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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When a Judge Refuses to Follow a Plea Bargain in Colorado
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – A Massive ChangeTo Plea Bargains in the Colorado Criminal Justice System

Quietly, with little fanfare, the Colorado Supreme Court, in the case of People of the State of Colorado, v. Christopher Anthony Mazzarelli, massively changed what was previously considered fundamental Colorado criminal law in the area of plea bargaining.

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Newly Discovered Evidence After a Plea - Colorado Rule 35(c) Motion
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Newly Discovered Evidence: Following a Plea Bargain

One of the most troubling areas of Colorado criminal law is a situation where a Defendant, who is completely innocent or who may have a defense to a criminal charge, agrees to take a plea bargain because of a fear of a bad result at trial.

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By H. Michael Steinberg, Colorado Criminal Defense LawyerWhat is the Colorado Jasper Plea Bargain Deadline

Introduction – The Jasper Plea Bargaining Deadline Date

Lawyers in the criminal courts of Colorado owe their clients detailed explanations of the often confusing and frightening world that is the criminal justice system. One of the procedures commonly used by Colorado’s judges includes the use of the Jasper date.

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Colorado’s District Attorneys - An Imbalance of Power
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction: Knowing the Players in the Colorado Criminal Justice System

When a person is charged with a crime in the Colorado criminal justice system a thorough understanding of the balance of power among the three key actors that will play a role in their case – the Judge, the District Attorney, and the Defense Lawyer – can be instructive.

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A Roadmap to Colorado Guilty Pleas in Criminal Cases - the Alford Plea
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Understanding Pleas the Role of Colorado Procedural “Rule 11″

Colorado Rule 11 (Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure provides for three basic pleas in a criminal case (not including the NGI plea – not guilty by reason of insanity – not addressed here).

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Should I Tell My Criminal Defense Lawyer the Truth?
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Issue: Lying to Your Criminal Defense Lawyer

One would think that the answer to the question: “should I lie about my case to my lawyer?”  – would be obvious.

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Domestic Violence - Can the Police to Enter Your Home in Colorado?
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Fourth Amendment and Colorado Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence cases present many difficult factual and legal issues to both sides of the case, the prosecution and the defense. One of the key issues that can arise in a Colorado domestic violence case is whether the police had the legal authority to enter the home where an alleged domestic crime was being investigated.

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Colorado Law - Plain View and Unlabeled Prescription Bottles
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Limits on the “Plain View Exception” to the 4th Amendment’s Requirement for a Search Warrant

Both the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article II, section 7 of the Colorado Constitution prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures. Any analysis of an alleged violation of your Fourth Amendment rights begins with an understanding of what the right actually protects – your right to privacy, …for the government to leave you alone.

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Colorado Decision Ends Mixed Sentences - Prison then Probation
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – A Massively Important Decision for Colorado Criminal Law

In late 2019 the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously decided Allman v People. The holding of the case was simple – “mixed sentences,”– sentences in the same case that imposed prison followed by probation, were illegal both prospectively, and retroactively.

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The-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer-the-Mental-Health-Professional-Different-Roles-rev-300x145
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Your Criminal Defense Lawyer is a Lawyer

There is no question that a person charged with a crime in Colorado is under enormous stress that can affect the mental and physical health of that person, as well as family and even close friends. Further, relationships at work or at school can also be impacted by a criminal charge to include the financial strains of funding the defense of the case.

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