Criminal Law Practice Areas
Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with experience across a wide range of practice areas. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you may feel overwhelmed by the criminal justice system and the road ahead of you. Consulting our criminal defense attorney can provide you with a clear path forward.
Explore our criminal law practice areas below, then request a consultation to discuss your case privately with our experienced attorney at Steele Law Criminal Defense
Domestic Violence
In Colorado, domestic violence is not a standalone criminal offense but is instead a sentencing enhancement or an aggravating factor to another crime. Domestic violence accusations could increase the penalty for other crimes committed against a partner. Allow our law firm to build a strategic defense to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Restraining Orders
Whether you are facing a restraining order filed against you or accusations of violating an existing order, our criminal lawyer can help. We handle Colorado cases involving both civil and criminal restraining orders.
Assault and Menacing
Assault and menacing charges can encompass misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the alleged act. If a deadly weapon is used, charges can be escalated to a Class 5 felony. Start preparing your defense today with the help of our seasoned criminal lawyer.
Probation Revocations
If you have been accused of violating your probation terms, having an attorney represent you at the court hearing can be highly beneficial. Your legal counsel can conduct an investigation into your probation file and argue on your behalf at the hearing.
DUI/DWAI/DUID
Charges involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to significant consequences for your driving privileges, employment, housing, and more, even after completing a sentence. Start preparing for litigation from day one with an attorney experienced in DUI/DWAI/DUID cases.
Traffic and DMV Hearings
Traffic offenses sometimes involve both criminal cases and DMV hearings. Having an attorney on your side through both processes can help you advocate for your rights and interests.
Vehicular Assault/Homicide
Certain driving offenses resulting in injury or death can lead to aggravated charges. Our attorney serves clients charged with vehicular assault and homicide, providing empathetic legal defense and trial advocacy.
Sealing Criminal Records
You may have the opportunity to seal criminal records after a certain amount of time to prevent them from interfering with your housing, career, and other opportunities. Speak with Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele about whether you may qualify.
Gun Charges
Gun charges in Colorado can range from misdemeanors to felonies and can aggravate other violent crimes and drug cases. Our experienced criminal law attorney can help you navigate the legal system after these and other charges.
Consult Our Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Do you need legal representation in any of these criminal law practice areas or require legal guidance outside of these categories?
Request a consultation with Steele Law Criminal Defense today at 303-907-1504 to learn how we can assist you.
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 Criminal Defense 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 Criminal Defense 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Colorado?
Felonies carry potential prison time in a state facility and are graded from class 1 down to class 6, with separate levels for drug felonies. Misdemeanors carry county jail time instead, capped at 364 days for a class 1 and 120 days for a class 2. The practical difference goes beyond the sentence: a felony conviction costs you firearm rights and voting rights while incarcerated.
Do you handle both municipal and county court cases?
Yes. Which court hears your case depends on what you are charged with and where it happened. City ordinance violations and many traffic matters go to a municipal court such as Englewood Municipal Court. State law misdemeanors and felonies go to county or district court, which for Arapahoe County means the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial. The procedures differ, and so do the consequences.
What if my charge is not listed on your site?
Call anyway. The pages here cover what I handle most often, not everything I handle. I also defend white collar charges such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering, and I work on professional license exposure alongside the criminal case. If a charge falls outside what I take on, I would rather tell you that in a fifteen minute call and point you somewhere useful than have you keep searching.
Will my case go to trial, or will it end in a plea?
Most criminal cases in Colorado resolve without a trial, through dismissal, diversion, a deferred judgment, or a negotiated plea. That does not mean a case should be treated as a plea from day one. Preparing a case as though it will be tried is what creates leverage to negotiate, and it means you are ready if the offer never gets good enough to accept.
Can I be charged with more than one crime from a single incident?
Yes, and it is common. One arrest often produces several counts, because the same conduct can violate multiple statutes and because prosecutors frequently charge broadly and negotiate down later. A domestic violence arrest might include assault, harassment, and criminal mischief counts at once. The number of charges on the paperwork is not a measure of how strong the case against you is.
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.
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
To get more information and set up a free consultation, fill out the form below.
Steel Law Criminal Defense
333 W. HAMPDEN AVE, SUITE 710
ENGLEWOOD, CO 80110
In the meantime, review our 10 things to do once you’ve been arrested.