Colorado District Attorneys

Learn about Colorado's district attorneys and how to contact your region's prosecutor below.

Communicating With the Prosecution

If you've been charged with a crime—whether related to child abuse, mental health issues, or any other offense—it's important to know that the prosecutor in your case is not on your side. It doesn't matter how cordial they may appear.

The U.S. criminal justice system prioritizes the civil rights of individuals but remains adversarial. This means the prosecutor's objective is to build a case against you while you, guided by your criminal defense attorney, take care of your legal representation.

Although the prosecutor is your adversary, it doesn't mean that you and your defense team should never talk to the prosecution.

If you're represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney, discussions with the district attorney's office often reveal the prosecution's case strategy. These discussions also mention the evidence they plan to use in their case. So, for example, if the case involves witness testimony, your attorney can work on discrediting that witness and their testimony.

It also may be helpful to communicate with the prosecution because of the prospect of obtaining a plea bargain. A plea deal means you agree not to contest the case or certain facts of the case. In return, the prosecutor agrees to dismiss certain charges or seek reduced charges or penalties.

Plea negotiations are sensitive discussions. They should only be held with the advice and assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. After all, if you don't reach a deal, any admissions you make during negotiations could haunt you at trial.

Public Defenders

The Colorado State Public Defender provides legal help to people charged with a crime in Colorado state court who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

If you're in custody and facing felony or misdemeanor charges, the Colorado court automatically qualifies you for court-appointed legal representation. If you aren't in custody, you need to apply for a public defender. Income and asset standards must be met. You must give the court a form detailing your income, expenses, assets, and household size. If you meet the income eligibility criteria, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you in your criminal case.

Some people worry that public defenders aren't “real" attorneys. However, the state of Colorado licenses public defenders to act as attorneys. They are members of the state's bar association. Public defenders are Colorado criminal defense lawyers and often have years of experience handling Colorado criminal cases.

Those accused of criminal offenses under federal law who can't afford an attorney can get a Colorado federal public defender. Federal public defenders represent defendants who cannot afford private counsel in U.S. District Courts and federal appellate courts. This includes offenses such as:

• Federal drug charges
• Interstate fraud
• Immigration crimes
• Violations of U.S. federal statutes
• Federal appeals

Like state public defenders, federal public defenders are well-versed in defense law.

Juvenile Legal Representation

Minors detained by law enforcement and placed in facilities are represented by court-appointed counsel at detention hearings. This is the case unless private counsel is retained.

Civil Legal Services

Legal advocacy is available for those who need help with civil legal matters and can't afford an attorney. Colorado Legal Services provides free legal help for Colorado residents with low incomes. They don't handle criminal cases. They provide help with civil cases, including:

• Family
• Domestic violence
• Housing
• Identity theft
• Tax
• Immigration matters

Colorado Attorney General

The Colorado Attorney General (A.G.) serves as the chief legal officer for the state of Colorado. The A.G. upholds and ensures the lawful administration of justice within Colorado. They provide legal counsel to state agencies, defend the state's interests in court, enforce consumer protection and antitrust laws, and oversee the state's district attorneys and the Colorado Department of Law.

The Attorney General also addresses other issues like consumer fraud, environmental protection, and civil rights.

Directory of Colorado District Attorneys

The DA offices in Colorado are broken up into 22 judicial districts incorporating all of Colorado's counties. Below are links to the Colorado D.A. offices by district, as well as some County Attorney offices.

Note: Although we strive to provide the most current contact and website information available for the D.A. offices in this state, this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.

Get Legal Help With Your Criminal Case in Colorado

Just because you're facing criminal charges doesn't mean the case against you is strong. Sometimes, prosecutors overcharge a case or seek charges that go beyond the weight of the evidence to pressure a defendant into a plea bargain. Don't fight your case alone. Contact a Colorado criminal defense attorney who can provide legal advice and be your advocate at trial or during plea negotiations.