Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney

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When the blue lights flash behind you or a police officer knocks at your door, it can seem like everything stops.

Maybe a night out on Pearl Street ended with a DUI arrest, a heated argument at home spiraled into domestic violence charges, or perhaps a drug or assault accusation appeared out of nowhere.

However it happens, it can seem like a brush with the police now threatens everything you’ve built.

These moments are terrifying. You’re not just worried about fines or jail time. You’re afraid of losing your job, family, and reputation.

When that happens, you don’t need a lecture; you need a Boulder criminal defense attorney who will listen, strategize, and fight to protect your rights.

At Merson Law Office, LLC, we’ve spent over two decades defending people across Boulder County against charges ranging from misdemeanor DUIs to serious felonies.

We know that good people make mistakes or get accused unfairly, and that one moment shouldn’t define your entire life.

Please reach out to our firm online or call (970) 219-2923 today for a free consultation.

The Consequences of a Criminal Case in Colorado

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, criminal convictions in Colorado carry severe penalties. Felony convictions can lead to years or even decades of imprisonment and fines up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A misdemeanor conviction can result in significant consequences, including county jail time, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record that can negatively affect your career and personal life.

Even after a sentence is complete, a conviction can follow you through background checks, employment applications, housing decisions, and professional licensing boards. That’s why your choices today can change everything, especially the Boulder criminal lawyer you choose to represent you.

Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Boulder

Merson Law Office, LLC represents clients in all types of criminal defense cases, from minor misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. Every case gets the same level of dedication and strategic focus.

DUI and DWAI Defense

Driving under the influence or driving while your ability to drive is impaired are among the most common charges in Boulder and are often more complex than they first appear. Even a first-time DUI can result in jail time, license suspension, and steep fines. Repeat or aggravated DUIs can rise to felony-level offenses that could mean years in state prison.

We review every aspect of the arrest, from traffic stop procedures to breath or blood test accuracy. We strive to uncover weaknesses in the State’s case that enable us to fight for a dismissal or a reduction of the charges.

Drug Crimes

Drug charges in Boulder range from simple possession to felony distribution. Colorado’s drug laws make it illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess controlled substances with the intent to sell.

We represent clients accused of possession, distribution, or trafficking of substances ranging from prescription drugs to controlled narcotics. Our successes come from challenging illegal searches, flawed lab testing, or weak circumstantial evidence.

We’ve achieved dismissals and reduced charges for clients whose rights were violated during traffic stops or home searches. If no such violations occurred, we can still challenge the State’s evidence at trial or use such weaknesses to negotiate an advantageous plea bargain.

Assault Charges

Assault charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depend on the severity of any sustained injury and alleged intent. Even a bar fight or intense argument can result in first- or second-degree assault charges. Felony assault convictions can lead to imprisonment, and even misdemeanor convictions can still carry substantial penalties and collateral consequences.

Our defense often focuses on mutual combat, self-defense, or lack of intent, as these are arguments that can drastically change the outcome in Boulder County courts.

Domestic Violence Allegations

A domestic violence charge can upend your life overnight. Colorado defines domestic violence broadly, covering any act or threat of violence against someone with whom you share or have shared an intimate relationship.

Police are required to make an arrest on any domestic violence call and the court system is required to issue a criminal protective order, even before guilt is proven.

We’ve successfully represented clients in domestic cases characterized by false accusations and misinterpreted heated arguments. In some cases, we’ve achieved dismissals when evidence didn’t match the allegations or when statements contradicted police reports. In many cases, we’ve gone to trial and obtained not guilty verdicts in domestic violence cases.

Sexual Assault Defense

Sexual assault is among the most serious and emotionally charged allegations a person can face. These cases often hinge on credibility and evidence interpretation. Sexual assault is classified as a felony and has the potential to result in lengthy prison sentences and mandatory lifetime registration as a sexual offender. Many sexual assault charges carry a possible “indeterminate” prison sentence which could potentially be a life sentence.

We understand that your reputation, career, and freedom are on the line. Our defense work in sexual assault cases involves scrutinizing forensic evidence, consent issues, and inconsistencies in statements to build the strongest defense possible.

