Tessa WilliamsFacing criminal charges is easily one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through.
Sudden arrests, confusing police investigations, or seeing a loved one stuck in jail make the legal system feel incredibly overwhelming. You need someone who knows the local courts inside and out to fight for your rights immediately.
We understand this is a stressful situation. To make things easier, we’ve gathered the best criminal defense lawyers in here in Denver.
These professionals consistently demonstrate expertise, aggressive defense strategies, and genuine client care.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Denver?
Understanding the financial side of legal defense is crucial, but it is rarely a single fixed number.
If you are dealing with a standard misdemeanor, like a first-time Driving Under the Influence charge or a minor theft allegation, you can typically expect flat fees to range between $1,500 and $5,000.
These cases are often more predictable, allowing attorneys to offer a set price for peace of mind.
However, if you are facing felony charges, the costs rise significantly. For serious allegations involving violence or white-collar crimes, fees often start at $5,000 and can easily exceed $20,000 depending on the complexity of the trial.
In these high-stakes situations, lawyers may charge hourly rates from $150 to over $1,000. Ultimately, the cost reflects the attorney’s experience and the severity of the battle ahead.
1. Colorado Legal Defense Group
Website: https://www.shouselaw.com/co/defense/
Address: 140 E 19th Ave, Suite 500, Denver
Contact: 303 222 0330
Office Hours: Open Daily, 24 Hours
What stands out most with the Colorado Legal Defense Group is its aggressive and team-based approach that kicks in the moment you hire them.
Unlike solo practitioners who might get bogged down, this firm operates with a roster of heavy hitters.
This includes former prosecutors who know exactly how the other side thinks and prepare their cases.
They do not wait for the court date to start working on your criminal defense. Instead, they emphasize early intervention, often reaching out to police and prosecutors before charges are even formally filed.
This proactive strategy covers a wide array of cases, including Driving Under the Influence, drug offenses, serious felonies, and sexual offenses.
Their deep familiarity with local judges allows them to craft strategies that work specifically for Denver courts.
However, a potential downside to their success is that high demand may limit immediate availability. It could take time to secure a consultation due to their heavy caseload.
Mark went above and beyond for my DUI case. He was attentive and informative, he made sure I knew what was going on every step of the way. I would highly recommend CLDG, (and Mark specifically), to anyone asking. I am very happy with the outcome! Thank you Mark and CDLG!!
– Lauren Drybread, Google Review
Megan is a competent and committed attorney. In my dealings with her as a professional she has always shown a firm dedication to her clients as well as both skill and passion as an advocate for them. I would recommend her to anyone seeking legal representation.
– Stephen Silvius, Google Review
2. Law Office of Kimberly Diego Criminal Defense
Website: https://www.diegocriminaldefense.com/
Address: 899 Logan Street, Suite #103, Denver
Contact: 720 257 5346 / [email protected]
Office Hours: Available 24/7
Kimberly Diego offers a highly personalized legal experience that is hard to find at larger firms.
A major advantage of her practice is direct representation. When you hire her, you get her, not a junior associate.
She defends clients in a wide spectrum of cases, including misdemeanors and serious felonies. Multiple legal organizations recognize her trial excellence.
Another major asset is her bilingual service, making her an invaluable resource for Spanish-speaking clients. This is crucial for families navigating the system who may face language barriers.
Her approach is client-centric, ensuring that you feel heard and supported. She creates defense strategies tailored specifically to the details of your life and case.
The only real drawback to this high level of personal attention is capacity. As a solo practitioner, her ability to handle multiple complex cases at once is naturally more limited than that of a big agency.
World class legal services. Kimberly & her team communicated well & often over the course of our project. They looked at things I had not considered & achieved the best possible result. I highly recommend Kimberly & her team.
