Alternatives to Counsel
Home Up

WELCOME
GUSTAFSON LAW OFFICE
Colorado Springs, Colorado
 
ALTERNATIVES TO PRIVATE LEGAL COUNSEL - COLORADO SPRINGS

 

   
perhaps I will become your attorney
Address  *  Driving Directions  *  Maps
Business Hours & Attorney Availability
Phone (719) 260-1002
Fax (719) 260-1003  **  Toll Free (800) 410-1002
Robert D. Gustafson  *  Attorney at Law  *  Colorado Springs

Email    Attorney

Attorney Trade Area

Itemized Charts 
Travel Fees & Mileage Expense
 

PRIVATE ATTORNEY
NOT
ALTERNATIVES

I welcome representation inquiries
but please do not call thinking this office provides alternatives identified herein

 
ALTERNATIVES TO PRIVATE LEGAL COUNSEL
OTHER OPTIONS IN COLORADO SPRINGS
sources of information & assistance - alternatives to a private lawyer
Colorado trial practice 25+ years Colorado State Courts & Colorado Springs Municipal Court

ALTERNATIVES

All Cases
 

ALTERNATIVES

Criminal, DUI, and Traffic Cases
 

ALTERNATIVES

DMV License Actions

ALTERNATIVES

Family Law Cases
 

ALTERNATIVES

Alcohol or Substance Abuse
 

ALTERNATIVES

Debt Collection
ATTORNEY POLICIES
 Cases Outside Colorado Springs - Travel
No Pro Bono Assistance  *  No Installment Payment
 Legal Advice Limited to Clients - Not General Public
 
Attorney Representation & Declined Matters
 

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 or later is required to view .pdf files    Free Download

ALTERNATIVES - ALL CASES

FIND A LAWYER

        1. The El Paso County Bar Association sponsors the Call-A-Lawyer Program. On the third Thursday of each month from 7pm to 9pm you may call (719) 471-0380 and obtain free legal advice by telephone from an attorney. As the program is a public service, to avoid the appearance of solicitation, the attorney will not identify himself or herself, but will answer your questions. You may ask the attorney if he or she is competent in domestic violence defense. The phone is the same as Pikes Peak Legal Services / Arkansas River Legal Aid, however local attorneys staff it only at the hours given. Do not call at other times as the legal aid office does not handle criminal matters. This is free.

        2. The El Paso County Bar Association sponsors the Lawyer Referral Service Program. You may call (719) 636-1532 during normal business hours and receive a referral to an attorney for a first consultation. Refer to link for the cost of an attorney consultation.  You may possibly find a slow pay private attorney through this program if payment of fees is a problem; mention your needs when calling. The private counsel slow pay list may be maintained by the public defender's office.

        3.  Additional community resources, links and Colorado forms may be found by accessing the Resources Gateway page.

ALTERNATIVES - CRIMINAL * DUI * TRAFFIC CASES

FIND A LAWYER

        1.  If you are indigent and charged in district or county court, you may qualify to have the Court appoint the Public Defender's Office at no cost to you. If this applies to you, ask the judge or contact the Public Defender's Office.  Locally you must pay $25 to procure a public defender application from the Court Clerk's Office. The fee can be waived if you are indigent. Public defender representation is free, or you may qualify for low cost representation.

        2.  If you are indigent and charged in municipal court, you may qualify to have the Court appoint an attorney at no cost to you.  The Public Defender's Office is a state agency and not available to municipal courts.  If this applies to you, ask the judge for a court appointed attorney free, or you may qualify for low cost representation.

        3.  You may contact the court or the Public Defender's Office to determine the indigency guidelines and whether your income qualifies for a court appointed attorney.  There is a gap between low or no income persons who qualify for court appointed counsel and those who are able to afford private attorney's fees.  Many persons who fall into this gap end up representing themselves pro se.  Harsh fact, but it exists and I don't pull punches.

        4.  If the prosecutors waive jail, even if you are indigent, you will not be eligible for court appointed counsel.

        5.  Traffic infractions in the state court system have been decriminalized and do not carry jail penalties.  Court appointed counsel is not available.

