What Do I Do Now?

If you have just been arrested, or if you found out there is an arrest warrant for you, please call us.

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10 things to do after you’re arrested

Office

It is crucial you remain silent until you have secured legal representation. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. Your best chance at building a good case is to speak with a lawyer before you talk to the police.

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1

Call Steele Law

Call Margaret Steele. Communicate with Ms. Steele everything about the facts and
circumstances of your arrest.

2
2

Take Photos

Take photos of any injuries you have or damage to your property or anything related to the “crime scene.”

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3

Save Everything

Save all text messages, emails, Facebook posts, or statements made by the person accusing you of this crime.

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4

Write It Down

Write down your version of the events while they are fresh in your mind and write down contact information for any potential witnesses that can help you.

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5

Don't Talk Back

Do not respond to any text messages from your accuser or witnesses. A protection order will be in effect.

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6

Keep It To Yourself

Do not share information with other inmates or people you don’t know relating to your arrest.

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7

Shut Down Social Media

Do not post to social media.  Shut down or suspend all social media accounts.

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8

Share it or Back it Up

Send all communications with the accuser to your attorney or save it to the cloud.
Essential evidence is often lost. Back it up.

9
9

Focus on Evidence

The only evidence that matters is evidence that actually exists. Act accordingly.

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10

Be Patient

Quite possibly the hardest thing of all – be patient. This can be a slow process.

Margaret Teigen Steele, P.C., Is Here for You

I'm Margaret Teigen Steele, a criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience defending clients across Colorado. I help clients navigate the cold, confusing criminal justice system with an emphasis on personal attention, zealous representation, and comprehensive guidance and support.

Many of my clients have never set foot inside a jail until now, let alone been accused of a crime. I understand that this world can feel incredibly overwhelming and unfamiliar to you.

Maybe you are a business owner, and your charges are threatening the career you have built. Or maybe you are a parent and need to support your family, both physically and financially.

A criminal conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life, and this is a path you likely never would have expected. Allow me to provide the strong, aggressive, and discreet representation you need.

SteeleBlack

25+

Years Experience

Hear From Past Clients

I value building long-term relationships with my clients, and your future success is extremely important to me.

The Steele Law Difference

You may picture criminal defense attorneys as confrontational and abrupt. I take a different approach—my focus is on helping you gain peace of mind, knowing your case is in experienced, dedicated hands.

Compassionate Yet Aggressive

I understand the scope of emotions you may be feeling. I approach your case aggressively because I care about your outcomes and your future.

Personalized Attention

Steele Law is a boutique law firm where you receive personalized, individual attention. I only take on select cases to ensure full dedication.

Thorough Preparation

Criminal cases are never straightforward. I prepare for all possible outcomes so we are never caught off guard throughout your legal process.

Privacy & Discretion

I handle all cases with the utmost privacy. I understand how charges can affect your reputation and do everything to protect it.

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Transparent Communication

Staying informed helps you feel in control. You can reach me any time via phone, text, or email with questions.

Proven Experience & Results

With years of experience as a former prosecutor and defender, I have a track record of successful outcomes. I leverage this expertise to fight for the best possible resolution in your case.

Representation Across the Denver Metropolitan Area

My legal practice is based in Englewood, CO, but I travel to clients across the greater Denver Metropolitan Area.

If you are located outside of these areas, feel free to reach out to discuss how I can assist you.

Let Me Guide Your Next Steps

If this is your first time dealing with the justice system, you may feel completely out of your wheelhouse. You may not be schooled in Fourth Amendment rights or the nuances of lawful police searches.

"You've had a horrible experience, and you just need to know what to do next.

Reach out to me; I've got you from here."

Request a free, confidential consultation today:

Frequently Asked Questions

I was just charged with a crime; what do I do?

If you were arrested and charged with a crime in Colorado, your very next step should be contacting a lawyer. Experienced legal representation can help you understand your charges and legal obligations to avoid harming your case. They can explain your rights and legal options under Colorado law and represent you in all court appearances. Avoid speaking with anyone else about your case, and contact me as soon as possible.

Are criminal charges public record?

Yes, past arrests and criminal charges are generally accessible to the public in Colorado, except in a few rare cases. This can be highly discouraging if you know you are not guilty of the crime you have been charged with. I can help you explore your options for keeping the case as private and discreet as possible and potentially expunging charges that do not lead to convictions. I also represent clients through the criminal record sealing process.

Do you represent lesbian domestic violence cases?

Yes, I have extensive experience providing legal defense for domestic violence cases involving lesbian couples. I understand the unique considerations of these cases compared to domestic violence in heterosexual relationships. If you are a woman facing accusations of violence against a female partner, now is the time to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney about your legal rights.

What if I have been accused of a crime I didn't commit?

Whether you have already been charged with a crime or law enforcement is investigating you for a potential crime, now is the time to "lawyer up." The prosecution would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the charges against you for you to be convicted. Even if you know you did not commit the crime, the prosecution doesn't agree, and you need aggressive legal representation to convince the judge or jury of your innocence.

Do you handle all types of sexual offenses?

Yes, I represent clients facing any type of sex charges under Colorado law, including charges involving children. I am one of the few attorneys in the area who handle cases involving accusations of child exploitation, distribution of child pornography, communicating with an underage person on the internet, solicitation, and related charges. I understand how such accusations can harm your reputation even without a conviction.

Contact Us

To make sure we’re a good fit, I offer a free consultation on the phone or in person. Contact me in whatever format works best for you – call, text, email, or fill out the form below ↓

Request a Call Back or In-Person Consultation

To get more information and set up a free consultation, fill out the form below.

Address

333 W. HAMPDEN AVE, SUITE 710
ENGLEWOOD, CO 80110