1. Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI defense, domestic violence, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, white collar crimes, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, federal crimes, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, grand jury representation, appeals, record sealing
Background: Jacob E. Martinez founded the firm in 2014 after six years with another Denver criminal defense firm. He is a Denver native and University of Colorado School of Law graduate who received the Public Interest Service Award. U.S. News and World Report recognized the firm among Best Law Firms for five consecutive years since 2021. Martinez has been designated a Top 100 Trial Lawyer and Top 40 Criminal Defense Attorneys Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers. Associate attorneys Brett Eliasen and Tyler Selcer have also been recognized as Top 40 Under 40.
Location: Denver, CO (specific address available upon contact)
Contact: (720) 541-9035 | https://www.denvercriminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Mastro, Barnes & Stazzone, P.C. (MBS Law)
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI, sex offenses, drug offenses, murder, manslaughter, white collar crime, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, sex crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, white collar crimes, domestic violence, theft and property crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, pre-trial hearings, motion practice, appeals, sentencing advocacy
Background: The firm has over 90 combined years of experience practicing criminal law in Colorado. Craig N. Mastro has provided criminal defense for nearly 32 years and was formerly a prosecutor. Steven Barnes joined MBS Law in 1993 and has litigated over 100 jury trials covering sex offenses, drug offenses, murder, manslaughter, and DUI. Victor Stazzone left the City Attorney’s office in 1998 and became partner in 2000.
Location: Denver, CO (specific address available upon contact)
Contact: https://mbslawco.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. H. Michael Steinberg, P.C.
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, fraud, federal crimes, juvenile defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, theft, fraud, weapons charges, federal crimes, juvenile offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, motion practice, plea negotiations, probation violation hearings, record sealing, post-conviction relief
Background: H. Michael Steinberg has over 42 years of Colorado criminal law experience. He served as a career prosecutor from 1984 to 1997 in Arapahoe and Douglas counties before transitioning to defense work. He has been included in The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers listings. His practice focuses exclusively on Colorado criminal defense matters, and he maintains regular contact with clients throughout the legal process.
Location: Denver, CO (specific address available upon contact)
Contact: https://www.hmichaelsteinberg.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
4. Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft, federal crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, weapons charges, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, extradition defense, probation violation hearings
Background: Matthew Martin served as a prosecuting attorney for more than 13 years before opening his own firm. He has over 28 years of experience in criminal law. He is recognized among the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in America. His practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense, and he personally handles all cases rather than delegating to associates. He is available for client consultations at flexible times and locations.
Location: Denver, CO and surrounding counties including Douglas County and Broomfield County
Contact: (303) 725-0017 | https://denversdefenseattorney.com
Consultation: First consultation available
5. Prager Law
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, motor vehicle theft, child abuse allegations, sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft crimes, sex crimes, assault
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, case investigation, sentencing advocacy
Background: Steve Prager is a former prosecutor who served as a deputy district attorney and supervisor in the El Paso County District Attorney’s office, where he managed and trained new prosecutors in the domestic violence prosecution unit. He has handled over 40 jury trials. The firm has documented case dismissals in DUI, domestic violence, burglary, theft, and child abuse cases throughout 2024.
Location: Denver, CO (specific address available upon contact)
Contact: (303) 483-4452 | https://www.pragerlaw.net
Consultation: Case review call available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Colorado
Colorado regulates attorney practice through the Colorado Supreme Court’s Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. All attorneys must be licensed and in good standing with an active status to practice law in Colorado. The public can verify attorney status and disciplinary history through the Attorney/LLP Search tool maintained by the Colorado Supreme Court.
Colorado has over 18,000 licensed attorneys. The Colorado Bar Association provides voluntary membership and resources for practitioners. The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar (CCDB) serves criminal defense practitioners specifically, providing continuing legal education, a lawyer referral directory, and advocacy for the defense function.
