1. Law Office of H. Michael Steinberg
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, serious felonies, traffic offenses, DUI/DWAI, domestic violence, drug offenses
Case Types Handled: Murder, manslaughter, assault, arson, child abuse, felony impersonation, domestic violence, drug offenses, trespass, theft, perjury, resisting arrest, juvenile crimes, DUI/DWAI, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, motion practice, pretrial negotiations, jury trials, juvenile defense, appeals
Background: H. Michael Steinberg has practiced Colorado criminal law since 1983, with approximately 40 years of experience. He is a former Arapahoe-Douglas County Career Senior District Attorney, providing experience from both prosecution and defense perspectives. He has worked in the Colorado criminal courts on both sides of the courtroom throughout his career. His practice handles cases from serious traffic and misdemeanor cases to complex felony cases in the Denver Metro area. He is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.
Location: 8400 E. Prentice Avenue, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (serving Aurora and Denver Metro area)
Contact: https://www.hmichaelsteinberg.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Solomon Criminal Defense
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, assault, theft, domestic violence, drug offenses
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWAI/DUID, assault, domestic violence, theft, drug offenses, sex crimes, all felonies and misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, pretrial negotiations, defense investigation, jury trials
Background: Attorney Mark Solomon has over a decade of legal experience and has earned a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating. He has been named to Rising Stars for two consecutive years and received an Avvo Clients’ Choice Award. Solomon Criminal Defense focuses on personalized client service and case planning.
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Contact: https://www.solomoncriminaldefense.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Lawrence Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, domestic violence, personal injury
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWAI, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, drug offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, pretrial negotiations, jury trials, plea negotiations
Background: Lain A. Lawrence has over 15 years of legal experience in criminal defense and personal injury. He began his career as a plaintiffs car accident attorney before moving to criminal defense, handling DUI and domestic violence cases. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Association and the Aurora Bar Association. The firm offers flexible and transparent billing with no hidden fees and provides representation in Denver, Englewood, Littleton, Castle Rock, and throughout Arapahoe and Douglas Counties.
Location: 2821 S. Parker Road, Suite 865, Aurora, CO 80014
Contact: https://coloradodefenders.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation
4. Kishinevsky & Raykin Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/DWAI/DUID, traffic offenses, weapons charges
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWAI/DUID, failure to appear, weapons charges, firearms violations, traffic offenses, theft, juvenile offenses, violent crimes, drug crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, traffic court representation, motion practice, pretrial negotiations, juvenile defense
Background: The firm is based in Aurora and handles criminal defense matters throughout the Denver Metro area. Partner Timur Kishinevsky is a former Deputy District Attorney in Adams County, providing prosecutorial experience and insight. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Association and Colorado Trial Lawyers Association.
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Contact: Contact office directly
Consultation: Contact office for consultation
5. Law Firm of Dennis Champine
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWAI, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, all criminal violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, pretrial negotiations, motion practice, representation at Aurora Municipal Court and Arapahoe County District Court
Background: Dennis Champine is a former Mayor of Aurora and has founded his criminal defense practice to provide compassionate legal counsel to clients facing criminal charges. His background includes years of experience in public service, including two elected terms as Aurora Mayor. His practice focuses on helping clients facing charges earn a new start. The firm is located at Canal Place Properties, LLC in Aurora.
Location: 12101 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 207, Aurora, CO 80011
Contact: Contact office directly
Consultation: Contact office for consultation
Criminal Defense Regulations in Colorado
Colorado attorneys must be admitted to the Colorado Supreme Court and registered with the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, which regulates the practice of law in the state. Bar admission requires passing the Colorado Bar Examination (or qualifying for admission through Uniform Bar Examination score transfer), passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), and meeting character and fitness requirements.
Colorado does not currently offer board certification in criminal law through the state bar. Attorneys may not claim to be specialists unless they hold certification from an organization approved by the Colorado Supreme Court or appropriate disclaimer language is used.
Colorado’s Public Defender system operates through the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, which provides representation for indigent defendants statewide. Eligibility is determined based on financial need, typically when a defendant’s income falls below federal poverty guidelines. The Public Defender’s Office serves all 22 judicial districts in Colorado.
Colorado classifies felonies into six categories: Class 1 (most serious, including first-degree murder), Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, Class 5, and Class 6 (least serious). Misdemeanors are classified as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 (least serious). Unclassified misdemeanors (like traffic offenses) have penalties specified in individual statutes. Drug offenses have separate classifications (DF1 through DF4 for felonies, DM1 and DM2 for misdemeanors). Class 1 felony (first-degree murder) carries mandatory life imprisonment without parole. Other felonies carry presumptive ranges that vary based on classification and prior criminal history.
Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020. Sentences of death in pending cases were commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
Colorado’s speedy trial rule (Rule 48, Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure) requires trial within 6 months (182 days) from arraignment (or from plea of not guilty if later). The time period may be extended for good cause or by defendant’s request or waiver.
Colorado’s record sealing laws (C.R.S. Section 24-72-700 et seq.) allow sealing of criminal records in various circumstances. Criminal justice records may be sealed immediately after dismissal, acquittal, or completion of a diversion program. Conviction records may be sealed after waiting periods that vary based on offense type: 1 year for petty offenses, 2 years for Class 2-3 misdemeanors, 3 years for Class 1 misdemeanors and drug misdemeanors, 3 years for Class 4-6 felonies, and longer periods for more serious offenses. Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing, including Class 1-3 felonies (unless drug felonies), sex offenses, crimes of violence, and DUI.
Colorado attorneys must complete 45 hours of Continuing Legal Education every three years, including 7 hours in ethics and professionalism. Attorney advertising is regulated by Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.1-7.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Aurora and Arapahoe County criminal court process work?
A: Aurora straddles multiple counties, with most areas in Arapahoe County (18th Judicial District) and some portions in Adams County (17th Judicial District) and Douglas County (18th Judicial District). After arrest, you will have an advisement hearing where charges are explained and bond is set. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case proceeds to District Court for arraignment and further proceedings. Aurora Municipal Court handles municipal ordinance violations and some traffic matters. Arapahoe County District Court (located at 7325 S. Potomac Street, Centennial) handles felony cases. Pretrial conferences, motions, and potential plea negotiations precede trial if no resolution is reached.
Q: What are the penalties for DUI in Colorado?
A: Colorado DUI (Driving Under the Influence, BAC 0.08% or higher) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired, BAC 0.05-0.08%) carry different penalties. First DUI: 5 days to 1 year jail, $600-$1,000 fine, 48-96 hours community service, 9-month license revocation. First DWAI: up to 180 days jail, $200-$500 fine, 24-48 hours community service, 8 points on license. Second DUI within 5 years: mandatory 10 days to 1 year jail, $600-$1,500 fine, 48-120 hours community service, 1-year license revocation. Third DUI is a Class 4 felony with 2-6 years prison, mandatory 60 days jail, $2,000-$500,000 fine. Colorado also requires ignition interlock devices for DUI/DWAI convictions.
Q: Can I get my Colorado criminal record sealed, and what are the waiting periods?
A: Colorado allows record sealing for many criminal matters after certain waiting periods from final disposition. Records eligible for immediate sealing include: dismissals, acquittals, and completed diversion agreements. For convictions, waiting periods apply: Petty offenses (1 year), Class 2-3 misdemeanors (2 years), Class 1 misdemeanors (3 years), Drug misdemeanors (3 years), Class 4-6 felonies (3 years), Drug felonies DF3-DF4 (3 years), Drug felonies DF1-DF2 (5 years). Some offenses cannot be sealed, including: Class 1-3 felonies (except drug felonies), crimes of violence as defined in C.R.S. 18-1.3-406, offenses involving unlawful sexual behavior, DUI/DWAI, and offenses involving child victims. The petition process involves filing with the court, providing notice to prosecution, and a court determination based on public interest factors.
Q: Does Arapahoe County have specialty courts or diversion programs?
A: Yes. The 18th Judicial District (Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties) offers several specialty courts and diversion programs. Adult Drug Court provides treatment-based supervision for eligible drug offenders. Mental Health Court serves defendants whose offenses relate to mental health conditions. Veterans Treatment Court addresses cases involving military veterans. Adult Diversion Programs allow eligible first-time offenders to complete requirements (counseling, community service, restitution) in exchange for dismissal. Juvenile Diversion programs serve eligible youth. Successful completion of these programs typically results in charge dismissal and eligibility for record sealing. Eligibility depends on offense type, criminal history, and program capacity.
Q: What is the difference between felony and misdemeanor charges in Colorado, and what are the potential consequences?
A: Colorado felonies are punishable by imprisonment in the Colorado Department of Corrections (state prison) for more than one year. Misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to 2 years (Class 1 misdemeanor maximum is 364 days jail and/or $1,000 fine effective for offenses on or after March 1, 2022). Felony consequences extend beyond incarceration and may include: loss of voting rights while incarcerated, loss of right to possess firearms, potential immigration consequences for non-citizens, professional license revocations, difficulty obtaining employment and housing, and enhanced penalties for future offenses. Misdemeanor convictions also affect employment and housing but generally have fewer collateral consequences. Some offenses are “wobblers” that may be filed as either felony or misdemeanor depending on circumstances. Colorado’s felony sentencing uses presumptive ranges that can be modified based on aggravating or mitigating factors, and defendants with prior felony convictions face enhanced penalties under habitual offender statutes.