PUEBLO'S Criminal Defense SPECIALIST
Criminal Defense in Pueblo, Colorado
Protecting the Future You've Worked Hard to Build
Pueblo Criminal Defense Attorney
When You're Facing Criminal Charges, Understanding the Process Is the First Step.
Whether you've been arrested, contacted by law enforcement, received a summons, or simply learned that you're under investigation, it's normal to have questions.
Many people have never interacted with the criminal justice system before. The legal terms are unfamiliar, the process feels intimidating, and the uncertainty can make it difficult to know what to do next.
At The Law Office of Adam Schultz, we believe knowledge reduces uncertainty. That's why we've built this Criminal Defense Resource Center—to explain Colorado's criminal justice process in plain English, answer common questions, and help you understand what to expect before you make important decisions.
No scare tactics. No confusing legal jargon. Just clear, practical information designed to help you move forward with confidence.
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
This is one of the most searched questions in criminal law, and it's a missed opportunity on most law firm websites.
A criminal defense attorney represents individuals who are being investigated for, accused of, or charged with violating criminal laws. Representation may begin long before a trial—and sometimes before formal charges are ever filed.
Depending on the circumstances, a criminal defense attorney may help clients understand investigations, review evidence, protect constitutional rights, negotiate with prosecutors, appear in court, prepare for hearings, or represent clients at trial.
Every case follows its own path, but one thing remains consistent: understanding the legal process helps people make better decisions.
Criminal Charges Are Only One Part of the Story
One of the biggest misconceptions about the criminal justice system is that a criminal charge defines a person.
It doesn't.
Many people facing criminal charges are professionals, parents, business owners, military veterans, healthcare workers, teachers, or students who have spent years building their reputation. A criminal allegation can feel overwhelming because it raises questions about far more than the courtroom.
You may be thinking about:
Examples of evidence may include:
Your career.
Your professional license.
Your ability to support your family.
Your reputation.
Your future opportunities.
Those concerns are real. Understanding the legal process is often the first step toward protecting what you've worked hard to build.
How Does a Criminal Case Move Through the Colorado Court System?
I've Been Charged With a Crime. What Happens Next?
For many people, the most overwhelming part of a criminal case isn't the courtroom—it's the uncertainty.
If you've never been through the criminal justice system before, it's completely normal to have questions. You may be wondering what happens after an arrest, what your first court appearance will look like, or what legal terms like arraignment, discovery, and preliminary hearing actually mean.
While every criminal case is different, most cases move through a series of general stages. Understanding those stages can help you feel more prepared and better understand what to expect as your case progresses.
1. Investigation
Most criminal cases begin with an investigation. Law enforcement gathers information to determine whether a crime may have occurred. Depending on the circumstances, this could include interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, collecting physical evidence, obtaining search warrants, or speaking with individuals connected to the investigation.
Not every investigation results in criminal charges. Some investigations end without an arrest, while others continue until prosecutors determine whether charges should be filed.
2. Arrest or Criminal Summons
If enough evidence exists to move forward, a criminal case may begin with either an arrest or a criminal summons.
An arrest generally involves being taken into custody, while a criminal summons requires a person to appear in court on a specified date without first being arrested.
The method used depends on the circumstances of the case and the decisions made by law enforcement or prosecutors.
3. First Court Appearance
After criminal charges are filed, the court schedules an initial appearance.
During this hearing, the court identifies the charges, explains important legal rights, and outlines the next steps in the criminal process. Future court dates may also be scheduled during this stage.
For many people, this is their first experience inside a courtroom, which is why understanding the purpose of this hearing can help reduce uncertainty.
4. Discovery
Discovery is one of the most important stages of any criminal case.
During discovery, information related to the case is gathered, exchanged, and reviewed.
Depending on the investigation, this may include police reports, body-worn camera footage, dash camera recordings, photographs, laboratory reports, surveillance video, witness statements, and other evidence. Reviewing this information helps everyone involved better understand the facts surrounding the case.
5. Hearings
Some criminal cases involve additional hearings before trial.
These hearings allow the court to address legal issues, procedural matters, or requests made by either side before the case moves forward.
The number and type of hearings vary depending on the facts and legal issues involved.
Not every criminal case follows the same path, and some cases require more hearings than others.
6. Resolution
Every criminal case eventually reaches a resolution.
Some cases conclude before trial through negotiated agreements. Others proceed to trial, where evidence is presented and legal issues are decided according to Colorado law and court procedures.