        6.  For state certified education programs, refer to the following pages.
  Alcohol Education and Therapy Education - Traffic Safety Education - Domestic Violence Education - Petty Theft

        7. The El Paso County Bar Association sponsors the Lawyer Referral Service Program. You may call (719) 636-1532 during normal business hours and receive a referral to an attorney for a first consultation. Refer to link for the cost of an attorney consultation.  You may possibly find a slow pay private attorney through this program if payment of fees is a problem; mention your needs when calling.  Refer to the below link for a list maintained by the courts in El Paso County, Colorado of lawyers in the local area who bill attorney fees using a sliding scale based upon client income.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
List Dated March 19, 2007

Publishing attorney does not regularly update the slow pay list.  Participating attorneys may change location, discontinue slow pay, or other attorneys may be added to the list.  Each lawyer will have individual policies regarding installment or time payments.  Consult the individual attorneys for information.

The linked list is published as a courtesy.  Publishing attorney does NOT participate in the sliding scale program.  Please do not call seeking additional slow pay list information.

ALTERNATIVES
COLORADO DMV - DOR LICENSE ACTIONS

SUSPENSION, REVOCATION OR DENIAL
COLORADO DRIVER'S LICENSE OR COLORADO DRIVING PRIVILEGES

FIND A LAWYER

        1.  Unfortunately, If you are indigent and face adverse action against your driving privileges, assistance is not available through the Public Defender's Office (criminal defense representation) or through Pikes Peak Legal Services / Arkansas River Legal Aid - local legal aid.  Court appointed counsel or legal aid is not available.  You must retain legal counsel or act pro se (represent yourself).

        2.  You may find some information within the DOR / DMV section of this website.  I have set forth representation fee and cost estimates in my web pages.

        3. The El Paso County Bar Association sponsors the Lawyer Referral Service Program. You may call (719) 636-1532 during normal business hours and receive a referral to an attorney for a first consultation. Refer to link for the cost of an attorney consultation.  You may possibly find a slow pay private attorney through this program if payment of fees is a problem; mention your needs when calling.

        4.  For state certified education programs, refer to the following pages.
  Alcohol Education and Therapy Education - Traffic Safety Education - Domestic Violence Education - Petty Theft

ALTERNATIVES - FAMILY LAW CASES

FIND A LAWYER

        1.  Pikes Peak Legal Services / Arkansas River Legal Aid - local legal aid.
                a.  If you are indigent, you may qualify for representation by the local legal aid office.  This is free or low cost.
                b.  If you are indigent, you may qualify for assistance pro se classes (representing yourself and completing paperwork) in your divorce, legal separation, paternity, custody, support or restraining order case. This is free or low cost.
                c.  If you are indigent, you may qualify for pro-bono (free) representation.  Local legal aid maintains a list of attorneys who are willing to accept a limited number of cases on a pro-bono basis.  Pro-bono attorneys reserve the right to seek attorney's fees and costs from the opposing party.
                        "Call a Lawyer Program" same phone - LIMITED HOURS - 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on 3rd Thursday of every month.  See ALL CASES (1) above.

        2.  CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT or SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE ENFORCEMENT.
                a.  You may qualify for assistance by the local governmental Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSE).  Refer to link for contact information.
                b.  Refer to the Support Enforcement page for information pertaining to enforcement by private counsel of child support, spousal maintenance or property / debt orders.

        3.  SELF HELP LEGAL FORMS hardcopy packets and on-line forms
                a.  Dissolution of marriage, legal separation, paternity & genetic testing, adoption, allocation of parental responsibility, parenting time, child support guideline computations, civil injunction, including domestic abuse.  My office is computerized, therefore I will not use these forms.
                b.  Any person may obtain a packet of family law legal forms:                        
                        1.  Hardcopy Legal Forms - local access to forms
                        2.  Colorado Supreme Court Legal Forms - available by internet download
                        3.  Colorado Supreme Court Child Support Guideline Computation Worksheets - on-line instructions & downloads or 
                        4.  Child Support and Spousal Maintenance Software  (commercial site - cost involved & computer installation required)
                        5.  Military and Civil Service Defense Employee Pay and Benefits - links to military and civil service defense employee pay and benefits
                        6.  Form DD-2058 - affidavit of residency.  Obtain at your finance office or refer to link.  Military personnel must claim Colorado as their home of record to file for dissolution of marriage in Colorado.
                c.  Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) are available in the local law library supported by the El Paso County Bar Association - you may ask a librarian for assistance in locating statute books.
                d.  Colorado Bar Association - additional on-line legal research
                e.  Governmental agencies contact information - refer to the Courts and Government Agencies Community Resources page.
                f.  Additional community resources, links and Colorado forms - refer to the Resources Gateway page.
 

