Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

Criminal defense lawyers in Denver handle cases in one of Colorado's busiest court systems. The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse processes thousands of criminal matters each year. Colorado's recent Clean Slate Act also changed how records get sealed after a case ends. That makes your choice of attorney even more important. Review the Denver criminal defense lawyers listed below and connect with the right fit for your case.

We research each Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers listing using public records, verified reviews, and direct evaluation. Our rankings reflect reputation, reliability, and results.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Overall online reputation and verified user feedback

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Best-Rated Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers with Trial Experience

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez Website

The Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez is a Denver criminal defense firm with over 15 years of trial experience. Jacob Martinez earned recognition in U.S. News Best Law Firms for five straight years from 2021 to 2025. He holds the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 status and Super Lawyer designation.

The firm handles charges from DUI to homicide across Colorado. Martinez uses advanced technology like 3D scene recreation and geo-imaging to build stronger cases. Associates Brett Eliasen and Tyler Selcer also hold Top 40 Under 40 honors. The team earned Best of Mile High recognition for criminal defense in 2024.

Screenshot of the WeedenLaw Website
1580 Logan St, Denver, CO 80203, USA

Jeff Weeden is a Denver criminal defense lawyer with over 20 years of experience since 2005. The firm earned a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and an Avvo 10.0 score. Weeden holds National Trial Lawyers Top 100 membership and multiple Client's Choice Awards.

WeedenLaw handles DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, and white collar charges. The firm operates offices in Denver and Lakewood. Associate Peter Albani supports defense strategies across Colorado courts. Case evaluations are provided at no cost.

Screenshot of the Wolf Law Criminal Defense Attorney in Denver Website
1385 S Colorado Blvd Suite A-606, Denver, CO 80222, USA

Wolf Law LLC provides criminal defense throughout the Denver metro area. Founded by Jeffrey Wolf and Colleen Kelley, the firm handles DUI, domestic violence, assault, and drug charges. Jeffrey Wolf is a former public defender named among the 10 Best DUI Attorneys by the American Institute of Legal Counsel.

Colleen Kelley holds the Super Lawyer designation. Associate Cassandra Monahan earned Rising Star Super Lawyer status. The team represents clients in municipal, county, and district courts across Colorado. Initial consultations are free.

Screenshot of the Stanley Law Office Website
24928 Genesee Trail Rd # 100, Golden, CO 80401, USA

James F. Stanley is a Golden criminal defense attorney with 35 years of courtroom experience. He tried over 150 jury cases as a former Colorado Senior Deputy District Attorney. Stanley served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a helicopter search and rescue operator for the National Park Service.

The firm partners with TripleLLaw, PC and attorney Jake Lilly. Stanley received American Jurisprudence Awards for Criminal Trial Advocacy and Evidence. He defends clients facing DUI, drug charges, and violent crimes throughout Jefferson County and the Denver area.

Screenshot of the Ross Koplin Attorney At Law Website
600 17th Street, Suite 2800 South, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Ross Koplin is a downtown Denver attorney who handles traffic violations and DUI defense. The firm represents clients facing speeding tickets, careless driving, and license suspension cases. Koplin manages DMV hearings and driving under restraint matters throughout the Front Range counties.

Screenshot of the Alfrey & Associates, PC Website
600 17th St #2800s, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Curtis C. Alfrey is a Colorado DUI defense attorney with over 32 years of experience. He served as Chief Deputy District Attorney under three different District Attorneys. Alfrey tried over 200 jury cases during his career.

DUI cases make up 80% of the firm's practice. Alfrey received American Jurisprudence Awards for Criminal Trial Advocacy and Evidence. He holds an Avvo Client's Choice Award for 2023. The firm uses flat fee pricing and serves clients throughout Colorado.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Monte J. Robbins, Esq. Website

Monte Robbins is a Denver DUI attorney with over 20 years of criminal defense experience. He handles serious cases like felony DUI, vehicular assault, and drug offenses. Robbins personally manages every case without handing clients off to associates.

The firm focuses on high-impact matters, including habitual traffic offender charges and juvenile offenses. Robbins also handles DMV hearings for clients facing license issues. He serves Denver and the surrounding Colorado counties.

Screenshot of the Decker Jones Law Website
2025 York St, Denver, CO 80205, USA

Decker & Jones brings nearly 30 years of combined criminal defense experience to Denver. Christopher R. Decker and David R. Jones both began their careers as Colorado Public Defenders in the mid-1990s. Decker served as Colorado Criminal Defense Bar President from 2015 to 2016.

