Best Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal charge in Denver can change your life in hours. Colorado courts move fast, and prosecutors build cases quickly. The right defense attorney knows local judges, understands Colorado sentencing guidelines, and fights to protect your record.

Denver criminal defense lawyers on this list handle everything from DUI arrests to serious felonies. Many served as former prosecutors or public defenders before starting private practice. They work in Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Denver County courts every week.

List of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

What should I look for when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Denver?

When selecting a criminal defense lawyer in Denver, consider their:

  • Experience handling cases similar to yours in Colorado courts
  • Track record of successful case outcomes and plea negotiations
  • Knowledge of local court procedures and relationships with prosecutors
  • Client reviews and professional reputation in the Denver legal community
  • Availability for communication and their case management approach

How much do criminal defense attorneys charge in Denver?

Criminal defense attorneys in Denver typically charge using these fee structures:

Fee Type Description Typical Range
Flat Fee One-time payment for entire case $2,500 - $15,000+
Hourly Rate Billed by time spent $200 - $400/hour
Retainer Upfront deposit $2,000 - $10,000

What types of cases do Denver criminal defense lawyers handle?

Denver criminal defense attorneys typically handle these common cases:

  • DUI/DWAI offenses and traffic violations
  • Drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges
  • Domestic violence and assault cases
  • White collar crimes including fraud and embezzlement
  • Property crimes such as theft, burglary, and vandalism

How long do criminal cases typically take in Denver?

Criminal case timelines in Denver vary based on complexity:

  • Misdemeanors: 3-6 months from arrest to resolution
  • Felonies: 6-12 months on average
  • Complex cases: May extend beyond 12 months

What are my rights if arrested in Denver?

Key rights when arrested in Denver include:

  • The right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination
  • The right to have an attorney present during questioning
  • The right to representation by a public defender if you cannot afford private counsel
  • Protection against unlawful searches and seizures

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Colorado?

Understanding charge classifications in Colorado:

Type Maximum Jail Time Example Offenses
Petty Offense 6 months Disorderly conduct
Misdemeanor 18 months DUI, theft under $2000
Felony Life sentence Aggravated assault, drug trafficking

Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Colorado?

Colorado law allows for sealing or expungement of records in certain cases:

  • Most arrests that did not lead to charges can be sealed
  • Many misdemeanor convictions can be sealed after 2-5 years
  • Certain felony convictions may be sealed after longer waiting periods
  • Juvenile records can often be expunged