WHERE CAN I FIND THE LAW?
Self Help - Free Links to Legal Research

GUSTAFSONLAW  WEBSITE
MASTER INDEX

        4.  Self Help Clinics  Refer to link for clinic dates, times and locations
                a.  Self help clinics are offered at the courthouse for people doing their own divorces.  Although the clinics are for dissolution of marriage, during the first 30 minutes when a video is shown, the volunteer attorneys would likely answer adoption, paternity or other family law questions.  
                b.  The clinics are referred to as pro-se - that means self representation without legal counsel.
                c.  There is no sign up, simply appear with a smile on your face - it's absolutely free.
                d.  To make certain the public perceives this as a strictly volunteer activity, attorneys will likely neither identify themselves nor accept cases from any session.

        5. The El Paso County Bar Association sponsors the Lawyer Referral Service Program. You may call (719) 636-1532 during normal business hours and receive a referral to an attorney for a first consultation. Refer to link for the cost of an attorney consultation.  You may possibly find a slow pay private attorney through this program if payment of fees is a problem; mention your needs when calling.

ALTERNATIVES - COLORADO DEBT COLLECTION

FIND A LAWYER

        1.  Unfortunately, I know of no alternative free or low cost assistance to collect debt other than representation by private counsel.  Court appointed counsel or legal aid is not available.  You must retain legal counsel or act pro se (represent yourself).  You may find some information within the Debt Collection section of this website.  I have set forth fee and cost estimates in my web pages.

        2.  Creditors may utilize the services of a collection agency rather than retaining counsel for litigation.  

        3.  Debtors may seek assistance of a debt counseling service or file bankruptcy.  See the below paragraph regarding referral to a bankruptcy attorney.  I don't believe assistance would be available through Pikes Peak Legal Services / Arkansas River Legal Aid - local legal aid, but it doesn't hurt to call.  

        4. The El Paso County Bar Association sponsors the Lawyer Referral Service Program. You may call (719) 636-1532 during normal business hours and receive a referral to an attorney for a first consultation. Refer to link for the cost of an attorney consultation.  You may possibly find a slow pay private attorney through this program if payment of fees is a problem; mention your needs when calling. 

ALTERNATIVES - ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

FIND A LAWYER

        Community Resources - substance abuse - alcohol & drug
                a.  If alcohol or drugs have been problematic for either yourself or your partner,
                            don't hesitate to contact one of the agencies.
                b.  If you have been involved with a substance abuser, seek support for yourself.
                            Stop attempting to modify your partner's behavior. Support is available.
 
Classes - Alcohol Education and Therapy - DUI Classes - Alcohol Education - Non Driving - MIP
Alcoholics Anonymous In Patient Treatment Detox Facility McMaster - Drugs Mental Health
Classes - Traffic Safety Classes - Petty Theft Classes - Domestic Violence & Anger Management

ADVICE BY LAYMEN

UNSUPERVISED PARALEGALS
STREET CORNER LEGAL ADVICE
the knowledgeable neighborhood backyard barrister

        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 family law cases, I have been retained by clients who initially undertook the case with the assistance of an unsupervised paralegal or local JAG office and were on a disaster course.  I no longer review paralegal pleadings or military drafted separation agreements and simply decline the case at the outset.  A couple former cases come to mind.
                1.)  Client had agreed to a support order for a child who was born before he met his wife.  The issue was res judicata - he had become the legal father and could not attack the support order since it was not appealed with the allowed time.  
                2.)  Client filed a dissolution of marriage petition alleging the parties had one child of the marriage - again the child was born before he met his wife.  Had the wife admitted the allegation before a motion to amend was filed, he would have become the legal father with a support obligation regardless of birth parentage.  
                3.)  Documents drafted by a local JAG office (attorney not licensed in Colorado) where parenting plan, support or property / debt provisions were unjust and far from Colorado law.  

