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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Colorado Peeping Tom Privacy Laws 18-7-801 And Drones - Be Careful Out There

Colorado Peeping Tom Privacy Laws 18-7-801

By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Attorney

With the increasing popularity and availability of commercial drones – the dangers of invasion of privacy charges have escalated exponentially – as a recent couple in Utah just learned.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Attorney

Why Isn’t My Lawyer More Aggressive With The JudgeWhy Isn’t My Lawyer Getting More Aggressive With The Judge? The perception that a criminal defense lawyer is not “fighting for you” in court because the lawyer is well known and well received by the District Attorney/Prosecutor is a common flaw in the thinking of persons uninitiated to the criminal justice system.

The advertisements that flood the internet and our television screens of flamboyant “pit bull” trial lawyers prey on those who believe the more aggressive you appear with a Judge for example – the better the result.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Theft Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer

Employees who are assigned laptop computers upon leaving their employment should be aware of a 2016 Colorado case that addresses what they should do and not do with their employer’s laptop.

Known to some as the Colorado Computer Hacking Law, Colorado’s Computer Crime “Act” was actually two separate laws that are read together – C.R.S. § 18-5.5-101 and C.R.S. Section 18-5.5-102.

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Colorado Criminal Law - Tricks Police Use To Get Your Statement - The Interview Room.jpgBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Colorado Criminal Law – Tricks Police Use To Get You To Confess – The Interview Room Even the interview room itself is designed to play a role in wearing down the target, whether that target is the suspect, a witness, or even possibly the alleged victim of a crime.

Designing The Interview Room – Where The Interrogation Takes Place

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Colorado Criminal Law - Pleading The 5th (Fifth) - Understanding Your Right To Remain Silent
Colorado Criminal Law – Pleading The 5th (Fifth) – Understanding Your Right To Remain Silent – “Pleading the Fifth” seems like a line out of an old Jimmy Cagney gangster movie – but in actuality it is – in my opinion – the single most important civil right asserted in the criminal justice system.

The right is simple on its face but much tougher to apply in different contexts:

U. S. Constitution – Fifth Amendment:

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Colorado Criminal Law - Immigration Consequences - Deportation Risk Because Of Deferred Judgement and Sentence - Withdrawal Of Plea.pngBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Attorney

Colorado Criminal Law – Immigration Consequences – Deportation Risk Because Of Deferred Judgement and Sentence – Withdrawal Of Plea – In Colorado a deferred judgement and sentence is often considered a “good offer” in cases where the State’s case is strong.

A deferred judgement – is known as an “adjournment” in some states or “diversion” type offer in some states – “stipulated orders of continuance” or “dispositional continuance.” Whatever it is called, the agreement ultimately results in the withdrawal of a guilty plea and dismissal of the case after certain agreed upon conditions are met.

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By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer


The Colorado Bail Bond System – Unfair, Unjust, Shameful – Punish First Then The Right To Trial – A Tool To Fight Back
– Colorado’s Bail Bond System is broken. The purpose of bail is solely to insure the appearance of the Defendant in court. The reality is the wealthy “get out” and the not so fortunate – paycheck to paycheck families – often lose everything.

The meaning of a “presumption of innocence” is ironic to these individuals and their families. The system was never intended to keep in custody those who do not have the ability to post bond. In it’s simplest terms – the definition of bail is the total amount of money required to be released from jail while awaiting trial. If you have the amount of bail set by the judge, or have the ability to retain the services of a bailbondsperson – you gain your freedom while fighting the charges.

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Surviving The Colorado Juvenile Court System - Some Tips For Parents By A Juvenile Court Lawyer.jpgBy H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Juvenile Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer

Understanding And Surviving The Colorado Juvenile Court System – Some Tips For Parents – The most critical component of success in the Colorado Juvenile Court System is the involvement of parents and family. What families find when they arrive in juvenile court is often chaos and what results in a very negative experience. That experience can be changed by understanding a few important concepts.

Every family knows that the success or failure of a member of that family can turn on the emotional, social, cultural, and financial support of the family. No one knows their children better than a parent. A parent is in the best position to give insight into the juvenile’s behaviors, past experiences and personal needs.

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Colorado Criminal Law - Motion To Suppress Evidence - New 2015 Case Changes Burden of Proof.jpgBy H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer Online Blog

Colorado Criminal Law – Motion To Suppress Evidence – New 2015 Case Changes Burden of Proof – For over 30 years the burden of going forward in a Colorado criminal Motion to Suppress Evidence hearing was on the prosecution. With the announcement of a new case People vs Cunningham – that burden – in many Colorado criminal courtrooms – now sits with the Defendant and his or her lawyer.

The Case of People v. Cunningham 314 P.3d 1289 (Colo. 2013), 13SA179,

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2014 Criminal Court Deadlines Under Colorado Criminal Law - When You Have To File - What You Have To Do.jpg
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Lawyer

What follows are questions and answers about one of the most important questions under Colorado criminal law .

WHEN do certain things have to happen – what are the deadlines for the government and for the accused Defendant?