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.
Published on:

by

A Criminal Defense Lawyer's Duty To Tell The Absolute Truth To Their ClientBy H. Michael Steinberg, A Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Practicing Colorado Criminal Law from both sides of the courtroom for over 40 years.

Introduction: The Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Duty Of Absolute Candor To Their Clients In  Criminal Cases

In Colorado criminal cases, one of the most important—but often misunderstood—obligations of a defense lawyer is the duty of absolute candor toward their client. This duty means that, within the bounds of confidentiality and professional ethics, a Colorado criminal defense lawyer must be honest, straightforward, and complete in the information they share with the person whose liberty, reputation, or even life may be at stake.
Continue reading
Published on:

by

Why Alleged Victims of Sexual Assault Are Sometimes Unfairly Forced To Prosecute Their Cases?

By H. Michael Steinberg, A Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Practicing Colorado Criminal Law from both sides for over 40 years.

Why Alleged Victims of Sexual Assault Are Sometimes Unfairly Forced To Prosecute Their CasesIntroduction:

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Self-Defense in Colorado: When You’re Legally CoveredSELF DEFENSE IN COLORADO

By H. Michael Steinberg, A Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Practicing Colorado Criminal Law from both sides for over 40 years.

Introduction:

Continue reading
Published on:

by

A Threat To The “Coached Victim” Defense Theory In Colorado Sex Assault Cases

By H. Michael Steinberg, Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Threat To The “Coached Victim” Defense Theory In Colorado Sex CrimesIntroduction

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Colorado Criminal Restitution – Spouses Liability To Pay

Restitution and Spouses of DefendantsBy H. Michael Steinberg, Colorado Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Short Answer: No, A Spouse Is NOT Directly Liable For Their Spouses Criminal Restitution Order

Continue reading
Published on:

by

By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer – 2025

When Parents And Their Children Don’t Agree In Colorado Juvenile CourtIntroduction: In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967)

The function of a criminal defense lawyer in juvenile criminal cases was addressed in the prominent Supreme Court ruling, In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967). This decision affirmed that every minor accused in a juvenile delinquency proceeding is entitled to legal representation. The Supreme Court determined that children have the right to a lawyer’s assistance whenever they face criminal charges in juvenile court.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – 2025

What-Exactly-Is-Probable-Cause-To-Arrest-Under-Colorado-Law-A-Comprehensive-Analysis-300x300Introduction To “Probable Cause” As A Concept

After 42 years of practicing Colorado criminal law – I am still surprised at how the phrase “I know my rights!” is, many times, untrue. One key right under the Colorado and United States constitutions, and one that every citizen should try to understand, is this: before law enforcement can deprive you of your freedom – before they can lawfully arrest you, that arrest must be based on “probable cause.”

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Understanding Issues Surrounding Recanting A Statement In Colorado Criminal Domestic Violence Cases
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Colorado Domestic Violence Cases And The Impact Of Recanting Alleged Victims

Colorado domestic violence criminal cases can have devastating consequences for those on both sides of the courtroom. In a very high percentage of these cases, the alleged victim (the victim) recants their statements to law enforcement. This article is focused on issues surrounding the “recanting”  where victims attempt to “take back” their statements or simply refuse to testify at trial.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Understanding The Heat Of Passion Defense As Applied To Colorado Violent CrimesBy H. Michael Steinberg, Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Understanding The Colorado Heat Of Passion Defense: Definition And Legal Basis

The heat of passion “defense” is a legal defense strategy that seeks to mitigate the culpability of a person accused of certain Colorado crimes of violence. Unlike an affirmative defense, which is a complete defense to a conviction,  the heat of passion “defense” mitigates, reduces the statutory penalty for a conviction of the crime charged.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Can-Hands-And-Feet-Qualify-As-Deadly-Weapons-Under-Colorado-Law-jpeg-300x200By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Definition Of Deadly Weapons Under Colorado Law

Under Colorado law, the definition of what constitutes a “deadly weapon” is specific, nuanced, and complex.

Continue reading