En Colorado Legal Defense Group somos un equipo de abogados de defensa criminal agresivos que defienden a personas acusadas de delitos en todo el estado, incluyendo Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial y 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 experience in Denver criminal defense have taught us how police and prosecutors build cases. While some Denver criminal defense attorneys take a wait-and-see approach, we know there is no time to waste. The best Colorado criminal defense attorneys know that often the most critical window is right after an arrest .
After all, police and prosecutors aren’t waiting around to build a case against you. Why give them the advantage? Cases aren’t won in the courtroom alone. Knowing who to talk to and who has the discretion to negotiate is often just as important as making a good impression on the jury. Our Colorado defense attorneys have over 50 years of collective experience successfully navigating Colorado’s criminal justice system .
Proactive teamwork
Studies show that a defendant with a Colorado defense attorney at his or her first appearance has:
- 2 ½ times more likely to be released on their own recognizance ;
- 4 ½ times more likely to have the bail amount significantly reduced ; and
- He will probably serve less time in jail. 1
Together with our expert private criminal investigators, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys begin working immediately to protect your rights. We will locate and question witnesses , obtain surveillance tapes , and conduct all necessary background research on the facts of your case. Shocking twists play well on television, but in real life, it pays to be prepared.
Personalized Denver Criminal Defense Attorneys Near You
Sometimes it is possible to avoid criminal charges from being filed . Other times, smart, early negotiation can cause 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 prosecutors look at the whole picture — and not just what the cops or the alleged victim say — they may decide to file lesser charges . Or they may not file charges at all. But we’re not afraid to take cases to a jury trial, either. In short, our Denver criminal defense attorneys near you fight for your case and do what’s best for you .
Close personal contact with your Denver criminal defense attorney
Defending a Colorado DUI/DWAI case or criminal case is difficult enough. The last thing you need is the added stress of not being able to reach your attorney about criminal matters in Denver. We take pride in the accessibility of both our criminal defense attorneys and our skilled support staff.
To provide you with emotional support and top-notch criminal representation, we follow two policies:
- Every phone call, email or text from every customer is returned the same day; and
- Each client receives the cell phone number of his or her attorney and attorney’s assistant.
Knowledge of Local Courts
Each county and each court has its own way of doing things . The criminal 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, there is a big difference between Colorado’s adult courts and juvenile justice system .
Our Colorado criminal defense attorneys near you understand the subtle differences between dealing with the 4th Judicial District Attorney for El Paso and Teller counties and the District Attorney for Larimer or Douglas counties. No two prosecutors’ offices or courts are the same, just as no two cases are the same as yours. We care enough to know the difference.
Practice Areas Our Colorado Criminal Defense Attorneys Serve
Our Colorado criminal defense attorneys near you defend clients against ALL types of criminal charges. Some of our practice areas include:
Colorado threatening 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 severity of the injury, whether a weapon was used, and whether the victim belongs to a special class (such as being elderly or disabled).
“Menacing” occurs when you threaten someone with assault and put them in danger of imminent serious bodily injury. Menacing is usually a misdemeanor, except when a deadly weapon is used to make the threat.
Domestic Violence in Colorado
Here in Colorado, domestic violence is not a separate crime. It is a sentencing enhancement that can add several years of 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 it is frequently applied to include spousal abuse, child abuse (when the child is abused to control the partner), stalking, assault, or intimidation.
Perhaps most importantly, if you are suspected of domestic violence, you will be subject to a mandatory protective order before you are tried, even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges.
The domestic violence restraining order will prohibit you from harassing, bothering, intimidating, retaliating against, or interfering with any witnesses 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 contact. If there were children present at the time of the alleged crime, the no-contact order may also extend to the children.
If you are subject to a protective order, you will not even be allowed to consume alcohol. Violating a Colorado protective order – even by accident –
Colorado DUI, DWAI and Driving Offenses
Our Denver attorneys defend all types of vehicle offenses, from driving without a valid Colorado driver’s license to vehicular manslaughter . We also defend license revocation proceedings before the DMV .
The Colorado DMV estimates that the cost of a first DUI conviction exceeds $10,000. Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries collateral consequences far beyond fines, attorney fees and court costs.
Depending on your blood alcohol concentration and history, the consequences of a DUI conviction may 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.
Drug Crimes in Colorado
Our Colorado drug attorneys defend against possession, sale and distribution charges , from minor violations of marijuana laws to drug trafficking in narcotics such as heroin and cocaine, and cases of minors in possession .
The consequences of criminal drug offenses in Denver can include not only prison or jail time, but also mandatory drug testing and counseling, steep fines, and the possible loss of employment in the future. However, with vigorous advocacy, we can often get the narcotics charges dismissed, or negotiate a plea deal for a misdemeanor instead of a felony.
