1. H. Michael Steinberg, Criminal Defense Lawyer
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 42+ years experience including 13 years as prosecutor
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft, DUI, juvenile crimes, probation violations, child abuse, white collar crimes, fraud, violent crimes, weapons charges, homicide, murder, assault, battery
Background: H. Michael Steinberg has over 42 years of Colorado criminal law experience. From 1984 to 1997, he served as a career prosecutor for 13 years in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. This experience on both sides of the courtroom provides valuable insight into prosecution strategies. The firm is available 24/7/365 and offers free phone case evaluations at any time. Mr. Steinberg has successfully handled thousands of cases and is recognized as an expert in all areas of Colorado criminal law. He maintains regular contact with clients and provides personalized attention throughout each case.
Location: Denver, Colorado (serves Denver Metropolitan area and Front Range)
Contact: (303) 627-7777 | https://www.hmichaelsteinberg.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available 24/7
2. Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez
Focus Area: Criminal defense exclusively for over 15 years
Practice Areas: Domestic violence, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex crimes, probation violations, mental health-related offenses
Background: Founded in 2014, the Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez has exclusively practiced criminal defense. Mr. Martinez previously spent six years at another Denver criminal defense firm. In 2024, the firm was ranked #1 in Denver by TrustAnalytica for domestic violence defense and #1 in Denver by Best of Mile High for criminal defense. The National Trial Lawyers designated Mr. Martinez a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and named him to their Top 40 Criminal Defense Attorneys Under 40. The American Institute of DUI Attorneys included the firm in the 10 Best Law Firms for Client Satisfaction. Associate attorneys Brett Eliasen and Tyler Selcer have also been recognized as Top 40 Under 40 for criminal defense.
Location: Denver, Colorado
Contact: (720) 246-6700 | https://www.denvercriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
3. Wolf Law LLC
Focus Area: Full-service criminal defense for Denver metro and statewide
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, municipal charges, juvenile offenses, traffic violations
Background: Wolf Law was established by Jeffrey Wolf and Colleen Kelley as a full-service criminal defense law firm for the Denver metro area and the state of Colorado. The attorneys have vast experience throughout the Denver metro area in Municipal, County, and District courts. Whether clients are being investigated, charged, or at any stage of the criminal process, the firm provides representation. Wolf Law provides free initial consultations to assess specific situations and help find solutions.
Location: Denver, Colorado (serves statewide)
Contact: (720) 479-8574 | https://wolflawcolorado.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. The Law Office of Kimberly Diego
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive accolades
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft, assault, shoplifting, sexual assault, probation violations
Background: Attorney Kimberly Diego is a Denver native who has been practicing criminal defense law for over fifteen years. She has defended countless clients across Colorado, from the Denver Metro Area to the High Country and Western Slope. Her legal prowess has earned accolades from organizations including The National Trial Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Attorneys, and The American Society of Legal Advocates. Ms. Diego emphasizes that the initial few days after an allegation are critical and encourages early contact. She combines experience, dedication, and compassion in representing every client.
Location: Denver, Colorado (serves Denver Metro, High Country, and Western Slope)
Contact: (720) 257-5346 | https://www.diegocriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
5. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with strong local relationships
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Sawyer Legal Group has built strong relationships with clients across Colorado, including Denver, Adams, and Jefferson County. The firm has forged strong relationships with District Attorneys across Colorado’s Front Range, including Arapahoe, Douglas, and Larimer County. These relationships provide understanding of how the prosecution thinks. The team includes attorneys Anthony Gadlage, Patricia Cabrera Hill, Katie Kellett, Kyle B. Sawyer, and Britany Schaffer, with decades of combined experience. The firm has a thorough understanding of the court systems in each Colorado jurisdiction. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Location: Denver, Colorado (serves Denver, Adams, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Larimer Counties)
Contact: (303) 830-0880 | https://www.denvercriminalattorneylawyer.com/
Consultation: Available 24/7
Criminal Defense Laws in Colorado
Felony Classifications
Colorado classifies felonies into six classes, with Class 1 being the most serious:
Class 1 Felony: The most serious category, reserved for 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 to 24 years in prison and fines of $5,000 to $1,000,000.
Class 3 Felony: Includes second-degree assault, second-degree burglary, and robbery. Penalties range from 4 to 12 years in prison and fines of $3,000 to $750,000.
Class 4 Felony: Includes vehicular assault, identity theft, and stalking. Penalties range from 2 to 6 years in prison and fines of $2,000 to $500,000.
