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 Police Investigatory Stop Crosses the Line
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Your Rights Under the Fourth Amendment

While I have written on this subject before, a recent Colorado case, People v. Oliver (2020) has reminded me of the critically important reasons why each of us should know and understand our rights to privacy.

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Comfort Dogs, the Courts, and Colorado Criminal Law
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

An Introduction to Comfort Dogs

Many criminal defense lawyers view “comfort dogs,” specially trained dogs that accompany alleged victims of crime or any witness to the stand when they testify at trial, as a play for sympathy. I disagree.

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Cell Phone Searches and Seizures Under Colorado Law
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Basic Law -Your Right to Privacy – The Fourth Amendment

To fully understand when and under circumstances law enforcement may search your cell phone, one must start with an understanding of your basic rights under the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unlawful searches and seizures.

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Colorado Self Defense Law - Stand Your Ground
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – No Duty to Retreat to the Wall – Right to Stand Your Ground

In a recent case, People v. Sheila Renee Monroe, the Colorado Supreme Court reversed a guilty verdict in a homicide case because the prosecutor argued, in response to the defendant’s assertion that she acted in self-defense, that the defendant had a duty to retreat before using deadly force.

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Defending Your Right to Self Defense in Colorado
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction to Colorado Self Defense Law

One of the most misunderstood defenses to a charge of, for example, assault, is the affirmative defense of self-defense. While many online sources address the defense itself, there has been very little written about the ways that the defense of self-defense can “unwind” at trial resulting in the “disqualification” of the defense.

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Lawyer - Client Decisions in Criminal Cases -Who Decides What? - A GuideBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

If you are charged with a crime in Colorado understanding the exact nature of the professional relationship between you and your Colorado criminal lawyer is important to achieving the best possible result in your case. Turning over the reigns and placing complete trust in your lawyer can be very difficult at this frightening time in your life.

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Immigration Law And The Deferred Judgement - A Hobson's Choice
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – “Justice Screams for a Remedy Here.”

The clash between the criminal law of states, such as Colorado, and federal immigration law has never been more stark than a silent crisis now occurring all over the United States. A crisis of such proportion that Colorado Supreme Court Justice Richard Gabriel recently said, in addressing this issue, “Justice screams for a remedy here.

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Colorado Law - Infliction of Serious Bodily Injury to a Vulnerable Road User 42-4-1402.5(2) - 42-4-1402By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

Quietly, in 2019, the Colorado State Legislature enacted a new law enhancing the penalty for automobile/pedestrian collisions. The law specifically identifies certain “vulnerable road users” and substantially enhances the penalty in such accidents, providing new protections for road users identified as “vulnerable.”

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Understanding Deferred Judgments in DUI Cases Under Colorado LawBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

Other than an immediate and complete dismissal of a case, a Colorado deferred judgment and sentence (DJ and S) plea bargain is the gold standard for all plea bargains. The only superior plea bargain offer that exists, a diversion offer, is rarely offered in a Colorado criminal cases.