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- Christopher Cessna
Christopher Hunter Cessna
- Arvada, CO
- Licensed for 20 years
- Free consultation
About Christopher
Chris' background, experience and specialized scientific training couldn't better scripted to help you defend your DUI matter. As a former DUI police officer, and prosecutor, and DUI defense attorney for the past 10 years, Chris has extensive experience in every phase and in the role of every player critical to your DUI. This knowledge is vital to properly defending your DUI. Its like having the other team's playbook in your hands before the biggest game of the season.
Before law school, Chris Cessna served as a law enforcement officer for ten years. During this time, he received formal training and experience in conducting DUI investigations through the administration of standardized field sobriety testing and the operation of the intoxilyzer 4011 and 5000.
In 1996, Chris was accepted into the University Of Denver College Of Law. During his law school tenure, Chris served as a law clerk to the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation. After his second year of law school Chris served as an intern deputy district attorney prosecuting traffic cases at trial, and was selected to research, write and submit an appellate brief to the Colorado Supreme Court for its deliberation and consideration on the admissibility of “Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus evidence in DUI cases”
After graduating from law school in 1999, Chris was immediately hired as a full-time deputy district attorney prosecuting DUI cases and trying numerous jury trials involving complex scientific evidence such as breath, blood and other chemical tests.
In 2002, Chris opened his own private practice with a concentration on defending DUI matters. Since that time, Chris’ litigation skills and understanding of the complexities of drinking and driving offenses has resulted in obtaining regular dismissals of drinking and driving charges for his clients either during the pre-trial phase, motions phase or jury trial phase of a case.
The reason Mr. Cessna obtains so many dismissals for his client is because of his extensive background in the formal sciences of breath testing, blood testing and standardized field sobriety testing (SFST). Always ask any attorney you may be thinking of retaining about their background in the science of breath, blood and SFST testing. You will find that only a rare handful of attorneys handling DUI matters have this vital, but necessary experience. If the attorney you are interviewing doesn't have this background - how will they beat the blood, breath or SFST evidence the government is planning on using against you?
Practice areas
- DUI and DWI: 95%
31 years
- Criminal defense: 5%
Although we selectively handle "political" crimes such as DUI and Domestic Violence, we will take any criminal case if the case has a special interest for us.
31 years
Languages spoken
English
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Contact
The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna
7314 Ralston Road
Arvada, CO, 80002
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO | Active | 2000 | 09/29/2020 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Appreciation of Law Enforcement Service Plaque | The First Judicial District Office of the District Attorney | 2002 |
| Honor Graduate Medal | United States Air Force | 1986 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney/Owner | Cessna Law Office, LLC. | 2002 - Present |
| Deputy District Attorney | Office of the District Attorney | 1998 - 2002 |
| Federal Law Enforcement Agent | U.S. Department of the Interior | 1989 - 1996 |
| State Law Enforcement Officer (NC, CO) | State of N. Carolina and Colorado | 1987 - 1989 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| National College of DUI Defense | Member | 2003 - Present |
| Colorado Criminal Defense Bar | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna | Founding Attorney | 2002 - Present |
| Colorado Bar Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation | Law Clerk | N/A |
| Deputy District Attorney | Prosecuting Attorney | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2003 - 2007 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Admissability of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus in Colorado DUI Cases | Appellate Brief Submitted to the Colorado Supreme Court | 1998 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Denver College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1999 |
| Colorado State University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1987 |
| The Ohio State University | Transferred to Colorado State University | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Your DUI Case | DUI Defense | 2008 |
| How to Fight and Win DUIs/DWIs | Advanced DUI Training | 2007 |
| Guest Legal Instructor | How to Prosecute the Bomb-proof DUI Case | 2007 |
| Guest Lecturer at University of Denver Law School | DUI Defense and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing | 2006 |
| Police Academy Legal Instructor | Police Report Writing | 2004 |
| Police Academy Instructor (Adjunct) | Constitutional Law for Police Officers | 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Police Academy Instructor (Adjunct) | Police Report Writing | 2002 |
| Police Academy Instructor (Adjunct) | Constutional Law | 2001 |
| Police Academy Instructor | Constitutional Law | 2000 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| People v. Satisfied Client | Client Found Not Guilty by Jury on all DUI Counts |
True Professional
Posted by anonymous
Fri Jan 19 2018
Finding a good lawyer.
Posted by Erik
Mon Aug 14 2017
Amazing attorney
Posted by Kris
Sun Aug 13 2017
Cessna Law - Excellent
Posted by anonymous
Wed Apr 05 2017
A very responsive lawyer
Posted by Mary
Thu May 05 2016
Chris Cessna DUI law pitbull
Posted by anonymous
Mon Mar 03 2014
A GREAT LAWYER FOR DUI
Posted by Chris
Sun Mar 02 2014
The best and most honest man that wins cases!
Posted by Bob
Thu Feb 27 2014
Excellent
Posted by anonymous
Tue Nov 26 2013
Christopher Cessna
Posted by anonymous
Wed Aug 18 2010
Advertising
Attorney endorsements
(38)Carrie Vonachen, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 2, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I unequivocally endorse Mr. Cessna. When a client is charged with a DUI, there are typically two options: plead guilty or go to trial. Unfortunately, most attorneys are too willing and eager to have their clients plead guilty. In contrast, Mr. Cessna will evaluate every possible defense and he does not hesitate to go to trial. The prosecution offices throughout the State know that a DUI conviction is far from certain when Mr. Cessna is the defense attorney. He is also a well respected expert in the defense community. Whenever I have a legal question or I need help with trial strategy, Mr. Cessna is the first attorney I call.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
I endorse this lawyer.
