Dedicated to Protecting Denver Families & Professionals

As part of our comprehensive legal services in Denver, the Law Offices of Miguel Martínez, P.C. has proudly served Colorado for more than 30 years. Our criminal defense practice is built on a foundation of insider knowledge—Miguel Martínez’s years as an Assistant District Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney give us a strategic advantage that generic defense lawyers simply cannot match.

We understand that Denver’s diverse communities face unique challenges when navigating the criminal justice system. From the Hispanic and Latino families in neighborhoods like Westwood and Globeville to professionals working in the Tech Center and Cherry Creek, we provide culturally fluent, results-driven defense that protects not just your freedom, but your entire future in America.

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Defending You Against Denver’s Unique Legal Hazards

The “Crimmigration” Trap

Denver is a diverse city, but the legal system can be a minefield for non-citizens. We specialize in the intersection of criminal law and immigration—what experts call “crimmigration.” We know that a simple plea deal acceptable for a U.S. citizen can be a deportation sentence for a permanent resident or visa holder.

We act as your shield, ensuring your criminal defense strategy protects your life in America. Before accepting any plea, we analyze the immigration consequences under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and coordinate with immigration counsel when necessary.

Navigating the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse

Located at 520 W. Colfax Ave, the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse is where your future is decided. The docket here moves fast. If you miss a hearing because of confusion or fear, a warrant is issued immediately—often within hours.

We know the judges, the clerks, and the specific procedures of the Denver County Court system. We handle the appearances, so you don’t face the system alone. We also know the practical realities: parking is limited, security lines are long, and the building can be intimidating. We guide you through every step.

Traffic & DUI Enforcement Zones

We know that 1111 E. Colfax (the Denver Police Department Traffic Investigations Unit) and the exits around Ball Arena are hotspots for police activity, especially during Nuggets and Avalanche games.

We also know that environmental factors—like the blinding sun glare on Westbound I-70 during evening rush hour or the notorious black ice on the 6th Avenue Clearway—can cause accidents or erratic driving that looks like negligence or impairment to a police officer. We use this local knowledge to challenge the “facts” of the police report and build reasonable doubt.

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Recent Criminal Defense Work in Denver

Case Example: DUI Dismissed After I-70 & I-225 Traffic Stop

We recently represented a client stopped near the I-70 & I-225 interchange—one of Denver’s most congested and dangerous merging zones. The officer claimed our client was “swerving between lanes,” which formed the basis for a DUI investigation.

Our defense strategy:

• We obtained dashcam footage showing heavy construction, narrow lanes, and aggressive merging by a semi-truck.
• We demonstrated that the “swerving” was actually defensive driving to avoid a collision.
• We challenged the field sobriety tests, which were administered on an uneven highway shoulder with passing traffic creating wind and distraction.
• Result: The prosecution dismissed the DUI charge before trial.

Crimmigration Defense: Assault Charge Reduced to Avoid Deportation

A permanent resident was arrested after a bar fight in the RiNo district. The original charge—Second Degree Assault—is classified as a “Crime of Violence” under Colorado law and an “Aggravated Felony” under federal immigration law, making deportation virtually automatic.

We negotiated a plea to Disorderly Conduct, a non-deportable misdemeanor. Our client avoided prison, kept his green card, and remained with his family in Denver.

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How We Handle Criminal Defense Cases in Denver

Step 1: Immediate Investigation & Damage Control

The moment you call, we begin protecting you. We:

• Request body camera and dashcam footage from the Denver Police Department under Colorado’s open records laws.
• File motions to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed (police agencies often purge video after 30-90 days).
• Contact the Denver District Attorney’s Office to intervene before charges are formally filed—sometimes we can stop the case before it starts.

Step 2: Strategic Defense at Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse

We know the procedures, the judges, and the prosecutors at 520 W. Colfax. We:

• Appear at all arraignments, pre-trial conferences, and motions hearings (often without requiring your presence for procedural matters, so you don’t miss work).
• File suppression motions when police violate your Fourth Amendment rights (illegal stops, warrantless searches).
• Negotiate with prosecutors who know Miguel Martínez’s reputation—they know we will take weak cases to trial.

Step 3: Protecting Your Future Beyond the Courtroom

A criminal conviction in Denver has collateral consequences that extend far beyond jail time:

• DMV License Suspensions: We fight your license suspension separately in administrative hearings at the Colorado DMV Hearings Office.
• Professional Licensing: We coordinate with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to protect nurses, teachers, real estate agents, and other licensed professionals.
• Immigration Status: We work with immigration attorneys to structure pleas that minimize deportation risk under federal law.

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Strategic Defense for Serious Charges

DUI & DWAI Defense

The Charge: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).

The Local Reality: Denver Police are aggressive in the LoDo and Speer Boulevard corridors, especially during weekend nights and major events.

Our Defense:

• We challenge the stop: Was there probable cause, or did the officer rely on a “hunch”?
• We analyze the toxicology: Was the blood draw chain of custody preserved? Were the testing machines calibrated properly?
• We fight the DMV license suspension separately from the criminal case to keep you on the road while your case is pending.

Assault & Violent Crimes

The Charge: First, Second, and Third-Degree Assault.

The Stakes: Mandatory minimum sentences apply to many violent felonies in Colorado. Second Degree Assault carries a mandatory 5-year prison sentence.

Our Defense:

• We investigate “Heat of Passion” and self-defense claims.
• In the RiNo and Uptown nightlife districts, fights often happen in chaotic environments where witness identification is unreliable and intent is unclear.
• We challenge the severity of injuries (which determines the degree of assault) using independent medical experts.

Domestic Violence (DV)

The Reality: In Colorado, DV is a “sentence enhancer,” not just a separate crime. It requires mandatory arrest and protection orders that can kick you out of your own home immediately.

Our Defense:

• We move quickly to modify protection orders so you can see your children and return to work.
• We scrutinize the evidence, knowing that “he said, she said” situations are often fraught with emotion and misunderstanding.
• We know that Denver Police have a mandatory arrest policy—someone is going to jail even if both parties want to drop the charges. We use this knowledge to challenge the credibility of arrest reports.

Drug Crimes

The Charge: Possession vs. Distribution (DF1 – DF4).

The Context: The I-70 Corridor is a major federal focus for drug interdiction. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Colorado State Patrol conduct aggressive traffic stops looking for interstate drug trafficking.

Our Defense:

• We challenge illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment violations). If the police stepped over the line during a stop at I-70 & Peoria or I-70 & Chambers, we file to suppress the evidence.
• We attack “constructive possession” cases where the drugs were found in a car or home with multiple occupants—the state must prove you possessed them, not just that they were nearby.

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Related Services in Denver

If you’re facing criminal charges, you may also need assistance with related legal matters:

• Immigration Services: Protect your immigration status from the collateral consequences of criminal charges.
• Motor Vehicle Accident Defense: If your criminal charge stems from a traffic accident, we can defend both the criminal case and any related civil claims.
• Personal Injury: If you were injured during your arrest or while in custody, you may have a civil rights claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Denver