1. WeedenLaw
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 20+ years experience and exclusive focus on criminal law
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, traffic violations
Background: WeedenLaw is a criminal defense law firm whose Aurora criminal defense lawyers focus only on criminal defense cases. This means the firm can dedicate resources to helping clients fight criminal charges. Jeff Weeden has over two decades of experience with criminal cases. The attorneys work with the offices of the District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney to get charges reduced and negotiate plea deals. The Aurora, CO criminal defense lawyers at WeedenLaw have an extensive track record in handling all kinds of Colorado criminal defense issues, from minor traffic violations to drug crimes to violent crime defense. Jeff Weeden is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, as well as the Denver, Colorado, and American Bar Associations, and the National Trial Lawyers.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (serves Denver, Lakewood, Boulder, Longmont, Golden, Loveland, and surrounding areas)
Contact: (720) 307-4330 | https://www.weedenlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Kishinevsky & Raykin, Attorneys at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, traffic violations
Background: At Kishinevsky & Raykin, Attorneys at Law, the firm has more than a decade of experience vigorously defending clients against a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges. The attorneys’ skillful negotiation and superior courtroom advocacy have established the firm as a presence in Colorado criminal defense. Principal criminal defense attorney Timur Kishinevsky is a former prosecutor who spent years in the courtroom trying cases ranging from traffic violations to murder. He uses this insight to defend clients against criminal charges. The firm approaches each case by examining the evidence and thinking about the methods the prosecution could use, assessing cases from both perspectives to give realistic evaluations.
Location: 2851 S Parker Rd, Suite 150, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact: (720) 863-4256 | https://www.coloradolawteam.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Lawrence Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense and personal injury with 15+ years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, misdemeanors, felonies
Background: Attorney Lain A. Lawrence has been licensed in Colorado since 2010 and has handled hundreds of cases ranging from car accidents to serious criminal charges. He began his career representing injury victims at a large firm before expanding his practice to criminal defense, including DUI, domestic violence, misdemeanors, and felonies. With more than a decade of experience in Denver-area courts, Mr. Lawrence is known for his aggressive, hands-on approach and commitment to protecting clients’ rights. The firm is a small firm delivering big results, focused on tailoring every case to each client’s needs. Flexible and easy to understand billing with no hidden fees, the firm can adapt to any financial circumstance.
Location: 2821 S. Parker Rd., Suite 865, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact: Available at website | https://coloradodefenders.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. Solomon Criminal Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and personalized service
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Background: With over a decade of proven legal ability, Attorney Mark Solomon, founder of Solomon Criminal Defense, has earned a reputation as an Aurora criminal defense lawyer clients can trust. The firm has garnered a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, two consecutive years named to Rising Stars, and an Avvo Clients’ Choice Award. Solomon Criminal Defense offers free consultations, so clients can get started on understanding their case and planning for their future at no cost. They offer personalized service to help clients feel confident about their options. The firm emphasizes individualized attention and building strong attorney-client relationships.
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Contact: Available at website | https://www.justia.com/lawyers/criminal-law/colorado/aurora
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Colorado Legal Defense Group (Shouse Law Group)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutors and public defenders on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, traffic offenses, expungement
Background: The Aurora criminal defense lawyers at Colorado Legal Defense Group accrued many years of experience fighting criminal charges in pursuit of reductions or dismissals. The lawyers aggressively work up each case with the goal of achieving the best possible resolution under the law. The attorneys at law in the law office are all in good standing with the Colorado Bar Association and the National Trial Lawyers, and many are former prosecutors and deputy public defenders. The firm’s practice areas also include expungements, personal injury, family law, employment law, real estate, and estate planning. The firm provides legal services to clients in Denver, Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Greeley, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and throughout northern and southern Colorado.
Location: Aurora, Colorado (serves Denver Metro and throughout Colorado)
Contact: Available at website | https://www.shouselaw.com/co/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Colorado
Felony Classifications
Colorado classifies felonies into six classes:
Class 1 Felony: Includes first-degree murder. Penalty is life imprisonment without parole (Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020).
Class 2 Felony: Includes second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and sexual assault. Penalty is 8-24 years in prison and $5,000-$1,000,000 fine.
Class 3 Felony: Includes second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and aggravated robbery. Penalty is 4-12 years in prison and $3,000-$750,000 fine.
Class 4 Felony: Includes vehicular homicide, identity theft, and third-degree assault. Penalty is 2-6 years in prison and $2,000-$500,000 fine.