No matter how a case concludes, understanding the process can help you ask informed questions, make thoughtful decisions, and better understand what is happening throughout your case.
Learn More About the Criminal Justice Process
Each stage of a criminal case involves its own procedures, terminology, and legal concepts. To help you better understand the process, we've created educational resources that explain topics such as:
Criminal Investigations
Search Warrants
Miranda Rights
Arraignments
Discovery
Preliminary Hearings
Plea Agreements
Jury Trials
Sentencing
Probation
Record Sealing & Expungement
Our goal is to explain Colorado's criminal justice system in plain English so you can better understand the process and make informed decisions.
What Types of Criminal Cases Does Adam Schultz Handle?
No two criminal cases are exactly alike, but many begin with the same feeling: uncertainty. Whether you're facing allegations involving impaired driving, a domestic dispute, a drug investigation, or another criminal charge, understanding the type of case you're dealing with is an important first step. Below are some of the criminal defense matters handled by The Law Office of Adam Schultz. Each topic includes its own educational guide to help you better understand the legal process, common terminology, and frequently asked questions.
DUI & Impaired Driving
DUI cases involve much more than alcohol. Colorado law also recognizes impairment involving marijuana, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or a combination of substances. Our DUI Resource Center includes guides covering:
First-Time DUI
Second DUI
Felony DUI
Drug DUI (DUID)
Commercial Driver (CDL) DUI
Driver's License & DMV
Express Consent
Breath Testing
Blood Testing
Colorado DUI Court Process
Assault & Violent Crime Allegations
Allegations involving assault, menacing, robbery, or other violent offenses can raise immediate questions about the criminal justice process.
Understanding how these cases begin, how investigations are conducted, and what happens after charges are filed can help reduce uncertainty during a difficult time.
Learn About Assault & Violent Crime Defense →
Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence allegations often involve unique legal procedures and can affect much more than a criminal case. Protective orders, family relationships, employment, and future opportunities may all become important concerns.
Our educational resources explain the legal process in plain English so you can better understand what to expect.
Learn About Domestic Violence Defense →
Drug Crime Defense
Drug-related investigations may involve allegations concerning possession, distribution, manufacturing, or other controlled substance offenses.
Our guides explain commonly used legal terms, the investigation process, and the questions people frequently ask after being charged with a drug offense.
Learn About Drug Crime Defense →
Theft & Property Crimes
Theft-related charges can include allegations involving shoplifting, burglary, robbery, identity theft, fraud, or other property-related offenses.
Every case presents its own facts and legal issues. Our educational resources explain these offenses and the criminal justice process in straightforward language.
Learn About Theft & Property Crime Defense →
Juvenile Defense
When a child or teenager becomes involved in the juvenile justice system, parents often have just as many questions as their children.
Our Juvenile Defense Guide explains how juvenile proceedings differ from adult criminal cases and what families can generally expect throughout the process.
Learn About Juvenile Defense →
Probation Violations
Being accused of violating probation does not automatically mean the process starts over.
Understanding how probation works, what a violation hearing is, and what happens next can help you better navigate the situation.
Learn About Probation Violations →
Warrants & Failure to Appear
Many people first learn they have a warrant after a routine traffic stop, a background check, or a phone call from law enforcement.
Our guides explain the differences between arrest warrants, bench warrants, and common questions surrounding court appearances and warrant procedures.
Learn About Warrants →
Record Sealing & Expungement
A past criminal case can continue affecting employment, housing, education, and other opportunities long after the case is over.
Our educational resources explain Colorado's record sealing and expungement processes, eligibility considerations, and commonly used legal terminology.
Learn About Record Sealing & Expungement →
Understanding Criminal Law Terms You'll Probably Hear
One of the most frustrating parts of a criminal case is feeling like everyone else speaks a different language.
Police officers, prosecutors, judges, and attorneys often use legal terms that are second nature to them but completely unfamiliar to someone experiencing the criminal justice system for the first time. Understanding a few of the most common terms can make court proceedings, legal paperwork, and conversations with your attorney much easier to follow. Below are several terms that appear in many Colorado criminal cases. You'll also find a complete collection of definitions in our Colorado Criminal Law Glossary.
Investigation
An investigation is the process law enforcement uses to gather information about an alleged crime. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, collecting evidence, or speaking with individuals involved in the incident.
In plain English: An investigation is the stage where law enforcement works to understand what happened before deciding whether criminal charges should move forward.
Arrest
An arrest occurs when law enforcement takes a person into custody because they believe there is legal authority to do so. Being arrested begins the criminal justice process, but it is not the same as being convicted of a crime.
In plain English: An arrest means someone is being taken into custody—not that they have been found guilty.
Criminal Summons
A criminal summons is a legal document ordering someone to appear in court on a specific date.
Unlike an arrest, a summons usually allows a person to appear in court without first being taken into custody.
In plain English: Think of a summons as an official notice telling someone when and where they must appear in court.
Arraignment
An arraignment is one of the first court appearances in a criminal case.
During this hearing, the court formally identifies the charges, explains important legal rights, and discusses the next steps in the case.
In plain English: This is often the court's introduction to your criminal case.
Discovery
Discovery is the process of reviewing information related to the case.
Depending on the circumstances, discovery may include police reports, body-camera footage, photographs, witness statements, laboratory reports, surveillance video, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.
In plain English: Discovery is how both sides learn what information and evidence exists in the case.
Plea Agreement
A plea agreement is one possible way a criminal case may be resolved before trial.
Not every criminal case results in a plea agreement, and not every case proceeds to trial.
In plain English: A plea agreement is one way a criminal case may be resolved before a trial takes place.
Jury Trial
If a criminal case proceeds to trial, a jury may be asked to hear the evidence presented in court and decide factual issues according to the law. Not every criminal case is decided by a jury.
In plain English: A jury trial allows members of the community to hear the evidence before reaching a verdict according to the court's instructions.
Continue Building Your Understanding
These are only a few of the legal terms you may encounter during a criminal case.
Our Colorado Criminal Law Glossary includes dozens of additional terms explained in plain English, along with related guides that explore each topic in greater detail.
Whether you're trying to understand a court document, prepare for a hearing, or simply make sense of unfamiliar legal language, the glossary is designed to be a resource you can return to whenever questions arise.
What Should You Do If You're Being Investigated or Charged With a Crime?
Learning that you're being investigated or charged with a crime can be overwhelming. It's natural to want immediate answers, explain your side of the story, or rely on advice from friends and family.
The reality is that every criminal case is different, and the decisions made early in the process can affect what happens later. While no website can provide legal advice for your specific situation, there are practical steps that can help you stay organized and better prepared.
Keep Every Document You Receive
If you've been given a citation, summons, bond paperwork, or other court documents, keep everything together in one place. These documents often contain important information about court dates, case numbers, and other details that may become important throughout the legal process. A simple folder—either paper or digital—can make it much easier to stay organized.
Write Down What You Remember
Memories can fade over time.
If you're involved in a criminal investigation, consider writing down a factual timeline of events while they are still fresh in your mind. Include dates, times, locations, and the names of people involved if you know them. Avoid speculation or assumptions. Simply record what you personally remember.
Stay Informed About Your Court Dates
Missing a scheduled court appearance can create additional legal issues.
Review any paperwork you receive carefully, keep track of important dates, and make sure you understand when and where you are expected to appear.
If you have questions about a court date or document, ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.
Be Careful Where You Get Information
Friends, coworkers, social media, and online forums often have strong opinions about criminal cases. Unfortunately, advice that applies to one person's situation may not apply to another. Colorado criminal cases depend on their own facts, evidence, and legal issues. Reliable information from trusted sources is generally more helpful than relying on rumors or stories from someone else's experience.
Focus on Facts, Not Assumptions
One of the most challenging parts of a criminal case is the uncertainty.
It's easy to imagine worst-case scenarios or compare your situation to stories you've heard from others. Every case, however, is unique.
Focusing on the known facts, staying organized, and understanding the legal process can help you make informed decisions instead of reacting to fear or misinformation.
Knowledge Is One of Your Greatest Resources
You don't have to understand every legal term or court procedure overnight.
Taking the time to learn how Colorado's criminal justice system works can help reduce uncertainty and make conversations with your attorney more productive.
That's exactly why we've created the Colorado Legal Knowledge Center—to provide clear, straightforward educational resources that explain the criminal process in plain English, one topic at a time.
Prepare Your Questions
Many people feel overwhelmed during their first meeting with an attorney because they aren't sure what to ask.
Before your consultation, write down the questions that matter most to you.
Examples might include:
What stage is my case currently in?
What should I expect next?
What documents should I bring?
Are there important deadlines I should know about?
How does the criminal process generally work?