S Kianpour, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 2, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mr. Cessna is knowledgeable, easy to talk to and adept in his field. We worked on a case as counsel defending co-defendants and he did excellent work on the case!
Christopher Leroi, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Cessna is simply an exceptional attorney who I would recommend to everyone and anyone. I am a former judge, former magistrate, former prosecutor, and an attorney with 24 years of experience. I still learn from his answers on Avvo on a daily basis and I am constantly impressed.
Daniel Mossinghoff, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 23, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Chris Cessna for sometime. He is an excellent and nationally recognized DUI defense attorney. I have witnessed first-hand is commanding knowledge of all the forensic science in a DUI case and how he effectively uses that knowledge to destroy the prosecution's case. His experience as a former police officer and a prosecutor also add a great deal to his representation of his clients--especially at trial.
Colin Murphy, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with Chris in completing the NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing certification course in Denver. He has a keen understanding of how to challenge these roadside coordination exercises. I know he puts this specialized knowledge to work in skillfully defending the accused drinking driver.
David Brengle, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Cessna is a leader in the national DWI defense bar. He is in constant contact with the best DWI attorneys across the nation. He consistently attends the best training available for DWI/DUI defense lawyers. Moreover, his experience as a police officer gives him a unique perspective in defending DWI/DUI cases. Attorney Cessna is a credit to the profession, and I endorse his work enthusiastically.
Charles Sifers, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 5, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've known Chris for quite a while now, and it is a true pleasure to endorse his work. Very few lawyers have taken the time or given the level of effort to master his craft as has Chris, and that he applies this same focus to each case in his office is what sets him apart from the crowd.
Christian Lassen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jay Tiftickjian, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 31, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyers work as I have learned a lot from Chris over the years. Chris's experience as a peace officer prior to his career as a criminal defense attorney gives him valuable experience not found in other attorneys. Chris and I are members of the National College For DUI Defense, an exclusive group of attorneys that coordinate and learn from each other throughout the country. He is known as one of the best DUI attorneys in Colorado, and is also recognized on the national circuit.
Franz Frechette, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Chris' work. Chris is not only an incredibly knowledgeable attorney, he truly goes to bat for his clients like few others do. Whenever I have a question about a particular case of mine, I have turned to Chris Cessna to help me through the issue. His insights are unmatched and his instincts are always spot on and impeccable.
Shawn Dominy, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 29, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I know Chris through the National College for DUI Defense. I am impressed with his knowledge and experience. More impressive, however, is his dedication to his clients: nobody fights for their clients with more tenacity than Chris Cessna.
Kenneth Bossin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Tracey Wood, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 25, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris Cessna is one of the select group of attorneys in the nation who know how to defend an alcohol related case with excellence. I've known him through the National College for Dui Defense, and he has a stellar reputation. If you are seeking an attorney in this area for a Colorado case, you should hire him.
Leonard Harden, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 23, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris and I have attend national trainings and seminars. We have literally torn apart a breath machine and put it back together. I know Chris is a creative, hardworking and tireless DWI lawyer. I respect his skill, knowledge and intelligence, call him if you need a DWI lawyer. I endorse this lawyer's work.
Robert Rehkemper, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 22, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is a warrior for justice! I have gotten to know Chris through the National College of DUI Defense of which he is an indispensible and active contributing member. He distinguishes himself through his superior knowledge of both the law and science. His enthusiasm for providing a zealous and effective defense for those charged with drunk driving offenses is contagious and inspiring. If you or a loved one is charged with drunk driving in the Denver Colorado area, there is nobody better!
Todd La Neve, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is just flat out a great advocate for his clients. He is absolutely dedicated to his craft and knows the law and science as well as any defense attorney out there, and knows more than most prosecutors. Chris puts in the time and effort to make a difference in the lives of those who choose to hire him, and he is a man of absolutely impeccable character to go along with his skills. I would trust a member of my family in Chris's hands if ever in need in Colorado. You should be confident in trusting your own needs to Chris as well.
William Bly, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've known Chris Cessna for a number of years now. Chris's knowledge of DUI law and police science is without equal in Colorado. As a fellow member of the National College of DUI Defense, I am in contact with Chris on a regular basis. Chris's contributions to the NCDD throughout the years have been tremendous. Many new lawyers have benefited from his insights in handling DUI cases. As a former law enforcement officer, there is no one in Colorado better suited to defend a DUI case than Chris Cessna. If I found myself in hot water for a DUI in Colorado, Chris Cessna's office is the first phone call I would make.
James Balagia, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have maintained a professional relationship with Chris Cessna for a number of years after meeting him at one of the nations top DWI Seminars. Chris and I connected immediately due to our mutual past law enforcement careers. Having worked as law enforcement officers gives us a tremendous advantage over all but a handful of criminal defense attorneys nationwide. I appreciate the total dedication that Chris shows his clients by attending and participating in continuing legal education. Chris goes beyond the call by attaining certifications in the areas most important to our field of law. I can personally attest to Chris' character, honesty and integrity. I am the Texas DWI Dude and I have one name on my referral list for the Denver area and that name is Chris Cessna. You can bank on that.
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