The best Criminal Defense Lawyers company in Colorado for 2026 is Raiser & Kenniff, rated 4.9 with fees of Case-dependent and a resolution timeline of Varies by charge. Other top-rated options include The Cochran Firm (rated 4.8) and Spodek Law Group (rated 4.8).
- Top Pick
- Raiser & Kenniff
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- 4.9
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Key Takeaways: Criminal Defense Lawyers in Colorado
- 1 Raiser & Kenniff is our #1-ranked criminal defense firm for Colorado in 2026 — their former-prosecutor perspective is critical for leveraging Colorado's evolving criminal justice reform environment.
- 2 Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020 (SB 20-100). The maximum sentence for first-degree murder is now life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- 3 HB19-1263 reclassified simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor (with some exceptions), representing one of the most significant drug law reforms in the country. Possession of more than 4 grams of Schedule I or II substances remains a felony.
- 4 Colorado classifies felonies into six classes: Class 1 (life or life without parole), Class 2 (8–24 years), Class 3 (4–12 years), Class 4 (2–6 years), Class 5 (1–3 years), and Class 6 (12–18 months).
- 5 Denver County Court handles misdemeanors in the Denver metro area, while Denver District Court handles felonies. The 2nd Judicial District (Denver) has one of the busiest criminal dockets in the state.
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Colorado's criminal justice landscape has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years. The state abolished the death penalty in 2020 (SB 20-100), becoming the 22nd state to do so. Colorado has also been at the forefront of drug policy reform, legalizing recreational marijuana in 2012 and enacting HB19-1263, which reclassified simple drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor for most controlled substances. Yet Colorado maintains a six-class felony system with sentences ranging up to life imprisonment for Class 1 felonies, and the state's courts handle a significant volume of violent crime cases in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora.
Colorado's 22 judicial districts each have an elected district attorney, and prosecution philosophies range from progressive (Denver DA) to traditionally aggressive (El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs). The state's criminal procedure follows the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure (Crim.P.), and Colorado is a CORA (Colorado Open Records Act) state, which can provide defense attorneys with important access to law enforcement records. Defendants in Colorado benefit from a state that generally favors rehabilitation over pure punishment, but still face severe consequences for violent offenses and repeat felony convictions.
How It Works
Free Case Review
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Legal Analysis
Your legal team reviews the evidence, charges, and all available defense options.
Defense Strategy
A tailored defense plan is built around the strongest arguments for your case.
Resolution
Your attorney works toward the best possible outcome — dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
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Source: NFCC Outcomes StudyRank 1: Raiser & Kenniff
Best OverallRaiser & Kenniff leads our Colorado rankings because their former-prosecutor expertise is essential in a state undergoing rapid criminal justice reform. Colorado's evolving landscape — death penalty abolition, drug reclassification, and shifting prosecution priorities — creates both opportunities and risks for defendants, and Raiser & Kenniff's team understands how to capitalize on reform-era policies while defending against charges that still carry severe penalties. Their experience with violent crime defense, federal cases, and complex sentencing advocacy is critical for defendants in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other major jurisdictions.
Rank 2: The Cochran Firm
Best Nationwide CoverageThe Cochran Firm provides Colorado defendants with national resources and experienced criminal defense attorneys who handle the full spectrum of charges in Colorado courts. Their practice covers DUI/DWAI (among the most commonly prosecuted offenses in Colorado), drug charges under the state's reformed drug laws, domestic violence (which carries mandatory arrest provisions in Colorado), and violent felonies. The firm's civil rights legacy is relevant in Colorado, where discussions about policing reform, prosecutorial accountability, and racial disparities in the criminal justice system have influenced policy changes in Denver and other Front Range cities.
Rank 3: Spodek Law Group
Best for Federal CasesSpodek Law Group earns the #3 ranking for Colorado with their federal criminal defense capabilities. The District of Colorado (Denver) handles a diverse federal caseload including drug trafficking (particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution along the I-25 and I-70 corridors), white-collar fraud in the energy, technology, and cannabis sectors, cybercrimes, and public corruption cases. Spodek's experience with complex federal investigations and their aggressive litigation approach are well-suited to federal prosecution in Colorado, where U.S. Attorneys have been active in pursuing drug conspiracy, financial fraud, and organized crime cases.
