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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Search and Seizure Law Have You Been Seized by A Police OfficerBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – What Does It Mean to be Seized?

The phrase “search and seizure” is very familiar to most Americans, but a clear understanding by most of us of the moment when one is constitutionally “seized” – is a different question and is the subject of this brief piece.

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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.

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The Colorado Deferred Judgement and the Split PleaBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

Estimates of the number of criminal cases settled by agreement – a plea bargain – are somewhere between 90 and 95 percent of all cases across the country.

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When a Police Investigatory Stop Crosses the Line
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Your Rights Under the Fourth Amendment

While I have written on this subject before, a recent Colorado case, People v. Oliver (2020) has reminded me of the critically important reasons why each of us should know and understand our rights to privacy.

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Comfort Dogs, the Courts, and Colorado Criminal Law
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

An Introduction to Comfort Dogs

Many criminal defense lawyers view “comfort dogs,” specially trained dogs that accompany alleged victims of crime or any witness to the stand when they testify at trial, as a play for sympathy. I disagree.

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Cell Phone Searches and Seizures Under Colorado Law
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Basic Law -Your Right to Privacy – The Fourth Amendment

To fully understand when and under circumstances law enforcement may search your cell phone, one must start with an understanding of your basic rights under the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unlawful searches and seizures.

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Colorado Self Defense Law - Stand Your Ground
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – No Duty to Retreat to the Wall – Right to Stand Your Ground

In a recent case, People v. Sheila Renee Monroe, the Colorado Supreme Court reversed a guilty verdict in a homicide case because the prosecutor argued, in response to the defendant’s assertion that she acted in self-defense, that the defendant had a duty to retreat before using deadly force.

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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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Danger Zone - Suspended Sentences and Colorado Probation ViolationsBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

What is a Suspended Sentence?

Sentencing law in Colorado criminal cases can be complex.

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Lawyer - Client Decisions in Criminal Cases -Who Decides What? - A GuideBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction

If you are charged with a crime in Colorado understanding the exact nature of the professional relationship between you and your Colorado criminal lawyer is important to achieving the best possible result in your case. Turning over the reigns and placing complete trust in your lawyer can be very difficult at this frightening time in your life.

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