Homicide and Serious Felony Defense

Few cases are more complex or life-altering than homicide or other violent felony charges. These cases demand a defense grounded in investigation, forensic analysis, and trial skill. Our firm’s courtroom experience includes defending clients in high-stakes felony trials where acquittals or reductions meant the difference between freedom and decades behind bars.

From vehicular homicide to first-degree murder, we approach each case with focus, preparation, and respect for what’s at stake. From the moment you engage our services, we approach each case with a relentless focus on the details, the careful preparation of every argument, and a deep respect for the impact the case could have on your future.

Felonies vs. Misdemeanors in Colorado

Understanding the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is critical when evaluating what’s at risk:

  • Misdemeanors—common misdemeanor cases like simple assault, petty theft, or first-time DUIs often result in county jail sentences of up to 18 months and fines; and
  • Felonies—can result in lengthy or lifelong prison sentences while negatively impacting firearm ownership, employment, and civil rights.

At our criminal defense law firm, we defend both. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor that threatens your record or a felony that threatens your future, our goal is to build a defense that restores control to your life.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Boulder

The criminal justice system is fast-moving and not always fair. Once charges are filed, prosecutors work to secure convictions, not to understand what actually happened. That’s where your defense lawyer matters most. 

Our seasoned Boulder criminal defense lawyer can:

  • Stop police questioning and protect your constitutional rights,
  • Challenge how evidence was collected and whether procedures were lawful,
  • Push for case dismissals or reduced charges when the proof falls short, and 
  • Persuasively present your case at trial to the judge or a jury.

We build every defense from the ground up, combining legal precision with strategic insight and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

The Merson Law Office Difference

At Merson Law Office, LLC, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter defenses. We carefully analyze the evidence in your case and craft an individual defense tailored to your charges. Attorney James Merson has handled countless criminal cases across Colorado, from misdemeanors to complex felonies. Clients trust him because he’s direct, communicative, and fully committed to getting results. 

Our firm is known for:

  • Proven results in cases involving DUI, drug offenses, and violent crimes;
  • Straightforward communication, we don’t sugarcoat outcomes, we plan for them;
  • Balanced representation, combining compassion for clients with aggressive courtroom advocacy; and
  • Deep local knowledge, built through decades of practice in Boulder County courts.

When your freedom and future are at stake, you deserve a defense team that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.

Let’s Start Shaping Your Defense

Being accused of a crime doesn’t make you guilty or define who you are. But what you do next can shape your future. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have. Merson Law Office, LLC stands ready to fight for you, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome, whether that is a dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, or an advantageous plea bargain. 

Connect with our Boulder defense attorney, who is ready to listen, clarify your options, and craft a personalized strategy that truly meets your needs. 

Get started with a free consultation by calling (970) 219-2923 or filling out our online form today.

FAQs

What Should I Do After Being Arrested in Boulder?

Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you later. Contact a defense lawyer before speaking to police or prosecutors.

Can I Be Charged with a Felony for a First Offense?

Yes. Certain crimes, such as sexual assault, burglary, or distribution of drugs, are felonies even for first-time offenders. Early representation is crucial to avoid life-altering penalties.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Not always. Many criminal cases are resolved through dismissal, diversion, or plea negotiation. However, our firm prepares every case as if it will go before a jury, because that preparation often drives better results.

Can I Get My Record Sealed After My Case Is Over?

Some cases are eligible for record sealing. Working with an experienced attorney can help determine if your case qualifies for record sealing and guide you through the process. A sealed record can significantly impact future employment, housing, and education opportunities. 

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Local Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney?

Local knowledge matters. A Boulder criminal defense law firm familiar with area judges, prosecutors, and procedures can anticipate how your case will be handled and use that insight to your advantage.

Resources:

  • Colorado General Assembly. C.R.S. § 42-4-1307 – DUI penalties, link.
  • Colorado General Assembly. C.R.S. § 18-18-405 – Drug distribution offenses, link.
  • Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Court Order Sealing of Arrests, link.
  • Boulder County. Jail and Alternative Sentencing Programs, link.

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Your Future Is Worth Fighting For

You are more than an accusation. We’ll help you fight back, protect your future, and take the next step forward with confidence.