Criminal Defense

What criminal defense covers

Criminal defense attorneys represent people accused of crimes — from petty offenses and misdemeanors in Denver County Court to felonies in the Second Judicial District and federal cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Typical matters include assault, theft, drug possession and distribution, domestic violence, weapons charges, sexual offenses, white-collar crime, and probation violations.

When to hire a criminal defense lawyer

The moment you know you are a suspect — before you talk to police. Colorado prosecutors regularly build cases on statements defendants made "just to clear things up." If you have already been arrested, hire counsel before your first appearance. If you are on probation or parole and have been accused of a violation, hire counsel immediately; probation revocation hearings have a lower burden of proof than trials.

What to look for in a Denver criminal defense attorney

• Actual trial experience in Denver District Court, not just plea negotiations. Ask how many jury trials the attorney has tried to verdict in the last five years.
• Familiarity with the specific charge. DUI, sex offense, domestic violence, and white-collar defense are each their own subspecialty.
• Former prosecutor or public defender experience is often a plus — it means the attorney knows the office on the other side.
• Realistic assessment. Avoid anyone who promises a specific outcome. Colorado ethics rules forbid it.
• Availability. Criminal cases move fast. You need someone who returns calls within 24 hours.

Typical costs

Denver criminal defense fees vary enormously by charge and attorney experience. Rough guidelines:

• Traffic misdemeanor: $1,500 – $3,500 flat fee.
• DUI (first offense): $3,500 – $7,500 flat fee. See our DUI guide.
• Domestic violence misdemeanor: $3,500 – $10,000 flat or hourly.
• Felony (non-violent): $10,000 – $30,000+ depending on complexity.
• Serious felony (violent, sex, or class 2/3): $25,000 – $150,000+.
• Federal case: $25,000 – $250,000+.

If you cannot afford private counsel, the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender represents indigent defendants at no cost. Public defenders in Colorado are, on average, excellent trial lawyers — but caseloads are heavy.