        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, family law or debt collection cases can be lost and / or perhaps judgment & fees + costs awarded to the opposing party 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.

BEFORE USING ANY INFORMATION IN THIS WEBSITE, PLEASE REFER TO THE BELOW LINKS
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
HomePage Disclaimer
 information to website visitors
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

ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION
AND DECLINED MATTERS

 
CRIMINAL DEFENSE DUI DEFENSE & TRAFFIC DEFENSE DRIVER LICENSE DEFENSE
FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE DEBT COLLECTION COMMUNITY RESOURCES
FIRST CONSULTATION ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE WEBSITE INDEX GATEWAY
ATTORNEY SELECTION RETAINING GUSTAFSON ADVICE BY LAYMEN
 

Colorado Springs

FIRST CONSULTATION - NOTICE

El Paso County

Attorney welcomes representation inquiries however the purpose is not to provide free legal advice to the general public.  Unless seeking to retain counsel, please do not email or call.  Attorney does not provide legal opinions, answers or information in response to questions submitted from non-clients, & attorney is not the phone company 411 center for phone number information.  Given the scope of internet accessibility, I can not be the free "Colorado answer man" and will politely decline such requests.

Litigation cases occur across Colorado - please refer to attorney travel. Travel Policies & Trade Area *  Itemized Travel Expenses *  Colorado Map
common fees have been quoted and information provided
attorney is prepared to provide legal representation
attorney comparison is understandable, but before calling
please be prepared to retain if I am counsel of your choice
 

ALTERNATIVES

FIND A LAWYER

if you are seeking the below
please refer to above links for helpful information
sole practitioner attorney does not accept these matters

a.  a pro-bono (free) lawyer
b.  an attorney who may take lower fees - economic hardship
c.  an attorney who may take installment payments

counsel is unaware of other alternatives or options

you've reached the end of that which this attorney can or will offer free

 
 
ATTORNEY TRADE AREA & TRAVEL
CASES OUTSIDE EL PASO COUNTY
GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE
ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

 
Colorado is a big state
ease of internet access, email & toll free phone doesn't change that fact
 

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 out of state or 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.

Colorado MAP
Southern Colorado Area

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.

COUNTIES

CITIES / TOWNS

El Paso County

Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs / Fountain

I welcome new cases.  Intent is not to be harsh
or to discard potential new business, but to be practical.

Chaffee County

Salida

Crowley County Ordway Metro Denver Area
Custer County Westcliffe COUNTIES CITIES / TOWNS
Douglas County Castle Rock City and County of Denver Denver
Elbert County Kiowa / Simla Adams County Brighton / Thornton / Federal Heights
Fremont County Canon City / Florence / Penrose Arapahoe  County Court   District Court Littleton / Centennial / Englewood
Huerfano County Walsenburg Arapahoe County - East Aurora
Las Animas County Trinidad Broomfield County Broomfield
Lincoln County Hugo (county seat) / Limon Gilpin County Blackhawk / Central City
Otero County La Junta Jefferson County Golden / Wheat Ridge
Park County Fairplay
Pueblo County Pueblo
Teller County Cripple Creek / Woodland Park

please feel free to call or email if you are a client or are seeking representation

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
not an offer for free legal advice - refer to link for terms
I am a sole practitioner with need to manage my caseload & reserve the right to decline any legal matter

MAJOR SEARCH ENGINES

All the Web AltaVista AOL Search Ask Jeeves - Teoma Dogpile
Excite Google HotBot InfoSeek - Go LookSmart
Lycos Microsoft Network Netscape Overture Search
  WebCrawler   Yahoo!  

 
Serving Colorado Springs Area Zip Codes

80918 80920 80919 80917 80915 80908 80132 80909 80913 80916 80921 80922 80925 80901 80902 80903 80904 80905 80906 80907 80910 80911 80912 80914 80921 80926 80928 80929 80930 80931 80933 80934 80935 80936 80937 80940 80941 80942 80943 80944 80945 80946 80947 80949 80950 80960 80962 80970 80977 80995 90997

Copyright © 1984 - All Rights Reserved - Document Revised: March 14, 2010
no copyright claimed to merchant logo, software logo, flag, envelope or drawing images

Hit Counter