate and caring as he was. |
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From the
primary
website index gateway page you should
be able to navigate easily throughout the entire primary website to any topic of
interest. I've also included an abbreviated index page with links to a few
common areas of interest. This topical website is smaller; navigation
should be easy. |
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The
primary
website Colorado quick index page provides a limited number of links to
multiple topics of interest such as Colorado Statutes, Rules of Evidence, Rules
of Procedure, New Legislation, City and County Ordinances, State Agency
Regulations, State Court Opinions, Colorado Legal Forms and service providers
such as laboratories, process service and private investigation. In
essence, it's a short conglomeration. |
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Individual pages are contained in the primary website discussing specific types of
cases. Within each specific topic you will find a statement which
identifies which fee structure is offered for particular type of case.
Some pages identify a common fee or trust deposit for that type of matter -
actual fee quotes may vary. In other legal matters, it is not practical to
estimate fees without an opportunity to learn the facts and circumstances of the
legal problem. I offer a
free
initial consultation for that very purpose. |
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Fee structures, trust deposits and billing procedures are located in the
primary
website - attorney's fees and costs
page. Within each specific topic page you will find reference to a fee
structure and may find a common fee or trust deposit for that type of matter -
actual quotes may vary. It is not practical to
estimate fees without an opportunity to learn the facts and circumstances of the
legal problem. I offer a
free
initial consultation to identify the potential legal problems and possible
courses of action, estimate costs and offer an attorney fee quote. |
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Viewing
any page within this website, consultation, providing information to a prospective client or a fee quote shall
not constitute an agreement to provide representation, nor shall such be
construed to establish an attorney-client relationship. All information contained in this
website or any statement regarding fees or costs shall be considered general information only.
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Attorney shall not have been retained, nor shall attorney undertake
representation, nor take any further action nor conduct additional consultations
until a written fee agreement has been executed and payment received.
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Fee and trust deposit quotes provided directly by attorney to any
prospective client will
be honored for a period of seven (7) days from the day of the quote. Thereafter
fees or requested trust deposit are subject to change without notice if this
office has not been retained. Quoted costs are only estimates, subject to change
by service providers. If retained, actual costs are billed. |
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| Unless otherwise indicated, all pages herein Copyright
©
February 12, 2001, Robert D. Gustafson, All Rights Reserved. |
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No text, images or other material in this website may be copied,
reproduced or used for commercial purposes without express written permission.
Regarding other businesses, entities or individuals referenced in this
website, all trade names, trademarks or copyrights are the property of their
respective owners. |
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ADVICE
BY LAYMEN
UNSUPERVISED PARALEGALS
STREET
CORNER LEGAL ADVICE |
Each case is different; law can be complicated.
In criminal, DUI and traffic cases favorable plea bargains are obtained
based upon
a number of reasons; the prosecution's concern for possible loss at trial can
be a major factor. Sentencing is based upon the specifics of your particular
case and applicable law.
I have previously been retained
to assist clients with criminal and traffic problems who had followed advice of
"street corner lawyers."
Various clients had
lost driving privileges or had bench warrants issued for their arrest. It
is unlawful for non-lawyers to give legal advice, however that advice is
bountiful. Be careful.
Regarding sealing criminal justice records. I have dismissed a lawsuit
previously filed by other counsel in the wrong court and re-filed in the proper
court. Although municipal court did not have jurisdiction due to
pre-emption under state law, res judicata (one chance to litigate) could have
been a problem had dismissal not been sought prior to entry of orders in the
municipal court.
In all types of cases I've listened to
prospective clients adamantly inform me of his or her rights or planned case
strategy and tactics
based upon advice received over the back yard fence from a neighbor who'd heard about
a friend of a friend. A lawyer just can't compete with that level of competence and
expertise. I'll listen attentively and assess the merits, but if the
prospective client doesn't or won't recognize realities I do not attempt an
attorney-client relation.
I have
seen numerous errors in pleadings and settlement agreements which would
constitute malpractice if committed by an attorney. Just as significant rights can
be affected in DUI and criminal cases, sealing criminal justice records cases can be lost and /
or perhaps judgment & fees + costs awarded to the state if
inappropriately commenced or litigated. Significant right may be
involved. Do not judge what will or should happen to you on
the basis of what happened a friend or "someone in the know." Do not
rely upon the "street corner lawyers" or unsupervised paralegals.
Seek professional advice from competent counsel licensed in Colorado to commence
or defend your case properly from the outset. If
private counsel fees are not feasible, refer to
alternatives.
ATTORNEY
REPRESENTATION
AND DECLINED MATTERS
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I
welcome representation inquiries however please refer to
first
consultation - the purpose is not to provide free legal advice to the
general public. Unless seeking to retain counsel, please do not email or
call. I do not provide legal opinions, answers or information in response
to questions submitted from non-clients. Given the scope of internet
accessibility I can not be the free "Colorado answer man" and will
politely decline. |
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ALTERNATIVES |
FIND
A LAWYER |
if
you are seeking the below
please refer to above links for helpful information |
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sole practitioner
attorney does not accept these matters |
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a. a pro-bono (free) lawyer
b. an attorney who may take
lower fees - economic hardship
c. an attorney who may take installment payments |
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MID-LITIGATION
REPRESENTATION
alternatives and find a lawyer links
provided as a courtesy |
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Attorney
Policies
Defendant
Pro Se - Attempt to Defend Own Case
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1.
