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.
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Why Can't OI Just Talk To The Judge?
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

The question – “why can’t I just talk directly to the Judge,” is often asked of me by my clients in Colorado criminal cases.

The reason is found at the heart of the sanctity of the criminal justice system itself… basic fairness. With very few exceptions, any contact by a “party” to a civil or criminal case requires the other side being present. If the other side is not present, it is called an “ex parte” contact. An ex parte contact violates the very foundation of the justice system because that contact is inherently unfair to the party not present.

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Law Of Jurisdiction In Colorado

Can I Be Prosecuted In The State Of Colorado?- Jurisdiction Issues

By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer – Specialist

The question often arises as to whether a person, who is targeted with the commission of a Colorado criminal act, can be prosecuted in the state of Colorado. This question raises the issue known as the jurisdiction of the court to “hear” to prosecute a criminal case.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

The-Power-Of-A-Colorado-Trial-Judge-To-Exclude-Evidence--300x300The Right To Present Defense At A Criminal Trial

The rules of evidence have the potential to be used by the District Attorney in your criminal case to keep out your defense from the jurors deciding your case.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Probation Violations Based On The Commission A New Crime - And “Biased” JudgesTwo Types Of Colorado Probation Violations

The two basic types of probation violations are technical violations and violations based upon the commission of new crimes. Judges who sentence Defendants in the latter type of cases often express disappointment that reflects their regret that by granting probation they “took a chance” on the Defendant and that risk was a mistake.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Colorado Prescription Fraud Cases - C.R.S. 18-18-415Prescription Fraud crimes in Colorado under C.R.S. 18-18-415 are becoming more common in a time when an opioid addiction crisis is gripping the nation.

The crime, commonly referred to as “script fraud” basically consists of using fraud, deceit, or forgery to obtain prescription drugs. It is a Class Four Drug Felony (DF-4) and brings with it a possible sentence of up to 12 months in jail and/or a $100,000.00 fine.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Colorado Right To A Speedy TrialSpeedy trial – Simplified

The Sixth Amendment Protects The Right To A Speedy Trial

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Taking Your Blood In Colorado Criminal Cases - Involuntary Warrantless Blood Draws
The question of whether law enforcement can take your blood involuntarily in an alcohol-related criminal case is a critically important case to understand.  The involuntary taking of blood from an individual by the State calls into question serious and important issues of constitutional law.

Taking involuntary blood samples involves a compelled physical intrusion beneath the subject’s skin and into his veins for use as evidence in a criminal investigation. This kind of invasion of bodily integrity implicates an individual’s most deeply held expectations of privacy.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Understanding Colorado's Domestic Violence Relinquishment Of Guns LawIf you have been charged with Domestic Violence in Colorado – most likely you will be required to divest possession of any guns and or ammunition you may have in your home or automobile.

On the restraining order form you will be required to sign in open court is the following paragraph:

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First Some Basic 4th Amendment Search and Seizure Law

Colorado Dog Sniff Search LawA Dog Sniff Alone Is NOT A Search Under State And Federal Law

The Federal and State Constitutions give people the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. U.S. Const. amend. IV; Colo. Const. art. II, § 7; A warrantless search is presumptively unreasonable, violating the Fourth Amendment unless it falls under an exception to the requirement

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer – Attorney

Colorado Criminal Law - Post Verdict Bail Now Denied In Certain Domestic Violence Cases-1Colorado Criminal Law – Post Verdict Bail Now Denied In Certain Domestic Violence Cases – The denial of bail in Colorado occurs only in the most extreme criminal cases and usually under the most extreme circumstances.

That list of crimes now that include the denial of bail following conviction in certain criminal cases will expand on August 9, 2019 to include certain Colorado Domestic Violence convictions such as Felony Stalking.

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