– W Crago, Google Review
I had the privilege of being referred to Kimberly for a traffic incident and she was soooooo busy and still made time for me. The outcome is 100% and I highly recommend her to anyone. She’s great at communicating and amazing to work with. She turned a terrible situation into something manageable. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
-Kimberly Alcorn, Google Review
3. Petrash Law
Website: https://www.petrashlaw.com/
Address: 501 South Cherry Street, Denver
Contact: 719 695 7122 / 720 802 6932
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM
If you are looking for an insider perspective, Petrash Law is a compelling choice because it is led by a former senior prosecutor. This background provides a massive strategic advantage for defense.
Mike Petrash understands the specific tactics the state uses to build a criminal case against you. He leverages this experience to anticipate prosecution moves and dismantle their arguments effectively.
He offers a personalized defense for violent crime charges and Driving Under the Influence allegations alike. His strategies feel robust, well-calculated, and specific to the details of your situation.
Beyond the strategy, the firm guides clients through the emotional rollercoaster of the justice process with genuine empathy.
That said, hiring a specialist with this level of specific prosecutorial experience often comes at a cost. The legal fees might just be higher compared to less specialized general defense firms.
Mike Petrash is THE best lawyer hands down. Not only is he professional, connected, and extremely knowledgeable in his field, but he is more importantly a compassionate human being doing his best to help others. I would 10/10 recommend!
– Sophia Lopez, Google Review
It’s hard to put trust into other people but Mike makes it easy to trust him. He is knowledgeable and empathetic, I was recommended to so many good attorneys but Mike was the best and has continued to show that. I am very thankful to have him fighting for me!
4. The Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez
Website: https://www.denvercriminaldefense.com/
Address: 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver
Contact: 720 246 6700 / [email protected]
Office Hours: Open Daily, 24 Hours
The Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez stands out for its exclusive focus on Colorado criminal defense. They have an impressive track record of over one thousand successful outcomes.
This is not just a general practice firm. They live and breathe criminal law. This dedication translates to a profound knowledge of local statutes and loopholes that can help your case.
Martinez and his team use advanced litigation tools and thorough preparation to ensure no stone is unturned.
They are frequently recognized in the legal community for their work. This adds a layer of credibility that can be reassuring when your future is on the line.
And despite their high-powered reputation, they maintain a compassionate and respectful tone with every client.
However, potential clients should note that their geographic reach is primarily focused on the Denver area. This might not be convenient if you live further out in the state.
Brett helped me get my case through to a dismissal. Has multiple other resources as well and was very responsive and handled my case better than I could have ever asked for.
– Brad Sober, Google Review
I wish I could give more than 5 stars! 10/10 would recommend. Jacob and his whole team were amazing from the initial consultation to him working day in and day out for the best possible outcome for our case. I can’t thank Jacob enough for working so hard, believing in us and having our backs to the very end. If you find yourself in a need for outstanding representation, someone who really cares he’s your guy!
– Jainea Medina, Google Review
5. Sawyer Legal Group
Website: https://www.denvercriminalattorneylawyer.com/
Address: 3801 East Florida Avenue, Suite 725, Denver
Contact: 303 830 0880
Office Hours: Available 24/7
Sawyer Legal Group distinguishes itself with decades of combined experience and a policy of being available absolutely anytime.
Legal emergencies don’t really happen only during business hours, so their availability is vital. Their willingness to do same-day jail visits is also a game-changer for families in crisis.
I actually gave their after-hours line a ring late one Tuesday just to see if the claim held water. I was pleasantly surprised to get a real human on the line immediately who was ready to help.
They focus solely on criminal law, which allows them to maintain deep relationships within the local court systems.
Plus, they offer free consultations and flexible payment plans, making top-tier defense more accessible.
The main downside to consider is the cost. This level of premium service and availability can result in pricing that is higher than what some budget-conscious competitors might offer.
I had the opportunity to work with Anthony Gadlage when I was facing some legal issues he was super helpful and communicative with me during the whole process and was very straightforward and honest and empathetic about the whole situation was able to give me a peace of mind during every step of the way thank you for helping me.
– Abraham Cortez, Google Review
First time ever being in trouble, was friendly, really sat down explained my case to me, helped resolve my case in a timely manner for the best possible outcome, thanks
– Paul, Google Review