Class 5 Felony: Includes criminal impersonation, theft ($5,000-$20,000), and certain drug offenses. Penalties range from 1 to 3 years in prison and fines of $1,000 to $100,000.
Class 6 Felony: The least serious felony, including criminal mischief and certain theft offenses. Penalties range from 1 to 18 months in prison and fines of $1,000 to $100,000.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class 1 Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including third-degree assault and DUI with prior convictions. Penalties range from 6 to 18 months in jail and fines of $500 to $5,000.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes reckless driving, DUI (first offense), and criminal mischief (under $750). Penalties range from 3 to 12 months in jail and fines of $250 to $1,000.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes third-degree criminal trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia. Maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and fines up to $750.
Petty Offenses: Minor violations carrying no jail time and fines up to $1,000.
Record Clearing Options (Sealing)
Colorado allows sealing of criminal records under certain conditions:
Sealing Arrest Records (No Conviction): Records of arrests that did not result in conviction can generally be sealed immediately or after a waiting period depending on the disposition.
Sealing Convictions: Most misdemeanors can be sealed 3 years after completion of sentence. Petty offenses and municipal violations can be sealed 1 year after completion. Certain drug offenses have special provisions. Class 4, 5, and 6 felonies can be sealed after waiting periods (varies by offense).
Ineligible Offenses: Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies generally cannot be sealed. DUI and DWAI convictions cannot be sealed. Domestic violence convictions cannot be sealed. Sex offenses requiring registration cannot be sealed. Crimes involving unlawful sexual behavior and crimes against children are generally ineligible.
Automatic Sealing: Colorado is implementing automatic sealing for certain eligible records, reducing the need for individuals to file petitions.
DUI/DWAI Laws
Colorado has DUI (BAC .08% or higher) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired, BAC .05%-.079%). First offense DUI carries 5 days to 1 year in jail, $600-$1,000 fines, 9-month license suspension, and up to 2 years probation. Colorado has an Express Consent law requiring submission to chemical testing. Refusal results in automatic license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DUI and DWAI in Colorado?
Colorado has two impaired driving charges: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) 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 (Driving While Ability Impaired) applies when your BAC is between .05% and .079%, or when you are impaired to the slightest degree. DWAI carries lesser penalties than DUI for first offenses. For a first DWAI, penalties include 2-180 days in jail, $200-$500 fines, and 8 points on your license. Both convictions remain on your driving record permanently and cannot be sealed.
Can I get my Colorado criminal record sealed?
Colorado allows sealing of many criminal records, but not all. Most misdemeanors can be sealed 3 years after completing your sentence (including probation and payment of fines). Petty offenses can be sealed after 1 year. Certain Class 4, 5, and 6 felonies can be sealed after waiting periods. However, some offenses can never be sealed: DUI/DWAI convictions, domestic violence convictions, sex offenses, crimes against children, and most Class 1, 2, and 3 felonies. When records are sealed, the case is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes, though law enforcement retains access.
How does having a former prosecutor on my defense team benefit my case in Denver?
Attorneys like H. Michael Steinberg who served as career prosecutors (13 years in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties in his case) bring valuable perspective to defense work. They understand how District Attorneys build cases, prioritize evidence, approach plea negotiations, and make charging decisions. They know the internal culture of prosecutor offices, including how different offices operate across the Denver metro area and Front Range. This insight allows them to anticipate prosecution strategies and identify weaknesses in the state’s case. Former prosecutors also maintain professional relationships with current prosecutors, which can facilitate negotiations.
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Denver or the Front Range?
After arrest in Denver, exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing basic identification. Request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer, including cellmates or friends. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, even before your first court appearance. Many Denver attorneys offer 24/7 availability. At your advisement hearing (typically within 48 hours), the judge will inform you of charges and set bond. Having an attorney present at this hearing can help secure more favorable bond conditions. Do not post on social media about your case or attempt to contact witnesses or alleged victims.
What is the difference between felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges in Colorado?
In Colorado, domestic violence is a sentence enhancer rather than a separate charge. Any underlying crime (assault, harassment, stalking, criminal mischief, etc.) becomes a domestic violence offense when committed against an intimate partner, family member, or household member. The underlying crime determines whether it is a felony or misdemeanor. Third-degree assault (Class 1 misdemeanor) with domestic violence carries 6-18 months jail. Second-degree assault (Class 4 felony) with domestic violence carries 2-6 years prison. All domestic violence convictions result in mandatory domestic violence treatment, loss of gun rights, and are ineligible for sealing. A protection order is typically issued, which can affect your ability to return home.