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Experience

 

You are more than a case number.

I value both your unique personal experience and your specific legal situation.  Because of my experience as a public defender and a civil rights attorney, I am able to provide you a strong defense, and also advise regarding potential civil claims, such as police brutality or retaliation for exercising your freedom of speech. 

 

As a public defender, solely practicing criminal defense, I gained invaluable experience.  I have tried over 70 jury trials.  I am skilled in trial litigation: arguing suppression issues, selecting a jury, crafting exacting cross-examinations, and making persuasive closing arguments.  Further, I am a tenacious advocate and negotiator.  As your defense attorney, I will assess your criminal charges, negotiate with the district attorney, identify the legal issues, research and file motions, and follow through with necessary investigation and experts.  I know the extreme stress and the devastating consequences that being charged with a crime can bring about.  Whether you decide to resolve your case with a plea bargain or choose to take your case to a jury trial, I will explain each step and guide you through the complicated and frustrating system, with knowledge and familiarity.  

Education

 

I graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 2007, and received my undergraduate degree from Calvin College in 2003.  While in law school I had the opportunity to work for the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, GA, the American Civil Liberties Union, here in Denver, CO; and the Legal Aid Society in Queens, NYC.  Each experience has shaped me into the attorney I am today, someone who prioritizes human dignity and values civil rights.

Practice Areas

 

-Municipal Violations
-Traffic Offenses
-DUI/DWAI
-Domestic Violence
-Theft and Property Crimes
-Sexual Assaults
-Child Abuse
-Drug Possession and Distribution
-Homicides
-Violent Crimes
-Probation Violations
-Sealing of Criminal Records

Professional Affiliations

 

-Denver Municipal Public Defender Commission

-Colorado Criminal Defense Institute, Board Member
-National Lawyers Guild, Colorado Chapter Board Member

-Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice

-Sentencing Reform Task Force, Member

Bar Admissions

 

-State of Colorado

Awards

 

-2022 Sam Cary Bar Association Courage Under Fire Award in recognition that practicing law is a difficult task but can be especially daunting when a lawyer is "under fire" due to an issue or case that is highly publicized.

 

-2022 Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Advancing Justice Award in recognition of organizing efforts during the 2020 BLM Uprising which had an exceptional impact on the criminal legal system.

-2014 - 2022 Colorado Super Lawyers Rising Stars, an honor limited to 2.5 percent of attorneys in Colorado.

 

-2015 LYRIC Volunteer of the Year

 

-2009 Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Gideon Award for remarkable effort to fulfill the promise of Gideon v. Wainwright and dedication to advocacy on behalf of the poor.

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Awarded Super Lawyer's Rising Star every year from 2014-2022.

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