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 Uncategorized

Published on:

by

When-Reasonable-Doubt-Was-Changed-Colorado-Crim-Law-Update-300x200By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Burden of Proof In Colorado Criminal Cases

In December of 2023, in a move that shocked many in the Colorado criminal justice system, the Colorado Supreme Court Model Criminal Jury Instructions Committee (the Committee), notwithstanding decades of approval of the previous definition, changed one of the most critical jury instructions read to Colorado juries in criminal case – the definition of beyond a reasonable doubt.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

restitution,probation,Colorado,time to pay, good cause to extend probationIntroduction – Colorado Restitution Law – Extending Probation to Pay Unpaid Restitution

There are many Colorado criminal cases in which the restitution order – the amount of restitution ordered by the Judge – far exceeds the ability of a Defendant to make the total payments necessary to fulfill that Court’s order.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Colorado Law - Plain View and Unlabeled Prescription Bottles
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Limits on the “Plain View Exception” to the 4th Amendment’s Requirement for a Search Warrant

Both the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article II, section 7 of the Colorado Constitution prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures. Any analysis of an alleged violation of your Fourth Amendment rights begins with an understanding of what the right actually protects – your right to privacy, …for the government to leave you alone.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Colorado Decision Ends Mixed Sentences - Prison then Probation
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – A Massively Important Decision for Colorado Criminal Law

In late 2019 the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously decided Allman v People. The holding of the case was simple – “mixed sentences,”– sentences in the same case that imposed prison followed by probation, were illegal both prospectively, and retroactively.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

The-Criminal-Defense-Lawyer-the-Mental-Health-Professional-Different-Roles-rev-300x145
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Your Criminal Defense Lawyer is a Lawyer

There is no question that a person charged with a crime in Colorado is under enormous stress that can affect the mental and physical health of that person, as well as family and even close friends. Further, relationships at work or at school can also be impacted by a criminal charge to include the financial strains of funding the defense of the case.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Understanding Colorado’s Child Abuse Laws Can Be Challenging- 18-6-401
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

The nightmare of  a child’s criminal charge is compounded when, as a parent, you are also criminally charged for your child’s acts.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

The Impossible Defense of Impossibility in ColoradoBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

The complexities of successfully defending a Colorado criminal case require a thorough and comprehensive review of any and all of the possible legal defenses available for the case at hand. One of those defenses that should be explored is the defense of impossibility.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Colorado Crimes - Threats to Judges 18-8-615 and Prosecutors 18-8-616By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

There is a complex world of laws that create a somewhat hard to define line between the exercise of a person’s right to free speech in criticizing and making a credible threat made to that judge or prosecutor.

On one side of the line is a First Amendment-protected angry remark about how the judge or prosecutor handled a specific case. On the other side of the line lies serious Colorado felonies that punish so-called “unprotected speech.”

Continue reading
Published on:

by

Is an Offer to Take A Polygraph Admissible as Evidence at a Colorado Criminal Trial?By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – The Polygraph Test

I have written about polygraphs in the past but it is a subject that comes up quite often – especially in cases where the evidence against my clients is somewhat weak.

Continue reading
Published on:

by

A Close Look At The Colorado Crime of Stalking - 18-3-602By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

While I have previously written on the Colorado crime of stalking,  the crime is charged more and more commonly in Colorado and a deeper understanding of this complex crime is needed.

Stalking is a unique and relatively “new” crime whose elements are somewhat unusual and therefore equally unique to defend. This article closely explores the crime of stalking and issues surrounding both prosecuting and defending stalking cases in the courts of Colorado.

Continue reading