We at Colorado Legal Defense Group are a team of aggressive criminal defense lawyers who defend people accused of crimes throughout the state – including Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial and Boulder.

Our Colorado criminal defense attorneys handle all types of criminal cases – from DUI, DWAI and domestic violence to drug crimes, gun crimes, and Colorado murder charges.

Decades of Denver criminal defense experience have taught us how cops and district attorneys put together cases. While some Denver criminal defense lawyers take a wait-and-see approach, we know there’s no time to waste. The best Colorado criminal defense lawyers know that the most critical window is often right after an arrest.

After all—the police and prosecutors aren’t waiting to build a case against you. Why give them a head start? Cases aren’t just won in the courtroom. Knowing who to talk to and who has the discretion to negotiate are often just as important as making the best impression on the jury. Our Colorado defense lawyers bring more than 50 years of collective experience successfully navigating the Colorado criminal justice system.

Proactive teamwork

Studies show that a defendant with a Colorado defense lawyer at first appearance is:

• 2 ½ times more likely to be released on his or her own recognizance;
• 4 ½ times more likely to have the amount of bail significantly reduced; and
• Often likely to serve less time in jail.¹

Together with our private criminal investigators and experts, our Colorado criminal defense lawyers get to work immediately to protect your rights. We’ll locate and interview witnesses, obtain surveillance tapes, and do all the necessary background research into the facts of your case. Surprise twists work well on TV, but in real life, it pays to be prepared.

Personalized Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You

Sometimes it’s possible to stop criminal charges from ever being filed. At other times, savvy and early negotiating can get the Colorado district attorney to reconsider the charges. Our experienced Denver criminal defense attorneys near you will present your story and evidence in the best possible light.

When the prosecutors see the whole picture – and not just what the cops or the alleged victim have to say – they may decide to file lesser charges. Or they might not file charges at all. But we are also not afraid to take cases to a jury trial. In short, our Denver criminal defense lawyers near you fight your case and do whatever is best for you.

Close personal contact with your Denver Criminal Attorney

Defending a Colorado DUI / DWAI or criminal case is difficult enough. The last thing you need is the added stress of not being able to reach your lawyer about Denver criminal matters. We pride ourselves on the accessibility of both our criminal defense lawyers and our skilled support staff.

To give you emotional support as well as top criminal representation, we observe two policies:

• Every client’s phone call, email or text is returned the same day; and
• Every client gets the cell phone number of his/her attorney and the lawyer’s assistant.

Knowledge of the Local Courts

Every county and every courthouse has its own way of doing things. The criminal law court process in Denver County can differ quite a bit from the criminal court process in Weld County, Jefferson County, Adams County, or Arapahoe County. Not to mention that there is a world of difference between the adult courts and the Colorado juvenile justice system.

Our Colorado defense lawyers near you understand the subtle differences between negotiating with the 4th Judicial District Attorney for El Paso and Teller Counties and the District Attorney for Larimer or Douglas County. No two D.A.’s offices or courthouses are alike any more than any other case is just like yours. We care enough to know the difference.

Our Practice Areas

Our Colorado criminal defense lawyers near you defend clients against ALL types of criminal charges. Some of our practice areas include:

Colorado menacing and assault

Colorado felony assault involves intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person. It can be first-degree assault, second-degree assault or third-degree assault, depending on the seriousness of the injury, whether a weapon was used, and whether the victim is in a special class (such as being elderly or disabled).

“Menacing” occurs when you threaten someone with assault and place that person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Menacing is typically a misdemeanor, except when a deadly weapon is used in making the threat.

Colorado domestic violence

Here in Colorado, domestic violence is not a separate crime. It is a sentencing enhancement that can add as many as several years in prison to your sentence, depending on whether you have a history of domestic violence.

The domestic violence enhancement can be charged in conjunction with ANY other crime if the victim is a current or former intimate partner. Crimes to which it frequently applies include spousal abuse, child abuse (when abusing the child is done to control the partner), stalking, assault, or menacing.