Adequate Time. If sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your
defense and if prospective client approves this
attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will
likely accept defense representation. This shall
not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and
prospective client retain discretion through
first
consultation. |
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2.
Insufficient Time. If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not
sufficient time to prepare an adequate defense before a contested
court proceeding, please do not call. I decline. |
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3.
Limited Assistance.
Please do not call requesting instruction, directions, legal theory,
forms completion or limited document drafting, partial representation, or an explanation of
applicable law to assist you in defense of your own case. I decline. |
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Attorney
Policies
Representation
by Previous Attorney
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1.
Current Attorney.
Until an order has entered withdrawing representation by an
attorney, an ethical rule violation exists if counsel
knowingly speaks to another attorney's client without current
attorney's consent. This ethical rule governs all
attorneys. Please do not call until after
you have terminated representation by a former attorney.
Please be aware, after
other counsel's withdrawal it may be
difficult for the the new attorney to "catch
up." |
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2.
Adequate Time.
If prospective client terminates employment of the
former attorney, if sufficient time exists to adequately prepare your
defense, and if prospective client approves this
attorney's fees and costs structure, attorney will
likely accept defense representation. This shall
not constitute an offer of representation; attorney and
prospective client retain discretion through
first
consultation. |
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3.
Insufficient Time. If you've waited until the eleventh hour and there is not
sufficient time to prepare an adequate defense before a contested
court proceeding, please do not call. I decline. |
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4.
Second Opinion.
I will not arm chair quarterback another
attorney's defense tactics or theory of
defense. Please do not call for a second
opinion or an opinion regarding the competence
of your current defense. I decline. |
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POST
SENTENCING MATTERS
PROBATION
REVOCATION * PAROLE VIOLATION
DEFERRED
SENTENCE REVOCATION * APPEALS |
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Post
Sentencing. I do not accept post sentencing
matters in any criminal, DUI or traffic case unless I provided
representation during the case in chief at the trial court level
and am familiar with the facts,
testimony and exhibits received into evidence, rulings & meritorious issues. That's been my policy for years. Please do
not call or inquire regarding post sentencing matters if you are
not a former client. |
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This
includes appeals or plea to
domestic violence
or other
criminal charge,
DUI,
DEAC
or
DWAI
charge or other
traffic charge
and probation,
deferred
sentence, parole or incarceration or
revocation proceedings based upon alleged failure to comply. |
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Exceptions.
If the underlying criminal case qualifies, refer to
sealing
criminal records. I accept meritorious sealing cases regardless of
whether or not you are a former client. NOTICE:
alcohol related traffic offenses, other traffic offenses or traffic
infractions are a specifically excluded in the
sealing
statute and can not be sealed. If relevant, I also accept
meritorious
collateral
attack cases.
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Attorney Trade Area and Travel
CASES
OUTSIDE EL PASO COUNTY
GEOGRAPHIC
DISTANCE
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Colorado is a big state.
Easy communication access via
internet, email and toll free phone doesn't change
that fact. |
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Attorney
is very willing to travel outside the Colorado Springs area to present
or defend a case,
but please be aware travel time, mileage and expense would apply. If you are
from out of state or are unfamiliar with Colorado
geography, refer to the map to determine where
Colorado Springs is
located in relation to the county of your court case or hearing. |
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Southern Colorado Area |
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If travel is
necessary, a
trust deposit
would be required to cover anticipated travel time, mileage &
expenses. If it is not economically justifiable to retain
my services with travel, please contact counsel in the locale of
your case. |
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| COUNTIES |
CITIES / TOWNS |
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El Paso County |
Colorado Springs / Manitou
Springs / Fountain |
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Chaffee County |
Salida |
I welcome new cases. Intent is not to be harsh
or to discard potential new business, but to be practical. |
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Crowley County |
Ordway |
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Custer County |
Westcliffe |
Metro Denver Area |
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Douglas
County |
Castle Rock |
COUNTIES |
CITIES / TOWNS |
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Elbert County |
Kiowa / Simla |
City and County of Denver |
Denver |
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Fremont County |
Canon City / Florence / Penrose |
Adams County |
Brighton Thornton Federal Heights |
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Huerfano County |
Walsenburg |
Arapahoe County |
Littleton / Centennial /
Englewood |
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Las Animas County |
Trinidad |
Arapahoe County - East |
Aurora |
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Lincoln County |
Hugo (county seat) / Limon |
Broomfield County |
Broomfield |
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Otero County |
La Junta |
Gilpin
County |
Blackhawk / Central City |
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Park County |
Fairplay |
Jefferson County |
Golden / Wheat Ridge |
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Pueblo County |
Pueblo |
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Teller County |
Cripple Creek / Woodland Park |
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Adobe
Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files 
Free Download
| please feel free
to call or email if you are a client or are seeking representation |
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FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
not an offer for free legal advice - refer to link for terms
attorney is a sole practitioner with need to manage his caseload
attorney reserves the right to decline any legal matter |
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GUSTAFSON LAW OFFICE TOPICAL
WEBSITES |
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Topical Website Copyright © 2003
- All Rights Reserved - Document Revised
July 13, 2008
no copyright claimed to images other than photograph and law office logo
Topical Website Initial Publication Date: January 13, 2004
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