The following are points discussed in a recent Denver Post editorial, and the post is meant to merely include a timely issue to Coloradans on this blog. Colorado is sort of ahead of the game compared to the rest of the country regarding the legalization of medical marijuana. As long as residents are using the drug according to state law, then they are protected from facing any damaging drug charges.
Medical Marijuana Laws Set to Change in Colorado
It has been only three years since medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado have sprouted up, but there are already big changes in the works for the cannabis-friendly state.
Background Check Bill Passed by U.S. House
If you're thinking about volunteering to be a troop leader this fall, don't be surprised that the Girl Scouts application requires a criminal background check. To identify potential volunteers with a history of child abuse or sex offenses, many organizations in Colorado and across the nation that focus on youth have been screening volunteers for the past few years.
Colorado Judge Rules Not a Crime to Lie About Being in Military
This is a different sort of case than what is usually covered on this blog, but it certainly is interesting and worth discussing. In a recent ruling, a U.S. District Judge in Colorado ruled that it is not a crime to misrepresent oneself as a military member or veteran.
Denver Detective Fabricated Case Against Robbery Suspect
Denver Police Detective Paul Baca has gone from proving others' guilt in his line of work, to defending his own name. He has been accused of fabricating evidence in order to arrest a suspect in the 2009 Lodo robberies.
Denver Attorney Supports Using Familial DNA in Criminal Cases
The reliance on science in cracking criminal cases is widespread, and DNA is often viewed as the slam dunk in proving someone's guilt or innocence in cases such as sex crimes. Usually, however, DNA used in investigations is limited to DNA that is directly related to the case in question. Denver's district attorney is a passionate advocate for a growing use of familial DNA in case investigations.
Couple Arrested on Suspicion of Colorado Girl's Hidden Death
On May 14, the dead body of 9-year-old Genesis Sims was found in a Colorado home's crawl space. According to sources, the young girl's body was decomposed, and that is making it difficult to clearly distinguish the cause of death. A DNA test was used to determine the identity of the body.
Parents' Arrests Prove Colorado Marijuana Laws Need Work
A Colorado couple, Joseph Lightfoot and Amber Wildenstein, was recently arrested on allegations of child abuse. The couple is not accused of physically, sexually or even verbally abusing their three children. The charges of abuse stem from a state law that makes it illegal for the children to be in the same home wherein Lightfoot and Wildenstein grow marijuana.
Colorado Teacher Accused of Sex Offense
Last Wednesday, a Colorado man was arrested based on suspicion that he has had inappropriate contact with minors. As a foreign language teacher at Longmont High School, Alex Tinsley has consistent interaction with his young students. It was when an outsider saw Tinsley outside of school with one of his female students that Tinsley was reported as demonstrating behavior that the witness believed went beyond friendly and into the realm of sexual assault on a child.
Fake Clean Titles Get Dirty Colorado Car Dealer Felony Conviction
When someone buys a used car from a dealership, they are issued a title. When spending money on something as expensive and important to one's safety as a car, a wise buyer likely purchases a vehicle that comes with a clean title. But what happens when a clean title is misrepresented? A recent Colorado felony case shows us what can happen when buyers' trust in a car dealer is violated.