Rank 4: Varghese Summersett
Best for Trial DefenseVarghese Summersett's trial expertise serves Colorado defendants well in a state where criminal cases can range from straightforward misdemeanors to complex multi-count felony prosecutions. Colorado District Courts conduct jury trials with 12-person juries for felony cases (6-person juries for misdemeanors), and the state's Rules of Criminal Procedure provide extensive pretrial motion opportunities. Varghese Summersett's record of 1,600+ dismissals and 700+ jury trials demonstrates their ability to achieve results both through negotiation and at trial, which is essential when facing Colorado prosecutors who may have different disposition philosophies depending on the judicial district.
Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyers Compared
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We spent 150 hours evaluating criminal defense attorneys and firms serving Colorado. We assessed each firm's trial record in Colorado district courts, reviewed their experience with drug law reform cases, DUI/DWAI defense, violent crime, and federal cases, verified their standing with the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation, and interviewed clients who used their services.
How We Ranked Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyers Companies
Courtroom Track Record
We evaluated each firm's history of acquittals, dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea outcomes across felony, misdemeanor, and federal cases. Firms with documented trial wins received the highest marks.
Attorney Credentials & Experience
We assessed bar standing, board certifications, former prosecutor experience, years of practice, and whether attorneys hold leadership positions in criminal defense bar associations.
Client Reviews & Reputation
We analyzed client reviews on Avvo, Google, Martindale-Hubbell, and state bar records. We also reviewed any disciplinary history, peer endorsements, and Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers recognitions.
Accessibility & Client Service
We evaluated 24/7 availability for arrests, response time to initial inquiries, fee transparency, geographic reach, language capabilities, and whether the firm offers free initial consultations.
Evaluation Weight Distribution
CFPB Complaint Tracker
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. All financial complaints filed from CO in the past 12 months.
Alternatives to Private Criminal Defense in Colorado
- Public Defender: The Colorado State Public Defender's Office is one of the most well-regarded public defender systems in the nation. It operates offices in all 22 judicial districts and employs hundreds of attorneys. Colorado public defenders are known for providing effective representation, including at trial. However, caseloads are heavy, and defendants who need intensive attention for complex cases may benefit from private counsel.
- Legal Aid: Colorado Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income Coloradans across the state. While their focus is civil law, they assist with criminal record sealing under Colorado's expanded record sealing statute (HB19-1275) and collateral consequences of criminal convictions. The Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation (COLTAF) funds legal aid programs statewide.
- Pro Bono Programs: The Colorado Bar Association and local bar associations in Denver, El Paso, and Boulder counties coordinate pro bono referral programs. Colorado Supreme Court Rule 260.7 supports pro bono participation. Law school clinics at the University of Colorado (Boulder) and University of Denver Sturm College of Law provide supervised criminal defense services.
- Diversion Programs: Colorado operates drug courts, DUI courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts across most judicial districts. Diversion programs vary by district attorney but are available in many jurisdictions for first-time offenders and eligible nonviolent cases. Colorado's deferred judgment and sentence (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-102) allows eligible defendants to plead guilty with the understanding that the conviction will be dismissed upon successful completion of probation terms.
DUI and DWAI Defense in Colorado
Colorado distinguishes between DUI (Driving Under the Influence, BAC 0.08% or higher) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired, BAC 0.05–0.079%). A first DWAI is a traffic offense carrying up to 180 days in jail and $500 fine, while a first DUI carries up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 fine. Colorado also has a DUI per se law that treats a BAC of 0.08% or above as an automatic DUI, regardless of whether the driver appears impaired. Third or subsequent DUI offenses are Class 4 felonies under Colorado law, carrying 2–6 years in prison.
Colorado's Express Consent law (C.R.S. § 42-4-1301.1) requires drivers to submit to chemical testing when law enforcement has probable cause to believe the driver is impaired. Refusal triggers an automatic license revocation. Notably, Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, and marijuana-impaired driving is prosecuted under the same DUI statute. A THC blood level of 5 nanograms per milliliter creates a permissible inference of impairment, though this is rebuttable. DUI defense strategies in Colorado focus on challenging the traffic stop, contesting field sobriety tests, questioning blood or breath test procedures, and leveraging the DWAI/DUI distinction to negotiate reduced charges. DUI courts in Denver, El Paso, and other counties provide structured alternatives to standard sentencing for repeat offenders.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Colorado
Colorado significantly expanded its record sealing provisions through HB19-1275 and subsequent legislation. Under the current law (C.R.S. § 24-72-706), defendants can petition to seal criminal records for cases that resulted in acquittal or dismissal. For certain drug convictions reclassified under HB19-1263, defendants can petition for sealing after completion of their sentence. Petty offenses and civil infractions can also be sealed. In 2024, Colorado further expanded automatic record sealing for certain offenses, reducing the burden on individuals seeking to clear their records.
