H. Michael Steinberg has 38+ 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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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?

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By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer For Bail Bond Issues

Colorado’s New Bail Bond Law Means More Fairness In Setting Bail Bonds and Bail Bond Conditions

With the passage of the Pretrial Bail Law  in 2013 – H.B. 13-1236 – on May 11, 2013, Colorado started the process to reform bail bond laws that had led to unfair and unintended results for decades (since 1972 – 42 years!).

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Confidentiality Of Lawyer -Colorado Attorney Client Communications - Is It Safe To Talk To Your Lawyer From Jail.jpgBy H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Confidentiality Of Lawyer – Client Communications – Is It Safe To Talk To Your Lawyer From Jail? – The sanctity of lawyer client communication is one of the most fundamental of all rights accorded under Colorado criminal law.

The confidentiality of your conversations with your lawyer, doctor or spiritual advisor are among the oldest privileges accorded by our legal system.

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Colorado Criminal Lawyer Series - Will I Lose My Right To Vote If I Am Convicted.jpg
By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – The Right To Vote In Colorado

The question – Colorado Criminal Lawyer Series – Will I Lose My Right To Vote If I Am Convicted? is a question I am often asked. It goes to the issue of the “collateral” or indirect – unforeseen impacts of a criminal conviction.

To many – the right to vote is as important as their freedom.

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Colroado Insurance Fraud - 18-5-211By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Insurance Fraud – Theft Crimes Lawyer

Email the author at hmsteinberg@hotmail.com

Colorado Law Codifies All Types Of Insurance Fraud Section 18-5-211

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Colorado Law Mandating Employer Leave For Domestic Violation Charges Encourages False Allegations 24-34-402.jpg
by H. Michael Steinberg Author, Colorado Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer and Litigator – Email the Author at hmsteinberg@hotmail.com

Quietly a few years ago Colorado enacted a “domestic violence leave law” allowing for up to three days of leave from work for persons who are the alleged victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Fortunately the law only applies to employers with more than 50 employees.

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2014 Colorado Criminal Case Sets Standards For Continuance Of Trial For New Lawyer.jpg
By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer for Criminal Trials

In 2015 the Colorado State Supreme Court carefully and logically set out the standards – the tests – to be applied by Colorado State Judges in deciding whether or not to grant a continuance of a criminal trial for a Defendant to fire his present lawyer and retain a new lawyer.

In People v. Brown, 2014 CO 25 (April 7, 2014), Justice Brian Boatright held that a trial judge must apply a “balancing test” to a Defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to seek and obtain a continuance of a criminal trial.