The firm won acquittals in cases involving sexual assault, homicide, kidnapping, and drug distribution. They tried over 100 cases and settled thousands more. The team handles major crimes, DUI, domestic violence, and sex offense charges from offices in Denver and Golden.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Kevin Cahill Website
1385 S Colorado Blvd A-720, Denver, CO 80222, USA

Kevin Cahill is a criminal defense attorney in Denver with experience since 2005. He graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and earned a Dean's Award for Excellence in Legal Writing. Cahill is a member of the Colorado Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The firm handles domestic violence, sex crimes, violent offenses, and DUI charges. Cahill built relationships with local judges and prosecutors across Colorado courtrooms. He offers 24/7 availability and no-cost case reviews.

Screenshot of the M. Trent Trani & Associates, P.C. Website

M. Trent Trani founded his Denver criminal defense firm in 2005 after serving as a Colorado State Public Defender. He has over 20 years of trial experience and holds a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 membership. Trani received an Avvo Client's Choice Award in 2017.

The firm won Not Guilty verdicts in Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, and Adams counties. Trani has appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and Primetime Live as a legal commentator. The Cherry Creek office serves clients facing DUI, drug, and violent crime charges.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Rodger C. Daley and Associates Website

The Law Offices of Rodger C. Daley and Associates has served Denver families since 1991. Rodger Daley earned his law degree from the University of Denver in 1982 and holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating. The firm staffs four attorneys and three paralegals.

Daley handles criminal defense alongside family law matters. The team defends domestic violence charges, DUI cases, and felonies across the Denver metro area. Associate Carrie Vonachen is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar since 2003.

Screenshot of the The Eichner Law Firm Website
3773 Cherry Creek N Dr, Denver, CO 80209, USA

Kenneth F. Eichner is a Denver criminal lawyer with over 30 years of experience and 140 jury trials. He worked as both a prosecutor and public defender before opening his firm. Eichner holds Super Lawyers recognition.

The firm represented Hillary Clinton's server company in the 2017 email investigation. Eichner also represented a witness in Justice Kavanaugh's 2018 congressional hearing. He won a $2.7 million verdict in Colorado's largest defamation case in 2019. The Cherry Creek office handles state and federal prosecutions.

Screenshot of the Law Office Of Richard B. Huttner Website
720 S Colorado Blvd Penthouse North, Denver, CO 80246, USA

Richard B. Huttner is a Denver criminal defense lawyer with 32 years of experience and over 100 jury trials. He graduated from the University of Denver Law School in 1993. Huttner is a founding member of the National College of DUI Defense.

The firm holds an undefeated record in federal jury trials against the DOJ and county court domestic violence cases since 1998. Huttner handles misdemeanors and felonies including DUI, assault, drug charges, and sexual assault throughout Colorado.

Screenshot of the Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C. Website
1775 Sherman St #1650, Denver, CO 80203, USA

Gerash Steiner Blanton is a Denver criminal defense firm carrying on the legacy of legendary Colorado attorney Walter L. Gerash. Daniel P. Gerash has over 30 years of experience as a former deputy public defender. The firm holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.

All attorneys at the firm worked as public defenders in Colorado. They handle DUI, drug charges, theft, gun crimes, and violent offenses. The team represents clients in state and federal courts with appellate services available.

Screenshot of the Russell Hebets, Attorney at Law Website
1777 S Harrison St Ste 310, Denver, CO 80210, USA

Hebets & McCallin brings former prosecutor experience to Denver criminal defense. Russell Hebets and Colin McCallin both served as prosecutors before joining forces. Colin McCallin worked 6 years with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's office. Both attorneys earned Super Lawyers recognition.

The firm hosts the "Is This Legal?" podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Pandora. Hebets and McCallin provide legal analysis to the Denver Post, CBS 4, Fox 31, and 9News. They handle DUI, violent crimes, drug offenses, and white collar cases with 24/7 availability.

Screenshot of the Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur, P.C. Website
303 16th St Mall #200, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Ridley, McGreevy & Winocur is a Denver criminal defense firm established in 1992. The attorneys have collectively defended hundreds of jury trials. Fredric M. Winocur was named Law Week Colorado's Barrister's Best "Best Criminal Defense Lawyer" in 2023.

