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30 Nov, 2017 by Jordan
I'll keep it short. Russ really worked hard for me and I have used him several times. I now consider him a friend.
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29 Mar, 2017 by David obermeyer
Just some background I'm 29 years old, married with 4 kids. I got charged with Class 1 assault with a deadly weapon and 3 counts of felony menacing. 14 months I was pending charges for these offenses. I was working in corrections in Kit Carson County at the time of my arrest. Before this I was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years. Russ fought long and hard for me during Pre trial court hearings and turned out to be a rockstar during my 2 day jury trial. Not Guilty to all counts after the jury deliberated for only 20 minutes. Mr. Ray saved my life. My family and I are very thankful for this amazing man that fought for justice against a malicious DA office. I would reccomend Russell to anyone who wants to get the best possible outcome. Thank you so much Russ.
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15 Dec, 2015 by Britt.madrigal
I hired Russell ray to be my defense lawyer and I must say, he is the best lawyer I have ever met. That man was always on time, always prepared for battle, and he put up a DAM GREAT fight! I would absolutely recommend him if you want to win your case! He is definitely a choice that you won't regret. -Brittany
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01 May, 2013 by Karen
Ms. Defranco represented me and did an excellent job. She was the only lawyer who would fight for justice against many odds and corruption. Very knowledgeable and I would recommend her!!
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08 Apr, 2011 by Natalya
She is an excellent professional,our family is very thankful her for all her help and support.
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29 Nov, 2010 by Anonymous
Served as my son's counsel on a high profile Boulder County case in 2005. She was not only excellent to deal with, but very knowledgeable of the law. Also went beyond her role in trying to help him w/his probationary needs.
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10 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of Stuart Rubinstein's unparalleled representation in a serious case. He went the extra mile in every regard to make sure I understood every aspect of what was going on. He fought ferociously to defend my rights against a DA that was determined not to give an inch and ultimately helped me to obtain a judgement that was far beyond my expectations. In all that he does, this gentleman is passionate for justice and doing everything right. I give him my wholehearted endorsement and recommendation. It is no exaggeration to say that Mr. Rubinstein was an answer to my prayers. Because he cared about proper representation, I am a free man today. For that, I am forever grateful.
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11 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous
I recently had the pleasure of having Sara Steele represent me as my Public Defender. Miss Steele worked hard to protect my interests. Because of all her efforts on my behalf, in addition to other things she did for me, she also pushed forward the Continuance Motion that allowed me to maintain my position with my current employer. I would wholeheartedly recommend Sara Steele as the Public Defender of choice serving Adams County. She genuinely cares about her clients and it shows in all that she does for them.
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06 Feb, 2015 by Anonymous
I went to prison because I was not told of SEVERAL affirmative defenses. Ms. Steele lied by omission and seems to have one agenda- disposing of cases. If you are unlucky and get her as your public defender fire her and don't look back. I'm retrying under 35c and will be aquitted
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18 Jul, 2024 by Christopher paul peters
These inept clowns are more concerned about getting wrongful convictions, then actually investigating anything, to see if they are prosecuting based upon Lies. They Coached my Sister how to Lie in Court, then Judge only allowed part of 9/11 tape to be played, ensuring a conviction on me. Judge also corrected sister's Lie in Court, to collaperate with statement!!! There are Truthful reviews up on Courts & Sheriff's Dept as well!!! Bunch of Criminals who ruin lives, & have no interest in justice at all!!!
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06 Jun, 2024 by Elexza perez
I am deeply disappointed in the performance of District Attorney Brian Mason. His handling of the case involving Jeremey Rocha has been nothing short of a miscarriage of justice. Despite clear evidence pointing to multiple shooters and a history of violent behavior by Johnathan Jaros, Mason failed to conduct a thorough investigation. Instead, he unjustly sentenced Jeremey to life without parole for defending himself. The 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which represents the people of Adams and Broomfield Counties, is supposed to seek justice on behalf of crime victims and their families. It's disheartening to see such poor judgment in the people hired to serve and protect our community. How could Adams and Broomfield Counties allow someone like Brian Mason, who was elected in November 2020 and assumed office in January 2021, to be the chief law enforcement officer? Brian Mason's actions suggest a troubling pattern of corruption and incompetence. We must revisit any other cases he has overseen as DA, as his conduct raises serious concerns about the integrity of the justice system under his leadership. The people of the 17th Judicial District deserve better. The office, which prides itself on reforming the criminal justice system, needs to reassess its commitment to true justice and accountability.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Bradley holbrooks
Dirty DA this is why people hate the justice system
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18 Jul, 2024 by Christopher paul peters
These inept clowns are more concerned about getting wrongful convictions, then actually investigating anything, to see if they are prosecuting based upon Lies. They Coached my Sister how to Lie in Court, then Judge only allowed part of 9/11 tape to be played, ensuring a conviction on me. Judge also corrected sister's Lie in Court, to collaperate with statement!!! There are Truthful reviews up on Courts & Sheriff's Dept as well!!! Bunch of Criminals who ruin lives, & have no interest in justice at all!!!
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06 Jun, 2024 by Elexza perez
I am deeply disappointed in the performance of District Attorney Brian Mason. His handling of the case involving Jeremey Rocha has been nothing short of a miscarriage of justice. Despite clear evidence pointing to multiple shooters and a history of violent behavior by Johnathan Jaros, Mason failed to conduct a thorough investigation. Instead, he unjustly sentenced Jeremey to life without parole for defending himself. The 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which represents the people of Adams and Broomfield Counties, is supposed to seek justice on behalf of crime victims and their families. It's disheartening to see such poor judgment in the people hired to serve and protect our community. How could Adams and Broomfield Counties allow someone like Brian Mason, who was elected in November 2020 and assumed office in January 2021, to be the chief law enforcement officer? Brian Mason's actions suggest a troubling pattern of corruption and incompetence. We must revisit any other cases he has overseen as DA, as his conduct raises serious concerns about the integrity of the justice system under his leadership. The people of the 17th Judicial District deserve better. The office, which prides itself on reforming the criminal justice system, needs to reassess its commitment to true justice and accountability.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Bradley holbrooks
Dirty DA this is why people hate the justice system
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18 Jul, 2024 by Christopher paul peters
