Two women, both accused of two charges each of accessory to murder in Castle Rock, have been sentenced to probation.
Our Castle Rock criminal defense attorneys know that generally, accessory to murder under Colorado Statute 18-8-105 is a Class 5 felony, punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison.
In order for a person to be charged as an accessory to a crime in Colorado, they have to be found responsible of one of the following capacities: hindered, delayed or prevented the discovery, detection apprehension, prosecution, conviction or punishment of another person for the commission of a crime by offering assistance to the suspect. Also, prosecutors in these instances must prove that there was intent. That means that prosecutors must prove that not only was a crime committed, but that the person charged with accessory knew about it and took the actions they did in order to cover it up.
That can mean anything from tipping off someone of where authorities may show up to giving the person money or transportation or a disguise. It can also mean hiding or destroying evidence, as is reportedly alleged in this case.
The Castle Rock News Press reports that the two women accepted plea agreements in the case, following the homicide of a woman and her brother in an alleged murder-for-hire plot. The two women accused are the girlfriends of the alleged hit man and driver.
Prosecutors allege that the estranged husband of the female homicide victim hired two men to kill his wife.
It was alleged that the two women helped to clean blood from the getaway car. One of the women was pregnant with the alleged shooter’s sixth child at the time of the homicides.
In exchange for the probation they received, the two women have agreed to serve as witnesses for the state in the prosecution of the shooter and the driver, though those cases may result in plea bargains as well.
Often in these type of cases, where the evidence against an individual is strong, having an experienced attorney aggressively negotiate a plea deal on your behalf may be in your best interest.
