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Christopher Hunter Cessna
also known as Christopher H. Cessna
About Christopher
Biography
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
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
95%
37 years
Criminal Defense
5%
37 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Colorado for 25 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Office of Christopher H. Cessna
7314 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO, 80002
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Christopher Hunter Cessna's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mark | April 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Lawyer
Our son had some very difficult charges to overcome and with Mr. Cessna's help he is living a very productive life. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you... we can't say it enough!
Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Chris is a terrible lawyer
How about telling the judge, who had no prior knowledge, that I had had a previous DWAI? Thx bc then I had to go to jail for 10 days, instead if probation, which is where the case was headed. I reported him to the BBB. Looks like he’s literally growing bigger (ego as well) with all the money he was...
Posted by Reginald | August 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He is the true definition of G.O.A.T.
He helped me get threw the cas first DUI the put bunch of charges on me Chris did everything in his power to get this dropped he is the greatest of all time that’s a real GOAT recommend him to everybody pleaee wonderful guy and team that works hard
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
True Professional
Mr. Cessna is a true professional in his field, my sincerest gratitude goes to him for my excellent legal representation. Immediately after or first meeting he helped me put my mind at ease and put forth extra time and effort on my behalf. He never promised me any particular results but he did promi...
Posted by Erik | August 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Finding a good lawyer.
I hired Chris because he was straight with me and Was willing to take my case to trail. I would recommend him to anyone with a legal problem If your not willing to plea he is the person I would use.
Christopher Hunter Cessna's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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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Experience
Honors
2002
Appreciation of Law Enforcement Service Plaque, The First Judicial District Office of the District Attorney
1986
Honor Graduate Medal, United States Air Force
Work Experience
2002 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Cessna Law Office, LLC.
1998 - 2002
Deputy District Attorney, Office of the District Attorney
1989 - 1996
Federal Law Enforcement Agent, U.S. Department of the Interior
1987 - 1989
State Law Enforcement Officer (NC, CO), State of N. Carolina and Colorado
Associations
2003 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2002 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense BarMember
2002 - Present
Law Office of Christopher H. CessnaFounding Attorney
2000 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation
Law Clerk
Deputy District Attorney
Prosecuting Attorney
2003 - 2007
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Satisfied Client
Client Found Not Guilty by Jury on all DUI Counts
Education
1999
University of Denver College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
Colorado State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
N/A
The Ohio State University
Transferred to Colorado State University
Speaking Engagements
2021
Federal Bar Association
Trying Serious Bodily Injury & DUI Death Cases,
2019
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Advanced Cross Examination Techniques
2018
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Defending Modern Drug Cases, 11 th Annual Seminar
2018
Colorado Bar Association
DUI and DUID: Advanced Practice
2015
Colorado Bar Association
Criminal Law Jury Instructions and Motions Practice
2015
Colorado Bar Association
Felony DUI: The Law and Penalties
2015
Colorado Bar Association
Anatomy of a DUI Case,
2015
Colorado Bar Association
Criminal Law Spring Update:
2014
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Mastering Scientific Evidence (21 st Annual)
2013
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association
Annual Colorado DUI Conference at Breckenridge
2012
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Mastering Scientific Evidence (19 th Annual)
2012
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
DWI Defense Project Seminar
2011
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association
Guest Speaker/Instructor, Trial Skills Series: Motions Practice
2010
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association
Rocky Mountain High DUID Defense School at 10,000 Feet
2008
Winning Your DUI Case
DUI Defense
2007
How to Fight and Win DUIs/DWIs
Advanced DUI Training
2007
Guest Legal Instructor
How to Prosecute the Bomb-proof DUI Case
2006
Guest Lecturer at University of Denver Law School
DUI Defense and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2004
Police Academy Legal Instructor
Police Report Writing
2003
Police Academy Instructor (Adjunct)
Constitutional Law for Police Officers
2002
Police Academy Instructor (Adjunct)
Police Report Writing
2001
Police Academy Instructor (Adjunct)
Constutional Law
2000
Police Academy Instructor
Constitutional Law
Publications
1998
The Admissability of Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus in Colorado DUI Cases
Appellate Brief Submitted to the Colorado Supreme Court
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I find out if someone had a DUI 20+ years ago?
29 Jun 2010
Q&A
Will DUI charges in Colorado transfer to Iillinois?
25 Jun 2010
Q&A
Can I get a continuance at an arraignment to discuss a plea.
24 Jun 2010
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A DUI LAWYER
22 Jun 2010
Video Legal Guide
How to spot a faulty blood or breath test in your DUI case.
20 Jun 2010
Video Legal Guide
When you have caused an accident in your DUI case
20 Jun 2010