The firm earned 5280 Magazine's 2024 and 2025 Top Lawyers recognition. They handle white collar crimes, securities fraud, and general criminal defense. The team represents corporate and individual clients in state and federal courts with a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.

Screenshot of the Zuckerman Law Website
1600 Stout St Suite 1400, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Zuckerman Law is a Denver criminal defense firm with over 12 years of experience. Attorney Tally Zuckerman has an extensive public defender background and has represented thousands of clients. She holds Super Lawyers recognition.

The firm focuses on sex crimes, juvenile law, and cases involving marginalized communities. Zuckerman serves on the Denver Mayor's LGBTQ Commission and volunteers with LYRIC (Learn Your Rights in Colorado). Initial consultations are free for clients facing drug, assault, or domestic violence charges.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Jonathan S. Willett, LLC Website

Jonathan S. Willett is a criminal defense attorney serving Denver and Boulder since 1986. He tried over 75 jury trials and handled more than 150 appeals. Willett holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating and Client Champion Gold award.

The firm handles charges from DUI to capital murder cases. Willett worked as a Colorado State Public Defender and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He accepted expert witness appointments in criminal law at least 15 times across Colorado courts.

Screenshot of the Churchill Criminal Defense Website
121 S Wilcox St Suite A4, Castle Rock, CO 80104, USA

Kevin Churchill is a Denver criminal attorney with over 25 years of trial experience. He served as a former prosecutor and resolved over 300 felony and misdemeanor cases. Churchill appeared as a legal analyst on Court TV, ABC News, and Fox News, covering the JonBenet Ramsey case.

The firm handles DUI, domestic violence, theft, and drug charges. Churchill is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and serves clients in Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties.

Screenshot of the Scott H. Robinson, P.C. Website
1660 Lincoln St Suite #2350, Denver, CO 80264, USA

Scott H. Robinson is a Denver criminal defense attorney with over 40 years of trial experience since 1975. He graduated from the University of Colorado Law School with Phi Beta Kappa and Order of the Coif honors. Robinson argued cases before the United States Supreme Court.

The firm handles everything from DUI to first-degree murder charges. Robinson serves as legal analyst for 9News Denver and provided commentary for the O.J. Simpson trial, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the JonBenet Ramsey case. He personally handles all client matters without delegation.

Screenshot of the MANNINA AND ASSOCIATES Website
1624 Market St, Denver, CO 80202, USA

Trent Mannina is a Denver criminal defense attorney with 3 decades of experience. He served as a former public defender handling felony and misdemeanor cases. Mannina is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and the Denver County Bar Association.

The firm represents clients facing drug charges, DUI, and violent offenses throughout the Front Range. Free consultations are available for criminal defense matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Denver Cost?

Fee structures vary by case type. Misdemeanor cases often run on flat fees. Felony charges typically require hourly billing or tiered flat fees based on complexity. DUI defense costs depend on whether it is a first offense or a repeat charge. Most Denver criminal defense attorneys offer free initial consultations.

How Long Do Criminal Cases Take in Denver?

Timelines depend on the charge level. A simple misdemeanor might be resolved in a few weeks through a plea agreement. Felony cases in Denver District Court can take six months to over a year. Cases with motions to suppress evidence or complex discovery add more time. Your attorney can give you a realistic estimate after reviewing the details.

What Is Colorado's Statute of Limitations for Criminal Charges?

It depends on the offense. Most misdemeanors carry an 18-month filing deadline. Felonies generally have a three-year statute of limitations. Some serious offenses like murder have no time limit. Your attorney should confirm the exact deadline for your specific charge.

Can I Get My Criminal Record Sealed in Denver?

Colorado expanded record sealing significantly. The Clean Slate Act took effect in July 2024. It allows automatic sealing of many eligible convictions without a court petition. Misdemeanors may seal automatically after seven years. Eligible felonies can be sealed after ten years. DUIs and certain violent offenses remain ineligible. A Denver defense lawyer can review your record and advise on your options.

What Happens If I Am Arrested in Denver on a Weekend?

You will see a judge within 48 hours. Denver County processes weekend arrests through bond hearings at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. A defense attorney can appear at your first hearing to argue for lower bond or personal recognizance release. Acting fast matters for bond outcomes.

Does Colorado Have a "Make My Day" Law?

Yes, Colorado has a strong self-defense statute. The Make My Day law (C.R.S. 18-1-704.5) protects homeowners who use force against intruders. It applies when someone unlawfully enters your dwelling and you reasonably believe they may commit a crime and use force. This law is broader than standard self-defense. An experienced attorney can determine if it applies to your situation.

