H. Michael Steinberg has 42+ years of experience practicing Colorado criminal law. Mr. Steinberg strives to stay current with the ever changing aspects of criminal law issues and updates resulting in his extensive knowledge of successful criminal defense as well as appellate work. He is also an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association, the Colorado Trial Lawyer's Association, and the Colorado and Arapahoe Bar Associations.

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Is an Offer to Take A Polygraph Admissible as Evidence at a Colorado Criminal Trial?By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Polygraph Test

I have written about polygraphs in the past but it is a subject that comes up quite often – especially in cases where the evidence against my clients is somewhat weak.

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A Close Look At The Colorado Crime of Stalking - 18-3-602By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

While I have previously written on the Colorado crime of stalking,  the crime is charged more and more commonly in Colorado and a deeper understanding of this complex crime is needed.

Stalking is a unique and relatively “new” crime whose elements are somewhat unusual and therefore equally unique to defend. This article closely explores the crime of stalking and issues surrounding both prosecuting and defending stalking cases in the courts of Colorado.

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Surrendering on a Colorado Arrest WarrantBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

You’ve Just Learned About a Warrant Issued for Your Arrest – What Are Your Options?

The call may come from the officer investigating your case, or it may be a letter from the court informing you that there is a warrant issued for your arrest and you are ordered to turn yourself in.

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The “One Phone Call” and Other Myths - Understanding Your Rights After Being Arrested in ColoradoBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been arrested most likely they will describe the experience as a terrifying. It may have just happened in front of your eyes – in the presence of your family.

This brief article is intended to help demystify and to help you understand the process and shed light on what usually happens next. It may give you the insight you need to put yourself at an advantage in defending the case.

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An Arrest is Not Proof of Anything in a Criminal Trial in ColoradoBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – It is Well Understood that Colorado Criminal Juries Are Susceptible to Unfair Influence by the Prosecutor

Prosecutorial misconduct is defined by the United States Supreme Court as a circumstance where a prosecutor breaks a law or a code of professional ethics in the course of a prosecution. In Berger v. the United States, 295 U.S. 78 (1935),

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When the Colorado District Attorney Fails to Turn Over Key Evidence - What Will Happen?By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – “Making Discovery” – How a Defendant “Discovers” the Strengths or Weaknesses of the State’s Case

This process known as “making discovery” in a Colorado criminal case is the way a defendant literally “discovers” the evidence the state has collected to prosecute the case.

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Changing Your Mind? - Trying To Withdraw From A Plea Bargain Before You Have Been Sentenced in ColoradoBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

Attempting to withdraw a plea of guilty before the sentencing stage is a complex area of Colorado law. This article addresses that complexity and outlines some of the key issues that make the road to that withdrawal from the plea and subsequent restoration of a defendant’s trial rights, very difficult, if not impossible.

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Understanding the Power of a Colorado District Attorney To Bring Charges and to Prosecute a CaseBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Power To Prosecute

Colorado’s District Attorneys are elected officials who run for office every four years. Once elected, the District Attorney has almost limitless power to bring criminal charges or not, to plea bargain charges already filed or not, or to dismiss charges that have already been filed.

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Can You Refuse To Testify In A Colorado Criminal TrialBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Role Of Witnesses

The role of witness testimony is the bedrock of every criminal trial. If witnesses had the right to refuse to come to court and to testify the criminal justice system would surely collapse.

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Crossing The Line - DA Cannot Instruct Witnesses To Refuse To Talk To The DefenseBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

This is important as the result of a violation of this rule could influence the result of your Colorado criminal case.

Prosecutors and Defense Lawyers in Colorado criminal cases are legally prohibited from any attempt to barred influence ANY witness or possible witness or source of information, from cooperating with or speaking to the other side to the case.

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