Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime in Denver can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. Whether you’ve been arrested for DUI on Colfax after a night out, accused of assault following a Broncos game, or facing serious felony allegations that could send you to prison for years, the decisions you make in the next 24 to 72 hours can shape the rest of your life. The Denver County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes thousands of cases every year, and the prosecutors handling your case have one job: securing a conviction. You need someone in your corner whose only job is protecting you.

At DeChant Law, our Denver criminal defense lawyer brings a rare combination of public defender trial experience and private practice attention to every client we represent. Reid DeChant has stood beside clients at the lowest moments of their lives, defending cases ranging from minor traffic offenses to homicides, and trained at the renowned Trial Lawyers College, where he learned that effective courtroom advocacy begins with genuine compassion for the client and the courage to tell their story honestly. If you’re facing criminal charges in Denver, you don’t have to face them alone, and you certainly shouldn’t face them with anything less than the most aggressive and thoughtful defense available.

Why Reid DeChant Is the Denver Criminal Defense Attorney You Want in Your Corner

Choosing the right lawyer is the single most important decision you’ll make after an arrest. Reid DeChant has built his practice on a foundation that few Denver criminal defense attorneys can match. As a former public defender, Reid handled an enormous volume of cases in Denver, Broomfield, and Adams County courtrooms, defending clients accused of traffic offenses, DUI, DWAI, felony, assault, theft, sexual assault, homicide, and virtually every charge in between. That kind of trial-heavy experience is invaluable, because it means Reid has spent more time inside courtrooms, in front of judges, and cross-examining police officers than many private attorneys ever will in their entire careers.

What sets Reid apart isn’t just his courtroom experience, however. It’s his approach. Reid is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, an exclusive program founded by legendary attorney Gerry Spence that trains lawyers in the art of storytelling, psychodrama, and authentic human connection in the courtroom. Most lawyers argue cases. Reid tells your story. Juries don’t acquit defendants because of legal technicalities alone; they acquit human beings whose stories they understand and believe. Reid’s training in this method has shaped a defense practice rooted in deep client relationships and powerful narrative advocacy that resonates with judges and juries alike.

Reid is also recognized by his peers and by national legal organizations for the quality of his work. He has earned recognition from leading attorney rating services, has been honored for his dedication to client-centered defense, and maintains active membership in organizations including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar. These memberships aren’t just credentials on a wall; they reflect Reid’s commitment to staying at the cutting edge of criminal defense strategy and connecting with the best defense minds in the country.

Most importantly, Reid treats every client like a person, not a case file. You will never hear Reid refer to you as “my client” in a detached, professional tone. You will be a partner in your own defense, informed at every step, consulted on every decision, and represented by a lawyer who genuinely cares whether you walk out of that courthouse free.

Common Criminal Charges We Defend in Denver

Denver is a major metropolitan area, and the range of criminal charges that come through the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse reflects that. DeChant Law has experience defending clients against virtually every type of charge filed in Denver County and the surrounding jurisdictions, from misdemeanors to serious violent crimes.

DUI charges are among the most common cases we handle. Denver takes impaired driving extremely seriously, with strict penalties that escalate quickly for repeat offenses. Many DUI arrests happen along major roadways like I-25, I-70, and Colfax Avenue, especially late at night when patrols increase. Areas near LoDo, RiNo, and South Broadway are common enforcement zones after nightlife hours, sporting events, and concerts. If you’ve been stopped for DUI in any of these locations, working with a Denver DUI defense lawyer who understands how local law enforcement operates and how to challenge questionable stops can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.

Drug crime charges remain common despite Colorado’s evolving cannabis laws. Possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or prescription medications without a valid prescription can result in serious consequences ranging from probation and fines to years in prison, depending on the substance and quantity involved. Reid handles everything from simple drug possession cases to more serious drug trafficking allegations that carry mandatory prison sentences.

