Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fort Collins, CO
DUI, underage drinking, drug, and assault arrests in Fort Collins lead to Larimer County charges that can affect school and work. A Colorado-licensed criminal defense attorney handling Fort Collins cases will review the charges free.
- Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
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Free Fort Collins criminal defense case review
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How we match your Fort Collins criminal defense case
When you submit a Fort Collins criminal defense matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.
Case type
A criminal defense matter needs someone who handles criminal defense work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.
Size and complexity
Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.
Jurisdiction and licensing
Your matter is decided under Colorado law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Colorado who regularly appears where your case would be heard.
Capacity and fit
Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.
Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.
DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.
Criminal Defense cases in Fort Collins
More about legal help in Fort Collins →With Colorado State University, a busy Old Town bar district, and heavy traffic enforcement along College Avenue, Mulberry, and the I-25 corridor, Fort Collins sees a steady stream of DUI, minor-in-possession, assault, theft, and drug charges. Cases are prosecuted by the Eighth Judicial District Attorney's Office, with felonies handled in Larimer County District Court and misdemeanors and traffic offenses in county court. A conviction can affect student status, professional licensing, and immigration consequences, so what happens at the first appearances matters. DearLegal matches you with a Colorado-licensed attorney who handles criminal defense cases in Fort Collins, with a free review.
- Fort Collins felony cases are handled in Larimer County District Court; misdemeanors and traffic cases go to county court.
- Charges are prosecuted by the Eighth Judicial District Attorney's Office covering Larimer County.
- Some conduct, including federal offenses or cases arising on federal land, is charged in federal court in Colorado instead.
Colorado criminal defense rules at a glance
Fort Collins cases run under Colorado law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Colorado page.
Read the full Colorado criminal defense guide →- Felony Statute of Limitations
No limit
No limit for murder, kidnapping, treason, and most sex offenses; 3 years for most felonies (C.R.S. § 16-5-401)
- Misdemeanor Statute of Limitations
18 months
18 months for most misdemeanors (C.R.S. § 16-5-401(1)(a)(II))
- Sentencing Structure
Presumptive sentencing
Presumptive sentencing under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401, with extraordinary mitigating/aggravating ranges; mandatory aggravated terms for crimes of violence (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-406)
- Expungement / Record Sealing
Clean Slate
Clean Slate Act (HB 22-1326, C.R.S. § 24-72-701 et seq., 2022) — automatic sealing of many misdemeanors and Class 4/5/6 felonies after waiting periods; petition-based sealing for others under C.R.S. § 24-72-705/706
- Bail / Pretrial Release
Bail set
Bail set under C.R.S. § 16-4-101 et seq.; HB 21-1280 (2021) eliminated cash bail for many low-level offenses; Colorado Pretrial Risk Assessment Tool used statewide
- Typical attorney fee
Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee
Exhibit D
How much do Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys cost?
Typical fee schedule
Colorado · Criminal Defense
Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.
Criminal Defense matters in Colorado are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.
Criminal defense attorneys in Colorado work on hourly or flat-fee retainers — contingency fees are prohibited in criminal cases under Colo. RPC 1.5(d) and ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Misdemeanors and most felonies are flat-fee; complex cases (homicide, sex offenses with lifetime supervision, federal, multi-count) use hourly billing with substantial retainers. The Colorado Office of the State Public Defender represents indigent defendants statewide and is regarded as one of the strongest PD offices in the country.
A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.
Exhibit F
Fort Collins criminal defense questions, answered
Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Colorado attorney will review it for free.
Criminal Defense attorneys by city in Colorado
Same Colorado rules and the same attorneys — with what’s local to each city.