The Colorado State Public Defender system was created by the Colorado General Assembly in 1970 following the Gideon v. Wainwright decision. The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) staffs 21 regional trial offices serving all 22 judicial districts and 64 Colorado counties. A central appellate division handles appeals to the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court. The Office of Alternate Defense Counsel handles cases involving conflicts of interest for the state public defender.
Colorado uses a six-class felony system. Class 1 felonies carry life imprisonment (Colorado repealed the death penalty in 2020 for offenses committed after July 1, 2020). Class 2 felonies carry 8 to 24 years imprisonment for standard offenses. Class 3 felonies carry 4 to 12 years. Class 4 felonies carry 2 to 6 years. Class 5 felonies carry 1 to 3 years. Class 6 felonies carry 1 to 18 months. Mandatory parole periods apply to each class. Drug felonies use a separate four-level classification system with distinct sentencing ranges.
Colorado uses presumptive sentencing guidelines. Judges have discretion within statutory ranges based on offense seriousness, criminal history, and aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Extraordinary aggravating circumstances may result in enhanced sentences. Alternative sentencing options include deferred prosecution, deferred sentencing, probation, and community corrections.
Bail in Colorado is determined by judges considering factors including offense seriousness, criminal history, flight risk, and community ties. Defendants may post cash bonds, use surety bonds through bail bond companies (typically 10% of bail amount), or in some cases receive personal recognizance release.
Record sealing eligibility in Colorado varies by offense type. Many felony convictions may be sealed after waiting periods following completion of sentence. Class 4, 5, and 6 felonies generally have shorter waiting periods than more serious offenses. Certain offenses including sexual offenses involving children and crimes of violence are not eligible for sealing.
Colorado attorneys must complete 45 hours of continuing legal education every three-year compliance period, including at least 7 hours in ethics and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Colorado?
A: A first DUI offense in Colorado is typically a misdemeanor carrying penalties that may include 5 days to 1 year in jail, fines of $600 to $1,000, 48 to 96 hours of community service, alcohol education classes, and license suspension of 9 months. Aggravating factors such as high BAC (0.15 or above) may result in enhanced penalties. Defendants may be eligible for probation that allows them to avoid jail time while completing treatment and monitoring requirements.
Q: How does felony sentencing work in Denver County Court?
A: Felony cases in Denver are heard in Denver District Court. Colorado uses presumptive sentencing ranges for each felony class. Judges determine sentences within these ranges based on the offense seriousness level, the defendant’s prior criminal history (which generates an offender score), and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Crimes of violence and extraordinary risk crimes may result in sentences above the presumptive range. Defendants may be eligible for alternative sentences including probation, community corrections, or specialized court programs.
Q: What is the difference between deferred judgment and deferred sentencing in Colorado?
A: In a deferred judgment, the defendant pleads guilty but the court defers entry of judgment. If the defendant successfully completes probation conditions, the case is dismissed and the defendant may seek to seal the record. In deferred sentencing, the court enters a judgment of conviction but defers pronouncing the sentence. If the defendant completes probation, the court may impose a lesser sentence. Both options allow defendants to potentially avoid conviction on their record, but deferred judgment offers the possibility of complete dismissal.
Q: Can I seal my criminal record in Colorado?
A: Colorado allows sealing of many criminal records after specified waiting periods. Eligible records include non-conviction records, municipal offense convictions, petty offense and misdemeanor convictions, and certain felony convictions. Waiting periods vary by offense class, ranging from immediate eligibility for some dismissed cases to 10 or more years for serious felonies. Offenses that cannot be sealed include class 1 and 2 felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, crimes of violence against children, and DUI convictions.
Q: What happens at a preliminary hearing in Colorado?
A: A preliminary hearing in Colorado felony cases allows the court to determine whether probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the charged offense. The prosecution must present sufficient evidence to establish probable cause. Defense counsel may cross-examine witnesses and challenge the sufficiency of evidence. If the court finds probable cause, the case proceeds to district court for arraignment. If not, charges may be dismissed. Defendants may waive the preliminary hearing, which is common when proceeding directly to plea negotiations.