Perhaps most importantly, if you are suspected of domestic violence you will be subjected to a mandatory protective order before you are even tried, and even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges.

The domestic violence restraining order will prohibit you from harassing, molesting, intimidating, retaliating against, or tampering with any witness or the alleged victim. It will also severely restrict your rights. You will not be able to have any contact with the alleged victim, even if he or she is willing or initiates the contact. If children were present at the time of the alleged offense, the no contact order may also be extended to the children.

If you are subject to a protective order, you will not even be permitted to consume alcohol. Violation of a Colorado protective order – even by accident – can land you in jail. As a consequence, it is in your interest to retain the best defense attorneys as possible as soon as there is any suspicion of domestic violence.

Colorado DUI, DWAI and driving crimes

Our Denver drunk driving lawyers defend all types of vehicle offenses, from driving without a valid Colorado driver’s license to vehicular homicide. We also defend license revocation proceedings in front of the DMV.

The Colorado DMV estimates that the cost of a first-time DUI conviction exceeds $10,000. In addition, drunk and drugged driving carries collateral consequences far beyond fines, lawyer fees and court costs.

Depending on your blood alcohol concentration and history, consequences of a drunk driving conviction can include increased insurance costs, mandatory drug and/or alcohol treatment and counseling, loss of your driver’s license, and/or installation of an ignition interlock device for several years.

Colorado drug crimes

Our Colorado drug lawyers defend against possession, sales and distribution charges, from misdemeanor violations of marijuana laws to felony drug trafficking in narcotics such as heroin and cocaine, and minor in possession cases.

Consequences of Denver drug criminal offenses can include not only time in prison or jail, but mandatory drug testing and counseling, hefty fines, and the possible loss of future employment. However, with a vigorous defense, we can often get narcotics charges dismissed — or negotiate a plea bargain to a misdemeanor rather than a felony.

Colorado sex crimes 

Whereas state laws are fairly tolerant for first-time offenders in many categories, sex offenses are an exception. Some sex crimes are petty offenses – prostitution and soliciting, for instance. But the punishment for crimes such as sexual assault, child molestation, and sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust can be particularly severe. If convicted of a felony sex crime as an adult, you are likely to spend many years in prison. In addition, your name will be listed on Colorado’s sex offender registry for decades and may appear on multiple sex offender websites.

The good news is that sex crimes can be difficult to prove. We defend clients accused of sexual assault, sexual contact, and other offenses by digging into the circumstances surrounding the allegations. In addition, the Colorado legislature recognizes that in many cases the public interest is best served by community monitoring and counseling, rather than incarceration. If what you need is treatment, we will fight to get it for you, so that you can stay at home and keep your job, your family and your freedom.

Colorado theft, robbery and burglary 

Some of the most commonly charged crimes are shoplifting, auto theft, robbery, and breaking and entering. Penalties for Colorado theft crimes range from a fine and probation for property worth less than $950, to years – and even decades – in prison for grand theft or the use of weapons. There are many defenses available to defeat theft and burglary charges. From challenging the valuation of the property to negotiating pleas to lesser charges, our skilled theft lawyers know them all.

Additional services

In addition to defending you against Denver criminal charges, other services our  Colorado defense attorneys near you provide include:

• Legal “second opinions”
• Bail and release help
• Defending Colorado probation, parole and protective order violations
• Restoring your Colorado gun rights
• Reducing your Colorado felony to a misdemeanor
• Protecting your right to drive at Colorado DMV hearings
• Criminal defense of immigrants

Your case, your story

Some people believe that the D.A. wouldn’t accuse you of a crime if you weren’t guilty. But we know that many people accused are truly innocent. Situations can arise out of self-defense, accidents, mistaken identification, false accusations or mental illness. At other times, the prosecutor simply wants to be perceived as “tough on crime” and overcharges. And sometimes, instead of jail time, what you simply need is a little compassion and help–such as drug rehab or anger management.

Our Denver criminal defense / DUI lawyers leave no stone unturned to find the best defense. We scrutinize the accuser’s background to look for bias against our client. We independently investigate the case with our own private detectives and forensic experts. And then we work aggressively to get it so that you get the help you need and the compassion you deserve.

Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

Can I do a consultation with my Colorado Defense Lawyer remotely?

Yes. We are available to meet with you in the office or remotely. Our attorneys and staff are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you in your moment of need.

Can my Colorado defense lawyer criminal case get dismissed?

Several available defense strategies may persuade prosecutors to drop the charges. For certain first-time offenders, judges may be willing to grant a deferred judgment. This means the case will be dismissed once the defendant completes various sentencing terms, which typically include paying a fine and attending counseling.

Will I go to jail?

Judges typically impose fines for first-time offenders convicted of minor charges. And for more serious convictions and violent crimes, judges may agree to probation and/or alternative sentencing such as electronic monitoring.

How long will my Denver criminal case stay on my record?

Any charge that gets dismissed may be sealed right away. Otherwise, there is a one- to five-year waiting period to seal a conviction. And convictions for the following crimes may never be sealed:

• Class 1 felonies, class 2 felonies, class 3 felonies, and level 1 drug felonies
• Sex crimes
• DUIs
• Domestic violence
• Misdemeanor traffic offenses
• Traffic infractions

Record sealing is not automatic. Filing a petition is required.

Can I represent myself in Colorado criminal defense?

Yes, but it is not recommended. The Colorado criminal justice system is confusing and daunting. And defendants with no Denver criminal defense lawyer representation tend to get worse plea deals.

I’ve never been arrested before – what happens now?

Following an arrest, the information goes to the D.A. If they decide to prosecute, the court will hold an arraignment – the formal reading of charges. Then begins a period of negotiation between the prosecutors and defense attorneys. This can last weeks or months. The vast majority of cases are resolved without a trial.

Meet our Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our home office in Denver is headed up by highly-rated criminal defense lawyer Michael Becker. Mr. Becker is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is the only attorney with a perfect 100 score on lawyer.com. He also has the distinction of being a National Advocacy for DUI Defense “Nationally Ranked Superior DUI Attorney”.

Attorney Mark Savoy is a former prosecutor with vast legal experience, so he knows firsthand how to one-up the D.A. and fight for reduced charges and case dismissals in all types of cases, from DUI charges to white-collar crimes.

Colorado Legal Defense Group’s Chloe Gleichman has proven herself to be a charismatic negotiator in and out of the courtroom. No matter your background, you can count on criminal attorney Chloe Gleichman to confront the system and fight for you from the day your case lands on her desk.

Attorney Megan Majewski is especially skilled in complex felony cases and appellate cases.

Colorado defense lawyer Coleman Presnell has devoted his entire legal career to fighting for the best resolutions for his clients.

Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Conor Stewartson is a seasoned litigator having taken dozens of cases to trial.

Colorado criminal defense attorney Ahad Khilji spent his entire career as a lawyer fighting to get charges lessened or dismissed completely.

Colorado criminal defense lawyer Joseph Santaularia is an excellent courtroom litigator, though he can usually resolve cases without a trial.

Colorado criminal defense attorney Kaitlin Johnson excels at negotiating favorable plea deals so clients can avoid the time and expense of trials.

Operations manager Danielle Hebert and paralegal Diane Barrera (se habla español) help provide our attorneys with legendary customer service while keeping the office running smoothly. Our private investigator Reegan O’Neill gives our litigation team a vital edge.

Contact an Experienced Denver Criminal Defense Firm for a free consultation

We start every case the same way: by listening. The police and the accusers are going to have their stories. We’ll be presenting yours. So we want to start by hearing and understanding your side of it and your legal issues. Then, we will craft a defense in pursuit of the best possible outcome for the state of Colorado. Call us or use the contact form on this page for a free initial consultation and legal advice to see if we’re the right defense lawyers for you.

Fighting an arrest can be a frightening experience. But you don’t have to go it alone.

If your case is in California, please contact our California criminal defense lawyers for help.

If your case is in Nevada, please contact our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers for help.

Our Denver area law office is located at: