1. Colorado Springs Criminal Defense, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with passion for constitutional rights
Practice Areas: Homicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, traffic violations, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft
Background: Attorney Aaron P. Gaddis understands that when a client is facing criminal charges, it is likely a low point in their lives. He takes a passion for being there for clients in need, not only as an attorney but also as a confident and zealous advocate of each client’s constitutional and statutory rights. The firm emphasizes that hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to navigate legal complexities and protect rights after facing any criminal charge. The firm provides high-quality representation while ensuring reasonable pricing. A criminal charge is considered a legal emergency requiring immediate attention.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Contact: (719) 578-3344 | https://cospringscriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7
2. Criminal Defense Colorado Springs, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor and former judge on staff
Practice Areas: DUI, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, assault, theft, violent crimes
Background: Criminal Defense Colorado Springs, P.C. emphasizes the importance of immediate professional intervention. With over three decades of courtroom success, attorney Mike Moran and his team have successfully defended thousands of clients across Colorado. Many of their attorneys began their careers as criminal prosecutors, and Mike Moran, a former judge, brings unique insights into criminal cases and the strategies employed by the opposing side. The firm expertly defends all criminal charges throughout El Paso, Teller, Fremont, and Douglas Counties. The firm emphasizes that prosecutors negotiate differently when they know a lawyer has a long history of winning in court.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado (serves El Paso, Teller, Fremont, Douglas Counties)
Contact: (719) 447-1923 | https://criminaldefensecosprings.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Rodemer | Kane
Focus Area: Criminal defense and litigation firm on the Inc 5000 list
Practice Areas: DUI, DWAI, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft, assault, misdemeanors, felonies, federal offenses
Background: Rodemer | Kane is the only Colorado law firm on the Inc 5000 list in 2022. The firm is a criminal defense litigation firm, meaning they go to trial and settle cases only when it is the best possible outcome for the client. Prosecutors and insurance companies know they must deal fairly with the firm, or they will take the case to trial and achieve a better outcome. At Rodemer | Kane, clients are never just another client; they are members of the same community the firm lives in and serves. Each case is personal to the client, therefore personal to the firm. The team includes attorneys with diverse backgrounds and deep experience.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Contact: Contact through website | https://coloradospringscriminaldefense.net/
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Damascus Road Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with Top 100 Trial Lawyers recognition
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes
Background: Attorney Alexander Berry is devoted to providing passionate representation for the criminally accused. Rated 10.0 Superb on Avvo, he has proven his ability to provide hard-hitting and customized defense for clients. Attorney Berry is included in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list by The National Trial Lawyers association, demonstrating his ability to secure favorable results on behalf of clients in and out of the courtroom. As a member of numerous organizations, he remains on top of new developments in the legal community, striving to provide clients with the most effective counsel possible. The firm offers comprehensive guidance on the legal process and advice for navigating complex court proceedings.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Contact: (719) 354-2052 | https://www.droadlaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
5. Peakstone Law Group, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense serving the Pikes Peak Region
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, assault, theft, domestic violence
Background: Peakstone Law Group is a Colorado Springs criminal defense law firm serving the Pikes Peak Region, including El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, Park, and Fremont Counties. Colorado Springs lawyer Patterson Weaver and his team provide straightforward advice about the strengths and weaknesses of cases. The firm emphasizes that a skilled criminal defense law firm is the first call to make after an arrest because the criminal justice process is complex. Whether facing misdemeanor or felony charges, the firm devises smart strategies aimed at favorable outcomes. The firm goes above and beyond for each client by offering around-the-clock availability, direct communication, customized legal strategies, and diligent advocacy.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado (serves El Paso, Pueblo, Teller, Park, Fremont Counties)
Contact: (719) 689-8861 | https://peakstonelaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Colorado
Felony Classifications
Colorado classifies felonies into six classes:
Class 1 Felony: 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 assault, and sexual assault. Penalties range from 8-24 years in prison and $5,000-$1,000,000 fine.
Class 3 Felony: Includes second-degree assault, second-degree burglary, and robbery. Penalties range from 4-12 years in prison and $3,000-$750,000 fine.
Class 4 Felony: Includes vehicular homicide (DUI), sexual assault on a child, and theft ($20,000-$100,000). Penalties range from 2-6 years in prison and $2,000-$500,000 fine.
Class 5 Felony: Includes criminal impersonation, theft ($5,000-$20,000), and third-degree assault. Penalties range from 1-3 years in prison and $1,000-$100,000 fine.
Class 6 Felony: The least serious felony, including possession of controlled substance (first offense), theft ($2,000-$5,000), and criminally negligent homicide. Penalties range from 1-1.5 years in prison and $1,000-$100,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including third-degree assault, DUI, and domestic violence (misdemeanor level). Penalties range from 6-18 months in jail and $500-$5,000 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving, theft under $2,000, and harassment. Penalties range from 3-12 months in jail and $250-$1,000 fine.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: The least serious, including certain traffic offenses and minor criminal mischief. Penalties up to 6 months in jail and $50-$750 fine.