Assault and domestic violence charges often arise from emotionally charged situations and carry consequences that go far beyond the criminal case itself. Denver sees a noticeable rise in these charges around Broncos games, concerts at Ball Arena, and festivals in Civic Center Park. Once police arrive at a domestic dispute in Colorado, mandatory arrest policies typically result in someone being taken into custody, and protective orders can immediately separate you from your home, your children, and your firearms. We understand the local dynamics of these cases and fight to keep one bad night from defining the rest of your life.

Theft, burglary, and robbery charges are prosecuted aggressively in Denver, with the severity depending on the value of property and whether force was involved. Shoplifting from downtown retailers, residential burglaries, and motor vehicle theft are all charges we regularly defend. White collar offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, and forgery require a sophisticated defense rooted in financial records and digital evidence, and Reid has handled these white collar cases as well.

We also defend clients facing gun and weapons charges, sex crime allegations, stalking accusations, and probation violations. For clients who believe legal errors affected the outcome of a prior case, Reid handles criminal appeals and post-conviction motions as well.

Beyond defending new charges, many Denver residents come to us seeking record sealing and expungement help. Colorado law allows certain arrests and convictions to be sealed so they no longer appear in standard background checks, and clearing your record can open doors to employment, housing, and professional licensing that were previously closed. Whether your case happened in Denver, Adams County, Jefferson County, or elsewhere along the Front Range, we can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the sealing process.

Understanding Colorado DUI Laws and What’s at Stake

Driving under the influence is one of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Colorado. Under state law, a driver is considered legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent or higher. For drivers under 21, the limit drops to 0.02 percent and triggers an Underage Drinking and Driving charge. Drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079 percent can be charged with Driving While Ability Impaired, or DWAI, which carries lighter penalties than DUI but is still a misdemeanor offense with real consequences.

Colorado operates under what’s known as an express consent law, which means that by driving on Colorado roads, you have already legally agreed to chemical testing if police suspect you of DUI. Refusing a breath test or blood test triggers automatic license suspension and can be used against you in court. However, refusal isn’t always the wrong choice depending on the circumstances, and an experienced DUI lawyer can evaluate whether your refusal can be challenged or whether the officer’s request itself was improper.

DUI penalties in Colorado escalate sharply with each offense. A first DUI conviction can result in up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, a nine-month license suspension, mandatory alcohol education classes, and up to 96 hours of community service. A second offense raises the floor to ten days mandatory jail with up to one year possible, fines up to $1,500, a one-year license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock, and substantially more community service. By the third offense, the mandatory minimum jail time jumps to 60 days, the license suspension extends to two years, and the case becomes much harder to resolve favorably. A fourth DUI in Colorado is charged as a felony DUI, carrying potential prison time of up to six years, fines that can reach $500,000, and a permanent felony record that follows you for life. DUIs involving serious bodily injury or death can also be charged as felonies, including vehicular assault and vehicular homicide, regardless of how many prior offenses you have.

Reid handles every category of DUI defense, including blood test challenges, breath test cases, boating under the influence, driver’s license suspension hearings, drug-related DUI cases, immigrant DUI cases where deportation may be at stake, professional license cases involving pilots, physicians and nurses, and CDL holders, out-of-state license cases, and field sobriety test challenges. If you’ve already lost your license, our DMV hearing lawyer can fight to get you back on the road.

What to Do If You’re Stopped for DUI in Denver

If a Denver police officer or Colorado State Patrol trooper stops you on suspicion of DUI, the steps you take in those first few minutes can dramatically affect the outcome of your case. Stay calm and keep your hands visible. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked, but understand that you are not required to answer questions about whether you’ve been drinking, where you’ve been, or how much you’ve had. Politely declining to answer those questions is your constitutional right, and it cannot be used against you in court.

Field sobriety tests are also voluntary in Colorado. Officers rarely tell you that, but you have no legal obligation to perform the walk-and-turn, the one-leg stand, or the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. These tests are designed to be difficult even for sober people, and the officer is grading your performance with the goal of building probable cause for arrest. You can politely decline.

Chemical testing is different. Under Colorado’s express consent law, refusing a breath or blood test after arrest will trigger an automatic license suspension and other penalties, even if you are ultimately not convicted of DUI. The decision whether to submit to chemical testing is one of the most consequential choices you’ll make that night, and there is no universally correct answer. What you can always do is ask to speak with an attorney before making that decision, and you should call DeChant Law immediately if possible.

