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.

Articles Posted in Trial Rights

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Factoring In An Appeal In A Colorado Criminal Case By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Words Quietly Spoken By Criminal Defendants Going To Trial

“If I lose at trial, I can always appeal.”

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Colorado Trial Judges Required to be Impartial
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Understanding the Role of Criminal Court Judges

The confusing and sometimes frightening world of the criminal courtroom includes common misperceptions of the role and the power of the trial judge.

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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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An Arrest is Not Proof of Anything in a Criminal Trial in ColoradoBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – It is Well Understood that Colorado Criminal Juries Are Susceptible to Unfair Influence by the Prosecutor

Prosecutorial misconduct is defined by the United States Supreme Court as a circumstance where a prosecutor breaks a law or a code of professional ethics in the course of a prosecution. In Berger v. the United States, 295 U.S. 78 (1935),

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When the Colorado District Attorney Fails to Turn Over Key Evidence - What Will Happen?By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – “Making Discovery” – How a Defendant “Discovers” the Strengths or Weaknesses of the State’s Case

This process known as “making discovery” in a Colorado criminal case is the way a defendant literally “discovers” the evidence the state has collected to prosecute the case.

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Can You Refuse To Testify In A Colorado Criminal TrialBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Role Of Witnesses

The role of witness testimony is the bedrock of every criminal trial. If witnesses had the right to refuse to come to court and to testify the criminal justice system would surely collapse.

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Crossing The Line - DA Cannot Instruct Witnesses To Refuse To Talk To The DefenseBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

This is important as the result of a violation of this rule could influence the result of your Colorado criminal case.

Prosecutors and Defense Lawyers in Colorado criminal cases are legally prohibited from any attempt to barred influence ANY witness or possible witness or source of information, from cooperating with or speaking to the other side to the case.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Attorney

Colorado Criminal Law - Should I Testify At My Trial - The Research Will Surprise YouColorado Criminal Law – Should I Testify At My Trial?

The Research Will Surprise You – One of the most difficult decisions in any Colorado criminal trial is the decision whether to testify or not to testify on your own behalf.

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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?