Sex crimes in Colorado
While state laws are fairly lenient for first-time offenders in many categories, sex crimes are an exception. Some sex crimes are misdemeanors — prostitution and solicitation , for example. But the punishment for crimes like sexual assault , child sexual abuse , and sexual assault of a child by someone in a position of trust can be particularly harsh. If you are convicted of a felony sex crime as an adult, you will likely spend many years in prison. Additionally, your name will appear on Colorado’s sex offender registry for decades, and you may be listed on various 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 crimes by investigating the circumstances surrounding the allegations. Additionally, the Colorado legislature recognizes that in many cases the public interest is best served by community supervision and counseling, rather than incarceration. If treatment is what you need, we will fight to get it so you can stay home and keep your job, your family, and your freedom.
Burglary, theft and home invasion in Colorado
Some of the most commonly charged crimes are shoplifting , auto theft , robbery , and burglary . Penalties for larceny crimes in Colorado range from a fine and probation for property under $950, to years and even decades in prison for aggravated robbery or the use of a weapon. There are many defenses available to defeat larceny and burglary charges. From challenging the property’s valuation to negotiating pleas for lesser charges, our skilled larceny attorneys know them all.
Additional services
In addition to defending you against criminal charges in Denver, other services our Colorado defense attorneys near you provide include:
- Legal “second opinions”
- Help with bail and release
- Defense of Probation, Parole, and Protection Order Violations in Colorado
- Restoring Your Gun Rights in Colorado
- Reducing Your Felony in Colorado 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 prosecutor wouldn’t charge you with a crime if you weren’t guilty. But we know that many people who are charged are truly innocent. Situations can arise from self-defense , accidents, mistaken identification, false accusations, or mental illness. Other times, the prosecutor simply wants to be perceived as “tough on crime” and files excessive charges. 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/DUI defense attorneys leave no stone unturned in finding the best defense. We examine the accuser’s history 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 you the help you need and the compassion you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Criminal Defense Attorneys
Can I consult with my Colorado defense attorney 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 assist you in your time of need.
Can my Colorado criminal defense case be dismissed?
There are several defense strategies available that may persuade prosecutors to drop charges. And for certain first-time offenders, judges may be willing to grant a deferred judgment . This means that the case will be dismissed once the defendant complies with various sentencing terms. This usually includes paying a fine and attending counseling.
Would I go to jail?
Judges typically impose fines for first-time offenders convicted of lesser 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 is dismissed can be immediately sealed . Otherwise, there is a one- to five-year waiting period to seal a conviction. And convictions for the following crimes can never be sealed:
- Class 1 felonies , Class 2 felonies , Class 3 felonies , and Level 1 drug felonies
- Sexual crimes
- DUIs
- Domestic violence
- Minor traffic offenses
- Traffic Violations
Sealing of records is not automatic. A petition must be filed.
Can I represent myself in Colorado criminal defense?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Colorado’s criminal justice system is confusing and daunting. And defendants without representation from a Denver criminal defense attorney tend to get worse plea deals.
I’ve never been arrested before – what happens now?
After an arrest, the information is sent to the district attorney. If they decide to prosecute, the court will hold a formal arraignment . A period of negotiation between prosecutors and defense attorneys then begins. This can last weeks or months. The vast majority of cases are resolved without a trial.
Meet Our Colorado Criminal Defense Attorneys
Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Becker
Our Denver main office is led by highly-rated criminal defense attorney Michael Becker . Mr. Becker is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is the only attorney with a perfect score of 100 on lawyer.com. He also has the distinction of being a “Nationally Ranked Top DUI Lawyer” by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense.
Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Mark Savoy
Attorney Mark Savoy is a former prosecutor with extensive legal experience, so he knows firsthand how to outwit the prosecutor and fight for reduced charges and case dismissals in all types of cases, from DUI charges to financial crimes.
Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Chloe Gleichman
Chloe Gleichman of Colorado Legal Defense Group has proven to be a charismatic negotiator in and out of the courtroom. No matter your background, you can count on criminal defense attorney Chloe Gleichman to take on the system and fight for you from the day your case lands on her desk.
Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Megan Majewski
Attorney Megan Majewski is especially skilled in felony and appellate cases.
Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Coleman Presnell
Colorado defense attorney Coleman Presnell has dedicated his entire legal career to fighting for the best resolutions for his clients.
Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney, Conor Stewartson
Colorado criminal defense attorney Conor Stewartson is an experienced litigator who has taken dozens of cases to trial.
Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney, Ahad Khilji
Colorado criminal defense attorney Ahad Khilji has spent his entire legal career fighting to have charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Joseph Santaularia
Colorado criminal defense attorney Joseph Santaularia is an excellent litigator in the courtroom, although he can usually resolve cases without a trial.
Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Kaitlin Johnson
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 (Spanish spoken) 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 law firm for a free consultation
We start every case the same way: by listening. The police and the accusers will have their stories. We will present yours. So, we want to start by listening and understanding your side and your legal issues. And then we will craft a defense in pursuit of the best possible outcome in 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 are the right defense attorneys for you.
Facing arrest can be a scary experience. But you don’t have to do it alone.
If your case is in California, contact our California criminal defense attorneys for help.
If your case is in Nevada, please contact our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys for help.