Having your questions written down can help ensure your concerns are addressed during the meeting.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense
If you've never been involved in the criminal justice system before, it's natural to have questions. Below are answers to some of the questions people commonly ask after learning they're being investigated or charged with a crime.
I've never been arrested before. What happens next?
Every criminal case is different, but many cases begin with an investigation, an arrest or criminal summons, and an initial court appearance. From there, the case moves through the legal process based on the specific facts, evidence, and legal issues involved.
What's the difference between being investigated and being charged?
An investigation is the process of gathering information to determine whether criminal charges should be filed. Being charged means prosecutors have formally alleged that a crime was committed and the case has entered the court system.
Can criminal charges affect my job?
Depending on the type of charge, your profession, and your employer's policies, a criminal case may raise employment concerns. Many professionals—including healthcare workers, teachers, contractors, CDL drivers, business owners, and government employees—have questions about how a criminal charge could affect their careers.
Will I have to go to court?
Many criminal cases involve one or more court appearances. The number and type of hearings depend on the nature of the case, the charges involved, and how the case progresses through the legal system.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any documents you've received, including citations, summonses, bond paperwork, court notices, or other information related to your case. If you have questions, write them down ahead of time so they can be discussed during your meeting.
What if I don't understand the paperwork I received?
Legal documents often contain unfamiliar terminology and court procedures. If you're unsure what a document means, don't ignore it. Keeping your paperwork organized and asking questions during your consultation can help you better understand the process.
Should I save text messages, photos, or other information related to my case?
Information related to your case may become important depending on the circumstances. Keeping relevant documents, photographs, messages, or other records in their original form can help ensure they are available if needed later.
How long does a criminal case usually take?
There is no standard timeline for every criminal case. The length of a case depends on many factors, including the nature of the charges, court scheduling, the amount of evidence involved, and the legal issues that arise throughout the process.
What if I have additional questions after reading this page?
Every case raises different questions. That's why we've created the Colorado Legal Knowledge Center—a growing library of educational resources designed to explain Colorado's criminal justice system in plain English. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we're available to discuss your questions during a confidential consultation.
Protect What You've Worked Hard to Build
A criminal investigation or charge can leave you with more questions than answers. You may be thinking about your career, your family, your reputation, or simply what tomorrow is going to look like. For many people, the uncertainty is just as difficult as the legal process itself. The good news is that uncertainty doesn't have to last forever.
Understanding how Colorado's criminal justice system works is often the first step toward making informed decisions and moving forward with confidence. That's why we've created these educational resources to help explain the process in plain English and give you reliable information when you need it most.
When you're ready to discuss your specific situation, we're here to listen. Every case is different. Every person has a different story. Our role is to understand yours, answer your questions, and help you navigate the legal process with clarity, professionalism, and respect.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Whether you've recently been arrested, received a criminal summons, learned you're under investigation, or simply have questions about the criminal justice process, we're here to help you understand your options.
During your consultation, you can expect to:
Discuss the circumstances surrounding your case.
Serving Clients Throughout Pueblo & Southern Colorado
The Law Office of Adam Schultz represents individuals facing criminal charges throughout Pueblo County and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
Review Your Case and Discuss the Process
Review any documents you've received from law enforcement or the court. Gain a better understanding of where your case fits within the criminal justice process. Ask questions about what to generally expect moving forward.
Learn how The Law Office of Adam Schultz approaches criminal defense in Pueblo and throughout Southern Colorado.
Review the legal process and potential next steps.
If you choose to retain our firm, we'll begin developing a legal strategy tailored to your circumstances while keeping you informed throughout the process.
Ongoing Representation and Communication
Whether your case involves DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug charges, theft offenses, juvenile matters, probation violations, or another criminal allegation, our goal is to provide experienced representation and straightforward communication from the very beginning.
Continue Learning
If you'd like to better understand Colorado's criminal justice system before your consultation, we encourage you to explore additional educational resources in our Colorado Legal Knowledge Center.
DUI Defense Handbook
Criminal Defense Glossary
Understanding Criminal Investigations
Search Warrants
Miranda Rights
Court Process & Hearings
Record Sealing & Expungement
Frequently Asked Questions
Our mission is simple: to provide clear, reliable legal education that helps you better understand the process and protect what you've worked hard to build.
© 2026 The Law Office of Adam J. Schultz LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer-The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Reading this website or contacting The Law Office of Adam Schultz does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal matter is unique, and legal guidance should be based on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.