These inept clowns are more concerned about getting wrongful convictions, then actually investigating anything, to see if they are prosecuting based upon Lies. They Coached my Sister how to Lie in Court, then Judge only allowed part of 9/11 tape to be played, ensuring a conviction on me. Judge also corrected sister's Lie in Court, to collaperate with statement!!! There are Truthful reviews up on Courts & Sheriff's Dept as well!!! Bunch of Criminals who ruin lives, & have no interest in justice at all!!!
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06 Jun, 2024 by Elexza perez
I am deeply disappointed in the performance of District Attorney Brian Mason. His handling of the case involving Jeremey Rocha has been nothing short of a miscarriage of justice. Despite clear evidence pointing to multiple shooters and a history of violent behavior by Johnathan Jaros, Mason failed to conduct a thorough investigation. Instead, he unjustly sentenced Jeremey to life without parole for defending himself. The 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office, which represents the people of Adams and Broomfield Counties, is supposed to seek justice on behalf of crime victims and their families. It's disheartening to see such poor judgment in the people hired to serve and protect our community. How could Adams and Broomfield Counties allow someone like Brian Mason, who was elected in November 2020 and assumed office in January 2021, to be the chief law enforcement officer? Brian Mason's actions suggest a troubling pattern of corruption and incompetence. We must revisit any other cases he has overseen as DA, as his conduct raises serious concerns about the integrity of the justice system under his leadership. The people of the 17th Judicial District deserve better. The office, which prides itself on reforming the criminal justice system, needs to reassess its commitment to true justice and accountability.
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23 Aug, 2023 by Bradley holbrooks
Dirty DA this is why people hate the justice system
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28 May, 2019 by Joe
Promised the world, over 2 and a half years and thousands of dollars later I received nothing. Bickering with his wife the whole time in court like it was their first time. Absolutely embarrassing. Did nothing for me and my daughter. Typical used car salesman, take your money and leave you high and dry. Complete let down, total waste of time and money, would have rather represented myself.
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21 Feb, 2013 by Anonymous
To start, he would frequently forget details of our case. It was obvious some of his paperwork was copy and pasted because reading through it, he would mix up the sex of the client he was writing about, i.e. "she" instead of "he." His paralegal, also his wife, seemed to do most of the leg work. He also frequently made snide remarks about the other party's lawyer, which was completely unprofessional. Finally, on the big day, he needed an hour recess because he was working another case at the same time we were in court! Court took only an hour excluding the recess during which he was phone conferencing another case, and charged us for a full two hours! He came with a list of questions he was going to ask right before we went into court... which did not seem to make any sense and half of which were not even asked, and charged us for that too! During court, he was not even paying attention to what the other lawyer was asking (on either side), was side talking with his paralegal the entire time, and at one point actually left the courtroom. How disrespectful! We had given some evidence to him regarding the other party which only made us look ridiculous in court... which I would have thought that after being in practice for so long, he would have known it was senseless to bring it in. This, among other things, seriously questioned his level of competence. No wonder the judge did not rule in our favor. Then when we brought up our concerns afterward, his response was simply that nobody gets what they want and at least the other party didn't get as much money as they anticipated. He must have missed the part about how this was not about money but about the care and safety of a little girl! Now we are stuck with a $3k bill after a $1500 retainer. Just unbelievable.
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14 Mar, 2012 by Todd
I was a bystander in a case involving a potential rape. This Lawyer Martin Jeffery Flaum II was willing to waste our tax dollars and the defendant's time and money by prolonging the case even though he was more then aware that there was no physical evidence (DNA) and proceeded to continue with a trial that should have been thrown out of court. In attempt to try to get a conviction Martin Jeffery Flaum offered Mr. Fraser plea to a much lesser charge to get a conviction. Todd Fraser was not stupid enough to plea to this charge. I believe that this type of treatment is not a professional way of doing business. I believe that court was set up to convict the people at fault and not to attempt to pressure people into making a plea to something that they were never a part of. Martin also would send out subpoenas to people and then the case would be continued and would not contact you. This is as disrespectful of tax payers time and money as it gets. This seems to be the type of treatment that many people are frustrated with the court system. Even after four times that I spoke with Martin, he continue to be disrespectful in this way. He was real pleasant to speak with. A real smooth talker. When I spoke with him he laughed and said,"I hope you had a nice day off from work". This is not how I think we should be treating others. This is as if I invited you to a meeting I was in charge of and I cancelled the meeting and did not inform anyone that the meeting was cancelled. People take off work (Some without pay) to attend these hearings and miss work and he thinks it is funny. Real funny. If you like this type of treatment then you need to hire Martin.
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

  • Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
  • Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
  • Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
  • Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
  • Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
  • Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

  • Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
  • Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
  • Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
  • Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
  • Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
  • Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
  • Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

  • Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
  • Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
  • Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

  • Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
  • Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
  • Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
  • Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:

  1. What is your experience with cases like mine?
    Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes.
  2. What is your fee structure?
    Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs.
  3. What are the potential outcomes of my case?
    A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction.
  4. How many cases have you taken to trial?
    While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial.
  5. Who will handle my case?
    Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work.
  6. How do you communicate with your clients?
    Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
  • Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
  • Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
  • Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
  • Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

  • Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
  • Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
  • List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
  • Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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