DUI Checkpoints and Sobriety Stops in Denver

Colorado law permits sobriety checkpoints, where officers stop vehicles in a predetermined pattern to check for impaired drivers. These checkpoints must follow strict constitutional guidelines, including advance public notice, proper warning signs, neutral selection criteria for which vehicles are stopped, and reasonable detention times. Police often set up checkpoints along Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and near downtown nightlife districts in LoDo and RiNo, particularly on weekends and around major events. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, provide your documents, remain calm, avoid voluntary admissions, and contact us immediately if you are arrested. Many checkpoint cases can be challenged on constitutional grounds when officers fail to follow the required procedures.

Denver Criminal Defense and DUI: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a DUI stay on my record in Colorado?

A DUI conviction stays on your criminal record permanently. Colorado law does not allow DUI convictions to be sealed or expunged, which is one reason fighting the charge from the beginning is so important.

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test?

Yes, but Colorado’s express consent law means refusal triggers automatic license suspension and additional penalties. The choice depends on the specific circumstances of your case.

What is the difference between DUI and DWAI?

A DUI is charged when your BAC is 0.08 percent or higher, while DWAI applies to a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079 percent. DWAI carries lighter penalties but is still a misdemeanor that affects your license and record.

Will I lose my license after a DUI?

Yes. A first DUI offense in Colorado results in at least a nine-month license suspension, though you may be eligible for a restricted license with an ignition interlock device after a portion of the suspension period.

Can I get a DUI for marijuana in Denver?

Absolutely. Driving under the influence of marijuana is prosecuted just as aggressively as alcohol-related DUI. A THC blood level of 5 nanograms per milliliter or higher creates a permissible inference of impairment, and you can be charged even if you feel completely sober.

How much does a DUI defense cost?

Legal fees vary based on the complexity of the case, but DUI defense in Denver typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, particularly for cases that go to trial or involve felony charges. We discuss fees transparently during your free consultation.

Can I get a DUI while parked?

Yes. Colorado law allows DUI charges if you are in actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated, even if the engine is off. Sleeping in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition has resulted in DUI convictions.

Will a DUI affect my job?

Often, yes. A DUI conviction can affect employment in jobs requiring driving, professional licenses, security clearances, or background checks. Some employers will terminate employees following a conviction, and others will refuse to hire candidates with DUI records.

Can I get a hardship license after a DUI?

Yes. After serving one month of suspension, you may apply for a restricted license that requires installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive.

What are the chances of beating a DUI charge?

Every case is different. Factors that lead to dismissals or reductions include improper traffic stops, faulty breath test calibration, blood test chain of custody issues, medical conditions affecting BAC, and procedural errors by police. A thorough case review is the only way to know what defenses apply to you.

Where do most DUI checkpoints happen in Denver?

Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and the areas surrounding downtown nightlife districts like LoDo and RiNo are common checkpoint locations, particularly on weekend nights and around major sporting events.

Can I seal a domestic violence charge in Colorado?

Most domestic violence convictions cannot be sealed under Colorado law, but dismissed charges and certain deferred judgment outcomes may qualify. Reid can review your record and advise whether sealing is possible.

What happens if I’m arrested at a Denver Broncos game or Ball Arena event?

Large events bring a heavy law enforcement presence and an increase in arrests for assault, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and alcohol-related offenses. These cases are processed through the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse downtown.

Are DUI penalties tougher in Denver than elsewhere in Colorado?

Penalties are set by state law, but Denver County prosecutors and judges are known for taking a hard line on DUI cases, particularly repeat offenses. Local experience matters when negotiating outcomes.

How long does a Denver misdemeanor stay on my record?

Most Colorado misdemeanors remain on your record permanently unless they qualify for sealing. Denver employers, landlords, and licensing boards can typically see these charges, which is why pursuing record sealing is so important when you’re eligible.

Is marijuana DUI treated differently in Denver?