Record sealing is distinct from expungement in Colorado. Sealed records are not destroyed but are hidden from standard background checks and public access. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records under specific circumstances. For defendants with prior drug felony convictions that have been reclassified to misdemeanors under HB19-1263, record sealing can eliminate barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensing. Defense attorneys should advise clients about record sealing eligibility as part of any case resolution strategy, as the long-term collateral consequences of a criminal record often exceed the immediate criminal penalties.
Criminal Defense in Colorado: Reform, Reclassification, and the Road Forward
Colorado has been one of the most active states in criminal justice reform over the past decade. From abolishing the death penalty to reclassifying drug possession, the state has moved significantly toward a rehabilitation-oriented model for nonviolent offenses while maintaining severe penalties for violent crimes. Defense attorneys who understand how to leverage these reforms can achieve dramatically better outcomes for their clients.
What to Know If You're Facing Criminal Charges in Colorado
After arrest in Colorado, defendants have the right to an advisement hearing (initial appearance) within 48 hours, at which the judge advises the defendant of the charges and sets bond. Colorado uses a bond system that considers the nature of the offense, the defendant's ties to the community, flight risk, and danger to the public. Personal recognizance bonds and unsecured bonds are available for many offenses, though judges can require cash or surety bonds for serious charges. Felony cases in Colorado proceed through preliminary hearing (within 30 days if the defendant is in custody, 60 days if released) at which the prosecution must establish probable cause. Colorado also permits filing by grand jury indictment, though this is less common than direct filing by information. Colorado's mandatory arrest law for domestic violence (C.R.S. § 18-6-803.6) requires law enforcement to arrest the predominant aggressor in any domestic violence call, even if the alleged victim does not wish to press charges — this makes domestic violence one of the most common criminal charges in Colorado.
Colorado's Criminal Courts and Prosecution Landscape
Colorado operates 22 judicial districts, each with an elected district attorney. The 2nd Judicial District (Denver) is the busiest and has historically had one of the more progressive prosecution offices in the state. The 4th Judicial District (El Paso County/Colorado Springs) and 18th Judicial District (Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties) tend toward more traditional prosecution approaches. This variation means that location of prosecution significantly affects outcomes. Colorado's court structure includes county courts (misdemeanors and petty offenses), district courts (felonies and appeals from county courts), the Colorado Court of Appeals, and the Colorado Supreme Court. Colorado also operates specialty courts including drug courts, DUI courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts in many judicial districts. These therapeutic courts provide structured alternatives to incarceration and are available for eligible defendants at the discretion of the district attorney and the court.
Colorado's Felony Classification and Drug Law Reforms
Colorado's felony sentencing is governed by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 and the Felony Sentencing Act. Class 1 felonies (first-degree murder, kidnapping) carry life imprisonment or life without parole. Class 2 felonies carry 8–24 years, Class 3 carry 4–12 years, Class 4 carry 2–6 years, Class 5 carry 1–3 years, and Class 6 carry 12–18 months. Extraordinary risk crimes carry enhanced sentences, and habitual criminal provisions (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-801) can increase sentences dramatically for repeat offenders — three prior felony convictions can trigger a mandatory sentence of four times the maximum of the presumptive range. Colorado's drug law reform under HB19-1263 was landmark legislation. Simple possession of any controlled substance (up to 4 grams of Schedule I or II, any amount of Schedule III–V) is now a misdemeanor. Possession of more than 4 grams remains a Class 4 felony. Distribution and manufacturing remain felonies with penalties scaled by substance and quantity. This reform significantly reduced the number of people entering Colorado prisons for drug offenses and created new opportunities for defense attorneys to resolve drug cases at the misdemeanor level.
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Important Legal Disclaimers
- This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing criminal charges, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney in your jurisdiction immediately.
- Results vary by case. Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every criminal case is unique and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and applicable law.
- Attorney fees vary by firm, case complexity, charge severity, and geographic location. Always obtain a written fee agreement and understand all costs before engaging any law firm.
- Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. You have the constitutional right to an attorney and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Time is critical in criminal cases. Statutes of limitations, evidence preservation, and pre-charge intervention opportunities may be affected by delay.
- Zogby does not provide legal services. We are an independent comparison service that connects individuals with criminal defense attorneys. We may receive compensation from featured firms.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney licensed in your state.
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