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.
10 things to do after you’re arrested
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.
Steele Law Criminal Defense 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.
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 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.
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
There is a warrant for my arrest. Should I turn myself in?
Not before you talk to a lawyer. Turning yourself in is often the right move, because it looks better to the court than being picked up and it can be arranged in a way that gets you a bond hearing faster. But the timing, the court, and what happens when you walk in all matter, and they are easier to manage with someone who has already made the calls. Do not just show up.
Can I explain my side to the police if I know I did nothing wrong?
This is the most common and most costly mistake I see. Officers are not required to be accurate about what they know, your statement is written down by someone building a case, and an innocent explanation that contains one wrong detail becomes an inconsistency the prosecution uses later. You can decline to answer questions and ask for a lawyer without that being used against you. Say that, and say nothing else.
How long will my criminal case take?
Months, usually, and sometimes longer than a year for a serious felony. Misdemeanors tend to move faster than felonies, and cases that resolve early move faster than cases that are contested. Delay is often useful rather than harmful, because it creates time to investigate, to get evaluations completed, and to let a weak case weaken further. Patience is genuinely part of the strategy.
nvolving 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.
Why does my protection order stop me from going home?
Because a mandatory protection order issues in every Colorado domestic violence case at or before the first appearance, and it usually bars contact with the protected person, which can include the home you share. You may be able to arrange a civil standby with law enforcement to retrieve belongings. Do not go back on your own, and do not go because the protected person invited you. That contact is a separate criminal charge.
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
In the meantime, review our 10 things to do once you’ve been arrested.