Record Sealing
Colorado allows record sealing for many offenses:
Eligible Offenses: Dismissed cases, acquittals, certain drug offenses, certain misdemeanors, and some felonies. Marijuana offenses that are no longer crimes can be sealed immediately.
Waiting Periods: Varies by offense type. Petty offenses: 1 year. Class 2-3 misdemeanors: 2 years. Class 1 misdemeanors: 3 years. Class 4-6 felonies: 3 years. Class 2-3 felonies: 5 years.
Automatic Sealing: Colorado has expanded automatic sealing for certain eligible convictions (effective 2024) after required waiting periods.
Ineligible Offenses: Class 1-2 felonies, sex offenses, crimes against children, DUI/DWAI, and domestic violence offenses generally cannot be sealed.
DUI/DWAI Laws
Colorado has two alcohol-related driving offenses: DUI (.08% BAC or higher) and DWAI (.05%-.079% BAC). First-offense DUI carries 5 days to 1 year jail, $600-$1,000 fine, 48-96 hours community service, and 9-month license revocation. Fourth or subsequent DUI is a Class 4 felony (2-6 years prison). Colorado has Express Consent; refusal results in automatic license revocation (1 year first offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DUI and DWAI in Colorado?
Colorado distinguishes between DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired). DUI applies when your BAC is .08% or higher, or when you are substantially incapable of safely operating a vehicle due to alcohol or drugs. DWAI applies at a lower threshold (.05%-.079% BAC) when your ability to operate a vehicle is impaired to the slightest degree. DWAI carries lighter penalties than DUI: first-offense DWAI has a maximum of 180 days jail (versus 1 year for DUI), lower fines, and shorter license suspension. However, DWAI still goes on your driving record and counts toward the DUI count for enhancement purposes. Fourth DWAI within a lifetime is a felony. A Colorado Springs DUI attorney can advise on potential defenses and whether negotiating to DWAI is advantageous in your case.
How does Colorado’s Express Consent law work?
Colorado’s Express Consent law means that by driving on Colorado roads, you have implicitly agreed to submit to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if law enforcement has reasonable grounds to believe you are impaired. Refusing to take the test does not mean you cannot be convicted of DUI; you can still be prosecuted based on other evidence like field sobriety tests and officer observations. However, refusal triggers automatic administrative penalties through the DMV separate from criminal proceedings: first refusal results in 1-year license revocation, and subsequent refusals carry longer periods. The refusal can also be used as evidence against you at trial. You must request a DMV hearing within 7 days of your arrest to contest the administrative revocation. A Colorado Springs DUI attorney can help navigate both the criminal and administrative proceedings.
What happens at a bond hearing in El Paso County?
After arrest in El Paso County, you will typically appear before a judge within 48 hours for a bond hearing (first appearance). At this hearing, the judge determines whether you will be released pending trial and under what conditions. The judge considers factors including flight risk, danger to the community, nature of the charges, criminal history, ties to the community, and ability to pay. Options include personal recognizance (PR) bond (release without payment), cash or surety bond, or being held without bond for certain serious offenses. Conditions may include travel restrictions, check-ins with pretrial services, drug/alcohol testing, no-contact orders, and GPS monitoring. Colorado law creates a presumption in favor of release on personal recognizance or an unsecured bond. Having a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney present at your bond hearing can significantly improve your chances of favorable release conditions.
Can I seal my criminal record in Colorado if I was convicted of domestic violence?
Generally, domestic violence convictions cannot be sealed in Colorado under current law. This applies to any offense that includes the domestic violence sentence enhancer, regardless of whether the underlying offense is a misdemeanor or felony. The rationale is that domestic violence involves patterns of behavior that are relevant to future relationships and public safety. However, if your domestic violence case was dismissed, you may be able to seal the arrest record. If you were acquitted at trial, you can petition to seal. If the domestic violence enhancement was removed through plea negotiations and you were convicted of a non-DV offense, that conviction may be sealable after the appropriate waiting period. Colorado law in this area has been evolving, so consulting with a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney about your specific situation is important.
What are mandatory protection orders in Colorado domestic violence cases?
In Colorado, when someone is charged with a crime involving domestic violence, the court automatically issues a mandatory protection order (MPO) at the first court appearance. This order typically prohibits contact with the alleged victim and may include provisions requiring the defendant to vacate a shared residence, stay away from the victim’s workplace, and refrain from possessing firearms. Violating the protection order is a separate criminal offense (contempt of court), even if the underlying charges are later dismissed. The victim cannot “drop” or modify the protection order; only the court can do so. The protection order remains in effect throughout the criminal proceedings. A Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney can petition the court to modify the protection order if circumstances warrant, but courts are generally cautious about modifications in domestic violence cases.