What Is the Difference Between a DUI and DWAI in Colorado?

The BAC threshold separates the two charges. A DUI is charged at 0.08% BAC or higher. A DWAI applies between 0.05% and 0.079%. DWAI carries lighter penalties but still creates a permanent criminal record. Neither DUI nor DWAI convictions can be sealed under current Colorado law.

What Should I Do If Police Want to Question Me?

Exercise your right to remain silent. Colorado law gives you the right to refuse questioning without an attorney present. Politely decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer. Do not volunteer information or consent to searches. Anything you say can be used against you in Denver County or federal court.

Types of Criminal Cases in Denver, Colorado

DUI and DWAI. Denver law enforcement runs frequent sobriety checkpoints along major corridors. Colorado's express consent law means refusing a breath test triggers automatic license suspension. First-offense DUI can carry up to a year in jail.

Drug Crimes. Colorado decriminalized personal-use marijuana but still prosecutes distribution, manufacturing, and possession of harder drugs. Denver has also expanded diversion programs for lower-level drug offenses. These programs can lead to dismissed charges.

Assault and Violent Crimes. Assault charges in Denver range from third-degree misdemeanor assault to first-degree felony assault. Bar fights in LoDo and incidents near Coors Field and Empower Field drive a high volume of assault cases. Penalties escalate quickly with weapon involvement.

Domestic Violence. Colorado treats domestic violence as a sentence enhancer, not a standalone charge. A DV designation triggers a mandatory protection order and can affect firearm rights. Most DV convictions cannot be sealed. Denver courts take these cases seriously.

Theft and White-Collar Crimes. Theft charges scale by dollar amount in Colorado. Anything over $2,000 is a felony. White-collar charges like fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft are prosecuted aggressively in both Denver County and federal court.

Felony Charges. Colorado classifies felonies into six levels. Class 1 felonies carry life sentences. Even lower-level felonies bring prison time and lasting consequences. The Front Range federal courthouse in Denver also handles drug trafficking, firearms, and cybercrime cases.

Juvenile Crimes. Denver Juvenile Court handles cases for defendants under 18. Colorado law allows direct filing of serious juvenile offenses in adult court. A defense lawyer experienced in juvenile cases can fight to keep the case in juvenile jurisdiction.

Probation Violations. Violating probation terms in Denver can result in revocation and the original sentence being imposed. Common violations include missed check-ins, failed drug tests, and new arrests. A defense attorney can argue for continued probation or modified terms.

How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Denver

Check their Denver courtroom experience. Criminal defense is local. An attorney who regularly appears at Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse knows the judges, prosecutors, and procedures. That familiarity can shape strategy and outcomes.

Ask about their trial record. Many cases settle through plea negotiations. But you need a lawyer willing and able to go to trial. Ask how many jury trials they have handled in Denver County and federal court.

Look for specialization in your charge type. DUI defense differs from felony drug cases. A lawyer who focuses on your specific charge type will know the latest case law and defense strategies. General practitioners may miss key details.

Verify their standing with the Colorado Bar. Check the attorney's license status and disciplinary history through the Colorado Supreme Court's attorney registration system. This takes two minutes and protects you from unlicensed practitioners.

Discuss fees and communication upfront. Understand the fee structure before signing a retainer. Ask how often they will update you on your case. Clear communication prevents surprises and builds trust throughout the process.

Criminal Case Outcomes in Denver, Colorado

Outcomes depend on multiple factors. The severity of the charge, strength of the evidence, and your criminal history all matter. Denver prosecutors weigh these factors when making plea offers. A strong defense attorney can shift the balance.

Plea bargains resolve most Denver criminal cases. Reduced charges, deferred judgments, and alternative sentencing are all possible outcomes. A deferred judgment lets you complete probation and have the case dismissed. This path may also lead to record sealing.

Trial outcomes are unpredictable but important. Jury trials in Denver carry risk, but they also offer the chance for full acquittal. An experienced trial lawyer will evaluate whether going to trial serves your best interests based on the evidence.

Record sealing can follow a favorable outcome. Dismissed cases and acquittals qualify for simplified sealing in Colorado. Deferred judgments may also qualify. Even some convictions can be sealed after the required waiting period. Your attorney should discuss post-case record sealing as part of the overall defense strategy.