No. Marijuana DUI is prosecuted just as aggressively as alcohol DUI, and the 5 nanogram THC threshold can result in charges even for medical patients and regular consumers who feel unimpaired.

What to Do After an Arrest in Denver

The hours immediately following an arrest are critical, and the choices you make can either strengthen or undermine your defense. Stay calm during the arrest itself. Resisting, arguing, or fleeing only adds charges and damages your credibility with the court later. Comply with officer commands while being arrested, but understand that compliance does not mean answering questions about the alleged offense.

Exercise your right to remain silent. The Miranda warning exists because anything you say can and will be used against you, and many otherwise defensible cases are weakened or destroyed by statements defendants make to police thinking they can talk their way out of trouble. You cannot. Politely tell the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent and that you want to speak with an attorney. Then stop talking, even if officers continue to question you, even if they tell you cooperation will help, and even if they offer leniency in exchange for a statement. Wait for your lawyer.

After booking, which involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording your personal information, you may become eligible for bail. Our bail and bond lawyer can help you navigate the release process, and a bondsman can post a percentage of your bond if you cannot afford the full amount in cash. Once released, contact DeChant Law immediately. The earlier we get involved in your case, the more options we have for investigation, witness interviews, evidence preservation, and pretrial negotiation.

Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Conversations with friends, family members, cellmates, or coworkers can be subpoenaed. Social media posts can be used against you. Phone calls from jail are recorded. Even messages to your spouse may not be protected if the spouse is a witness or victim. The only person you should be discussing the facts of your case with is your lawyer.

Attend every court date without exception. Missing a court appearance results in a warrant for your arrest, additional charges, and a much worse position from which to negotiate or defend your case. Work closely with your attorney, follow their advice, and stay informed about the strategy in your case.

Finding the Best Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer

When searching for the best Denver criminal defense lawyer near you, your research should go beyond a quick Google search. Look for an attorney with extensive trial experience in Denver County courts specifically, because local relationships, knowledge of judges’ tendencies, and familiarity with how the District Attorney’s Office handles particular charges all affect outcomes. Check independent rating services like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and Google Reviews, and read both the praise and the criticism carefully.

Pay attention to how the attorney communicates during your initial consultation. Are they listening to you, or just waiting to talk? Do they explain the process clearly, or hide behind jargon? Are they honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, or do they make grandiose promises that no ethical lawyer can guarantee? A great Denver defense lawyer balances aggressive advocacy with realistic counsel, treats you with respect, and offers a clear strategy tailored to your situation.

Reid DeChant has built his reputation in Denver on exactly that kind of practice: honest, aggressive, client-focused defense work informed by years of trial experience and a deep understanding of how the Denver legal system actually operates.

The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse and the Denver Court System

The Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse at 520 W Colfax Avenue is the heart of criminal proceedings in Denver. The modern facility houses the Denver County Court and the Second Judicial District Court, where DUI cases, misdemeanors, and felonies are heard from arraignment through trial. The courthouse also includes pretrial services, the probation department, and the public defender’s office, making it a one-stop hub for nearly every aspect of a criminal case in Denver.

DUI cases and most misdemeanors are handled in Denver County Court, while felony cases move to the District Court after preliminary hearings. The judges who preside in these courtrooms have their own tendencies, preferences, and approaches to sentencing, and an experienced local attorney knows which judges are more likely to grant suppression motions, which prosecutors will negotiate reasonable plea deals, and which cases are better positioned for trial. That kind of institutional knowledge is something you can only build by spending years in these specific courtrooms, and it’s something Reid DeChant brings to every case.

Understanding the Criminal Court Process

The criminal court process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve never navigated it before. After arrest, you’ll be booked at a police station or jail, where officers fingerprint you, take your photograph, and record your personal information. Within 24 to 48 hours, you’ll appear before a judge for an initial hearing where the judge informs you of the charges, advises you of your rights, and sets bail or conditions for release. If bail is set, you can post the full amount in cash or work with a bail bondsman who posts the bond for a percentage fee.

The arraignment is the next major step. At arraignment, the formal charges are read in court, and you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In nearly every case, your attorney will advise you to plead not guilty at arraignment, even when a plea agreement is being negotiated, because pleading guilty too early forecloses your options.

