Top Aurora Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you were arrested or charged with a crime in Aurora, Colorado, your case may be handled in either Aurora Municipal Court or the 18th Judicial District at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial, depending on the charge.
Aurora is one of the largest cities in Colorado. With that size comes active policing, specialized prosecution units, and high-volume criminal dockets. At Pav Law, we defend clients in Aurora against misdemeanor and felony charges with strategic, trial-ready preparation tailored to Arapahoe County courts.
Criminal Charges in Aurora
Common charges filed in Aurora include:
- DUI & DWAI
- Domestic Violence
- Assault & Violent Crimes
- Drug Offenses
- Theft & Burglary
- Weapons Charges
- White Collar Crimes
- Traffic Offenses
- Warrants & Failures to Appear
Many arrests originate from traffic stops or investigations along:
- Colfax Avenue
- I-225
- I-70
- Havana Street
- Parker Road
Early legal intervention can significantly influence the direction of your case.
Aurora Municipal Court vs. State Charges
Understanding where your case is filed is critical.
Aurora Municipal Court
Municipal cases may include:
- Minor assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Shoplifting
- Certain traffic offenses
- City ordinance violations
Municipal cases are prosecuted under Aurora’s city code.
Arapahoe County Court / District Court
More serious misdemeanor and felony charges are handled in the 18th Judicial District at the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
Felony charges proceed to district court. Misdemeanors are typically handled in county court.
Court strategy depends heavily on where the case is filed.
DUI Enforcement in Aurora
Aurora sees aggressive DUI enforcement, particularly along major corridors and near entertainment areas.
A DUI arrest triggers two separate proceedings:
- A criminal court case
- A DMV administrative case — also known as an Express Consent hearing
You have a limited window after arrest to request an Express Consent (DMV) hearing to protect your driving privileges. Missing that deadline can result in automatic suspension.
Arapahoe County prosecutors often pursue enhanced penalties for high BAC results, refusals, or repeat offenses.
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Domestic Violence & Protection Orders
Domestic violence charges in Aurora trigger:
- Mandatory no-contact protection orders
- Immediate firearm surrender
- Removal from the residence
- Strict bond conditions
Protection order violations are prosecuted aggressively.
For active-duty military members and law enforcement officers, firearm restrictions can directly impact employment and career stability.
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Weapons & Violent Crime Allegations
Aurora sees a high volume of weapons-related cases, including:
- Unlawful possession
- Prohibited use of a weapon
- Possession by a previous offender
- Menacing with a deadly weapon
We examine both state and potential federal implications when defending firearm-related charges.
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Traffic & Commuter Charges
With major highways running through Aurora, traffic enforcement is consistent.
Charges may include:
- Reckless driving
- Careless driving
- Driving under restraint
- CDL violations
Even traffic cases can carry serious license and insurance consequences.
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Arapahoe County Court Culture
The 18th Judicial District (Arapahoe Division) handles a large volume of criminal cases. The court system is known for:
- Structured probation programs
- Diversion opportunities in certain cases
- Active prosecution of repeat offenders
- Specialized units for domestic violence and drug offenses
Understanding local courtroom dynamics matters.
Serving Aurora & Arapahoe County
In addition to Aurora, we defend clients throughout Arapahoe County, including:
You can also visit our full Arapahoe County Criminal Defense page for broader information.
Speak With an Aurora Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing criminal charges in Aurora, do not wait.
📞 Call Pav Law today to request your free case evaluation.
We will review your case immediately and build a defense strategy tailored specifically to Arapahoe County courts.
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