Last week, the Arapahoe County District Attorney stirred up a storm by issuing a press release and engaging with various media outlets to discuss a recently concluded DUI case. The District Attorney’s discontent with the case outcome prompted him to present a seemingly one-sided narrative, leaving crucial details unexplored. While maintaining confidentiality is standard for legal firms, the media attention surrounding this case necessitates setting the record straight. This piece aims to provide a comprehensive account of what truly transpired and why justice was served.

At the center of the controversy is Doyle Carmack, our DUI client, whose case recently concluded. The District Attorney expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict and took to the media to voice his discontent. Typically, legal practices refrain from disclosing client information. Still, the already widespread coverage of this case compels us to offer a transparent perspective on the events.

Mr. Carmack’s history includes five prior DUI convictions, all in Missouri, with two being felonies. Notably, the latest DUI conviction dates back to 1998, a staggering 18 years ago. In the interim, Mr. Carmack underwent a significant transformation, maintaining sobriety and steering clear of legal troubles related to alcohol or traffic violations. However, in March 2016, he found himself facing a DUI charge in Aurora, Colorado, a circumstance that, due to his past, automatically escalated to a felony charge.

Choosing to represent Mr. Carmack, we navigated through the legal proceedings, and he ultimately pleaded guilty. The judge, acknowledging Mr. Carmack’s two-decade-long sobriety and law-abiding behavior, imposed a sentence of five years of probation and 75 hours of community service. The District Attorney, dissatisfied with what he perceived as a lenient sentence, only presented his side of the story to the public.

What the media failed to capture in their coverage of this DUI case is a crucial aspect that significantly influenced Mr. Carmack’s sentence – his clean and sober record spanning 18 years. Judges are tasked with considering the human element in determining appropriate punishment for offenders. Recognizing Mr. Carmack’s distant history, the judge crafted a sentence aligned with the case’s specific circumstances.

This case underscores the importance of acknowledging the “human element” in DUI defense. People can and do make mistakes and deserve a fair opportunity to present their side of the story and be judged accordingly. Every individual facing legal charges deserves a defense and a voice in the courtroom.

The attorneys at Thomas Law Firm bring a unique perspective to DUI defense, having previously served as prosecutors. This experience provides us with insight into the strategies employed by prosecutors. It equips us to anticipate and counter their tactics effectively. When confronted with a DUI arrest, engaging an attorney capable of navigating the legal landscape and presenting a compelling defense is crucial. At Thomas Law Firm, we specialize in articulating your story to the judge and jury, ensuring the best legal defense.