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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KW: Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer,Why, You Really DON’T Want a Pitbull Lawyer,By H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Why You Really DON’T Want a Pitbull Lawyer

After practicing of criminal law on both sides of the courtrooms of Colorado for the last 40 years I have learned a few things. One of those things is that the popular media-driven image of a bulldog-like attorney who barks and snaps at everyone in the system with the sole intention of impressing an audience of one – their client – poses a danger to that client of major proportions.

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The-I-Drank-So-Much-I-Blacked-Out-Defense-Involuntary-Intoxication-The-Law-Part-2-1-300x169By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Involuntary Intoxication – The Law

In Part 1 of this series I addressed voluntary intoxication as a defense to Colorado criminal charges. This article now focuses on defending a criminal charge based on involuntary intoxication – for example – where the accused is secretly drugged or otherwise forced to consume substances involuntarily (without their consent) and in that state of mind commits criminal acts.

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The “I Drank So Much I Blacked Out “ Defense - Voluntary Intoxication - The LawBy H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Blacking Out From Alcohol, Drugs Or Both

“Qui peccat ebrius, luat sobrius.”

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Housing Laws That Protect Alleged VictimsBy H. Michael Steinberg – Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Colorado’s Domestic Violence Housing Laws

Colorado Law, as well as many other states, provides protection for those individuals who claim to be victims of domestic violence and live in rental units. Under this law, a tenant who has been a victim of domestic violence may terminate their lease agreement before it expires providing a right for the alleged victim – (even in the absence of a conviction of the alleged perpetrator of the domestic violence) – to leave the rental unit without any further obligation to the landlord or the lease agreement.

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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 2022, 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.

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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.

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By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer

FINAL-How-Can-I-Get-My-Property-Back-from-the-Police-in-Colorado-300x200Introduction

In many Colorado criminal cases – property belonging to the accused is seized and held as evidence. When the case is over the questions often asked are: can I get my property back and what is the procedure used to return non-contraband personal property?

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Theft by Colorado Contractors - 38-22-127 - the Trust Law
By H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Theft Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer

An Introduction to Understanding the “Theft by Colorado Contractors Law”- Section 38-22-127

A potential landmine that can lead to felony criminal theft charges for Colorado general and/or subcontractors lies in Colorado’s Construction Trust Fund Statute C.R.S. Section 38-22-127 (the Trust Statute).

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Colorado School Searches: An Increase in the Protection of Student’s Privacy Rights
H. Michael Steinberg Colorado Juvenile Rights Criminal Defense Lawyer

Introduction – Illegal Colorado School Searches

An important decision by the Colorado Court of Appeals in 2021, In the Interest of C.C.-S, for the first time applied the protections of the exclusionary rule to violations of a juvenile’s constitutional rights that were the result of an illegal search and seizure by Colorado school officials.

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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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