Pretrial proceedings often take months. During this phase, the prosecution turns over evidence to your defense team in a process called discovery, and your attorney files motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, dismiss charges with legal defects, or otherwise shape the case in your favor. Plea negotiations often happen during this period as well, and a substantial percentage of criminal cases are resolved without ever going to trial.

If your case proceeds to trial, jury selection comes first, followed by opening statements, presentation of evidence by both sides, cross-examination of witnesses, closing arguments, jury instructions, and deliberation. The jury must reach a unanimous verdict to convict in a criminal case, and any reasonable doubt must result in acquittal. If you are found guilty or accept a plea agreement, sentencing follows, often at a separate hearing where mitigating evidence can be presented to argue for leniency. After sentencing, post-trial motions and appeals remain available if there were legal errors during the case.

Throughout this process, having a skilled Denver criminal lawyer at your side is the single most important factor in determining the outcome. Your rights to remain silent, to counsel, to a fair trial, and to challenge evidence are powerful, but they only work if someone is actively asserting them on your behalf.

An Aggressive Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Who Fights for You

At DeChant Law, we have extensive experience defending clients against the full range of criminal charges that come through Denver courts. Our team understands the nuances of Colorado’s legal system and is committed to providing the kind of aggressive, intelligent advocacy that produces results. We give every client personalized attention, listening carefully to your story, investigating your case thoroughly, and developing a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Our skilled negotiation has produced favorable plea agreements, deferred judgments, alternative sentencing, and outright dismissals for clients who came to us terrified about what was going to happen to their lives.

When a case needs to go to trial, you want a lawyer who is genuinely prepared and genuinely willing to try it. Many lawyers will tell you they’re trial attorneys, but few have actually stood in front of juries and delivered closing arguments with their client’s freedom on the line. Reid has, many times. That experience matters when the prosecution is deciding whether to make a reasonable offer or call your bluff, because they know which defense attorneys are willing to take a case all the way and which ones aren’t.

We also understand that the emotional toll of facing criminal charges is real and significant. You may be losing sleep, struggling at work, fighting with family members, and feeling judged by people who don’t understand what’s happening. We offer compassionate support and clear guidance every step of the way, so you feel informed, empowered, and never alone.

Serving Denver and Communities Across the Front Range

Our clients come from across the Denver metro area, and we know that each neighborhood has its own character, its own policing patterns, and its own demographic considerations that can influence how cases are investigated and prosecuted. We regularly represent clients from Capitol Hill, Washington Park, Sloan’s Lake, Cherry Creek, Five Points, LoDo, RiNo, the Highlands, South Broadway, Golden Triangle, Berkeley, and City Park, and we understand the unique dynamics that come with cases originating in each of these neighborhoods. Beyond the city limits, we represent clients throughout the surrounding counties, including Adams County, Arapahoe County, Boulder County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Larimer County, Weld County, and El Paso County. Our practice extends to communities throughout the Front Range and beyond, including Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Englewood, Golden, Lone Tree, Northglenn, Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, Grand Junction, Pueblo, Durango, Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, and Glenwood Springs. Whether your case is being heard at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton, the Boulder County Justice Center, the Jefferson County Courthouse in Golden, or anywhere else along the Front Range, we have the local knowledge and the courtroom experience to provide effective representation.

Don’t Face Criminal Charges Alone

At DeChant Law, you become part of our team, not just another client file. Have you ever sat in court and heard an attorney refer to their client as “my client” while seeming entirely disconnected from the human being whose life was on the line? That practice does not exist at DeChant Law. Our client-focused defense keeps you involved at every stage, so that you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family. Reid will create a personalized mitigation strategy, leave no stone unturned during investigation and negotiation with the prosecution, and prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, because that preparation is exactly what produces the best plea offers and the best trial outcomes.

If the prosecution’s offer falls short of what justice requires, Reid is ready to take your case to trial and fight for you with the same intensity he would bring if his own family member were sitting in that defendant’s chair. Contact DeChant Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights, your record, and your future.