Class 5 Felony: Includes criminal impersonation, theft ($5,000-$20,000), and second-degree burglary. Penalty is 1-3 years in prison and $1,000-$100,000 fine.
Class 6 Felony: Includes theft ($2,000-$5,000), criminal mischief, and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. Penalty is 1-1.5 years in prison and $1,000-$100,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes third-degree assault, theft ($750-$2,000), and DUI (second offense). Maximum 364 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes harassment, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. Maximum 120 days in jail and $750 fine.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes third-degree criminal trespass. Maximum 6 months in jail and $750 fine.
Petty Offense: Includes minor traffic violations, disorderly conduct, and certain marijuana offenses. Maximum 10 days in jail or fine only.
Record Sealing
Colorado allows sealing of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Many offenses can be sealed, including dismissed cases, acquittals, and certain convictions after waiting periods.
Waiting Periods: Vary by offense type: immediately for dismissed cases and acquittals; 1-3 years for petty offenses and drug misdemeanors; 3-5 years for class 4-6 felonies; drug felonies may be eligible after 7 years.
Ineligible Offenses: Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies, crimes of violence, sex offenses, DUI/DWAI, and crimes against children are generally not eligible.
Automatic Sealing: Colorado now provides for automatic sealing of certain dismissed cases and acquittals.
DUI/DWAI Laws
Colorado has two impaired driving offenses: DUI (driving under the influence with BAC of .08% or higher or substantially impaired) and DWAI (driving while ability impaired with BAC of .05-.079% or slightly impaired). First DUI offense carries 5 days to 1 year jail (may be suspended), $600-$1,000 fine, 9-month license suspension, and 48-96 hours community service. Second offense carries 10 days to 1 year jail (minimum mandatory), $600-$1,500 fine, and 1-year license suspension. Fourth offense is a Class 4 felony (2-6 years prison). Colorado has express consent; refusal results in 1-year license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Aurora Municipal Court and Arapahoe County District Court?
Criminal cases in Aurora are heard in different courts depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Aurora Municipal Court handles traffic violation infractions, petty offenses, and misdemeanors that allegedly occurred inside the incorporated area of Aurora. The court is located at 14999 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012. More serious misdemeanors and all felonies are handled by Arapahoe County District Court, with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office prosecuting those cases. The District Attorney’s Office is located at 5334 S. Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120. Having an Aurora criminal defense attorney who knows both court systems and the specific judges and prosecutors provides an advantage.
What is a deferred judgment in Colorado?
A deferred judgment (also called deferred sentence) in Colorado is an agreement where the defendant pleads guilty, but the court does not enter a conviction. Instead, the defendant is placed on probation for a specified period with certain conditions. If the defendant successfully completes the probation without violations, the case is dismissed and the guilty plea is withdrawn. The defendant can then petition to seal the record. If the defendant violates probation, the court can enter the conviction and impose the original sentence. Deferred judgments are available for many offenses but are discretionary with the court and prosecutor. An Aurora criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a deferred judgment as an alternative to conviction.
What happens after an arrest by Aurora Police Department?
After an arrest in Aurora, you will typically be transported and booked at the Aurora Detention Center at 14999 E Alameda Pkwy. For bail information and instructions regarding a specific inmate, you can call the jail at (303) 739-6194. Depending on the charge, you may be eligible for release on a personal recognizance bond (no money required) or you may need to post bail. You will be given a court date for your first appearance. It is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after arrest. In Colorado, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Do not answer questions without an attorney present.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in Colorado?
A felony conviction in Colorado carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and Colorado law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on parole (restored upon completion). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses. You may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. Felonies remain on your record unless sealed (and many felonies are not eligible for sealing). Colorado does allow sealing of some lower-level felony convictions after waiting periods. An Aurora criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue sealing where eligible.
Can I seal my Colorado criminal record?
Colorado allows sealing of certain criminal records after waiting periods. Dismissed cases and acquittals can generally be sealed immediately. Petty offenses and some misdemeanors can be sealed after 1-3 years from final disposition. Class 4, 5, and 6 felonies may be sealed after 3-5 years. Drug felonies may be sealed after 7 years in some cases. However, many offenses cannot be sealed, including DUI/DWAI, crimes of violence, sex offenses, and Class 1-3 felonies. The sealing process requires filing a petition with the court and may require a hearing. An Aurora criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file the appropriate petition.