Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Lawyer

Get Over 100 Years of Experience on Your Side

Don't let a criminal arrest in Colorado ruin your future! If you have been charged with a crime, you are at risk of being forced to pay steep fines and sent to jail or prison, in addition to the fact that you would end up with a conviction on your criminal record, which could make it exceedingly difficult to get hired for a job. The actions you take immediately after an arrest can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of the case.

Take your first step toward beating the charges by contacting a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney from Clawson & Clawson, LLP.

We have more than 100 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of our clients, and we practice in courts up and down the Front Range from Pueblo to Parker and Denver. Our lawyers have even won Best Attorney in 2012 Best of the Springs and Best of Colorado Springs. Our criminal defense attorneys are highly rated and have received numerous honors for their excellent legal service.

Accolades We Have Earned

• “10 Best - Client Satisfaction Award for 2 Years” From American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2015/2016) – Matthew Clawson
• Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® (Only 1% of attorneys in the U.S. are members)
• "Superb" ratings on Avvo (highest ranking possible)
• “National Top 100 Trial Lawyers” (2016) – Matthew Clawson
• “Best Lawyers in America” from Best Lawyers (2017 lucite/plaque) – Michael Clawson
• Best Attorney in Colorado Springs (2012) in the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph's awarded to Attorney Michael Clawson
• “Top 100 Litigation Lawyer of CO” from American Society of Legal Advocates (2016) – Michael Clawson
• “Colorado Springs CO Top 3 Divorce Lawyers” from 3 Best Rated (2016) - Matthew Clawson
• “National Ranking - Top 10 Attorney Award” from National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (2016) – Matthew Clawson
• "Best Lawyer" by the CS Independent (2010, 2012) awarded to Attorney Matthew Clawson
• “Top 100 Litigation Lawyer of CO” from American Society of Legal Advocates (2016) – Matthew Clawson
• “National Top 100 Trial Lawyers” (2016) – Michael Clawson
• Colorado Springs Style "2014 Top Attorneys in Colorado Springs" in the Criminal Law, DUI Law and Family Law categories featured Matthew and Michael Clawson

Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation to discuss the circumstances of your arrest and learn about strategies we can use in your defense.

Hire a Former Prosecutor

Called in for questioning in Colorado?

Many of our clients seek the help of our criminal defense lawyers after they have been arrested or when a loved one is in custody, but others have merely been contacted by investigators. If you have been asked to come in for questioning in relation to a crime, you may think that this is your opportunity to tell your side of the story and clear up the situation.

After all, the investigators seem very friendly and the situation seems very straightforward to you, right? The truth is that you should not assume that the detective is your friend. His or her job is to solve crimes, and the reason you have been contacted is that he or she thinks you did it.

Do you really need to hire a criminal defense attorney?

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys in Colorado Springs

If you go in to tell your story, you will merely be giving the police evidence they can use against you. Even if you don't admit to committing the crime, you may end up helping the police enormously by confirming facts such as that you were at the scene of the crime. Even worse, you might lie to the police, which could get you in even worse trouble. Don't run the risk of incriminating yourself. Inform the detective that you have hired us to represent you, so that we can intervene on your behalf and seek to resolve the situation in your favor.

Contact us our practiced criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible to start building the strong defense you deserve!

Colorado Criminal Defense Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do the police have to read me my rights when I am arrested?

Contrary to popular opinion, the police are NOT required to "read you your rights" when you are arrested. The law states that the reading of the Miranda warnings and the obtaining of the suspect's waiver of those rights are only required when you are in police custody and the police want to ask you questions that are designed to elicit a response that may incriminate you. Many suspects mistakenly believe that their criminal charges will be dismissed and their statements voided because they were not read their Miranda warnings. This is only the case in specific situations, so it is always important to call a criminal defense attorney before you say anything.

Can the police search my home or car without my consent?

No, you are never required to give your consent to a police search. You possess the absolute right to not give consent and you should not back down even if the police are threatening to detain you until a search warrant is procured.

When do the police need a warrant to make an arrest?

The police and other law enforcement agents are allowed to make an arrest legally if they have good reason (known as "probable cause") to believe that a crime has been committed and that you have committed the crime. There is one exception to this rule, however; the police are not allowed to arrest a person at home if the arrest is for a lesser offense and there is no fear that the person will cause harm to the public or destroy evidence.

What is a grand jury?

A grand jury is a group of people who are called together by the prosecutor to gather information about suspected criminal activity. The grand jury typically examines documents and other evidence and listens to testimony from witnesses. Grand juries are often called in for serious drug cases, and it is their decision whether there is enough evidence to put the defendant on trial for the drug charges or not.

Why do I need a lawyer if I am innocent? 

Regardless of whether or not you are innocent, you are facing the possibility of serious, life-changing penalties when you have been charged with a crime. Every criminal defendant needs a skilled attorney who can defend their rights throughout the entire criminal process. The prosecution will be working hard to convict you of the maximum penalties available under the law, and you deserve a legal advocate who will fight for the truth and fight to save your future. Without a criminal defense lawyer on your side, you stand a far greater chance of being convicted.

What is the difference between parole and probation?

Parole is a method by which offenders can complete their criminal sentence of incarceration, whereas probation is a criminal sentence. Many first-time offenders are considered for probation when their offenses are nonviolent or less serious. Probation typically involves suspending a jail or prison sentence in lieu of a more normal life.

A person on probation will have to abide by the terms and conditions of probation, which may include checking in with a probation officer on a weekly basis, attending alcohol treatment or education classes, good driving, and more. Once the probation term is up and the person has completed all of the requirements, he or she will be free of court supervision.

Parole is given to offenders who have been sentenced to a number of years in prison but have been cleared by a parole board for early release. When parole is granted, the offender will have to abide by similar terms to those for probation for a specific period of time until their criminal sentence is discharged.