Douglas I Richards
About Douglas
Biography
Doug has been an Assistant United States Attorney and Assistant District Attorney. Now that he is in private practice, Doug is one of Colorado’s most experienced and acclaimed criminal defense lawyers. AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, with a perfect 10.0 / “Superb” rating by AVVO, Doug has been chosen as a “Rising Star” for several years—a distinction limited to 2.5% of Colorado’s practicing attorneys under the age of 40. In 2018 and 2019, he was recognized as a Colorado Super Lawyer for White Collar law. He is a recipient of “The Client’s Choice” Award and has been chosen to appear in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
As an Assistant United States Attorney, Doug was responsible for investigating and prosecuting international criminal travel networks, drug trafficking organizations, white-collar crime, threats to national security, and public corruption. In 2010 Doug received the FBI Director’s Award from then FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III.
Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Doug had been an award-winning Assistant District Attorney (ADA) with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas. During his tenure there, he tried more than 70 criminal jury trials, including prosecutions of murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assaults of adults and children, kidnapping, DUI and drug possession.
Recognized as a star within the DA’s office, Doug was chosen to work in the Vehicular Crimes Division. As a prosecutor, Doug’s responsibilities for these cases would often begin in the middle of the night, at the scene of a fatal crash. Along the way, Doug would direct officers and crash investigators through collecting and preserving evidence, drafting search warrants, and preparing the case for grand jury indictment or court. For this work, Doug received awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2007 and 2008.
In addition to working his own cases, Doug trained prosecutors and police on matters of law and procedure. He was responsible for addressing others’ mistakes when they erred. He perfected the art of drafting a successful, “airtight” warrant, having personally drafted hundreds of search and arrest warrants, and reviewed countless others. Doug has brought all of this experience into his private practice, allowing him to quickly identify any deficiencies, inaccuracies, and mischaracterizations in a prosecutor’s case.
Doug is also a legal analyst and commentator, and has appeared in a number of print and broadcast outlets both locally and nationwide. These include USA Today, the Detroit Free Press, Fox News, the Dallas Observer, the Houston Chronicle, Enid News & Eagle, as well as a number of Denver-based news affiliates.
Doug is admitted to practice in all Colorado and Texas state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for Colorado and the Western District of Texas, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
21 years
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Kansas for 1 year
State: Kansas
Acquired: 2024
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Mexico for 2 years
State: New Mexico
Acquired: 2023
No misconduct found
Licensed in Wyoming for 2 years
State: Wyoming
Acquired: 2023
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 15 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 21 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Richards | Carrington, LLC
1444 Blake Street, Denver, CO, 80202
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Douglas I Richards's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
20 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 12 of 12 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by anonymous | November 22, 2013 | Criminal Defense
The best criminal law attorney in Colorado
When I hired Doug Richards, I was in a situation where I really didn't know what to do. I'd hired an attorney, but was unsatisfied with their work and their responsiveness on my case. I'd had some speeding tickets, and so forth, but never been in a position to hire a criminal attorney, nor did I thin...
Posted by diane Nagler | January 27, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Expert in all things legal!
Doug is one of the best attorneys I've had the pleasure to work with. He is attentive, accessible, and highly skilled both in the court room and at the negotiating table. I highly recommend Doug for your legal needs.
Douglas I Richards's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Douglas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Doug is a tireless attorney with a genuine zeal for criminal defense. His passion for his work is evident in the way he conducts himself inside and outside of the courtroom. Doug is an outstanding advocate."
"Hands down Doug is one of the shining stars in the Colorado Defense community. Since arriving from Texas as a former Assistant United States Attorney he has made a great a name for himself. He is a hard working litigator who is always well prepared. Our firm has referred Doug many cases and never once have we heard a complaint. If you have a criminal issue especially a complex issue Doug is the go to guy. If I or any of my friends or family were accused of drug trafficking, fraud, embezzlement, or any of the major white collar crimes Doug would be my first call. I highly recommend Doug Richards."
"Doug is a solid attorney with excellent experience. I personally know someone he represented in a criminal case, and the client was extremely happy with Doug's representation. I frequently refer potential clients to Doug."
"Fabulous preparation, research and investigation. Doug is a top notch criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Doug for years and have a great deal of respect for his work ethic and tremendous ability as a trial lawyer. Any client would be fortunate to have Doug as his attorney."
"Doug Richards is an amazing lawyer. I worked with him for several years in Houston at the DA's Office. I watched Doug bring new and original ideas into the courtroom with great success. His talent and energy have carried him very far in his career. When I know someone who needs a lawyer in Colorado, I send them to Doug Richards."
"Doug Richards is an awesome lawyer. Doug has extensive experience in federal and state criminal defense. Doug is highly respected by other attorneys who seek out his advice and assistance on cases. If you are looking at a federal or state criminal charge he would be an excellent attorney to make an appointment with."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have handled several cases against Mr. Richards when he was an assistant DA in Houston. I know him to be tough as nails in the courtroom and very knowledgeable. I would definitely hire him if I needed a good attorney."
"Doug has the experience in criminal defines that most attorneys in Colorado do not possess. It is always wise to retain a defense attorney that was a former prosecutor as an understanding of the system from both sides is fundamental for a successful defense. Doug is both a former state and federal prosecutor, and I have been impressed with his knowledge in speaking with him regarding issues in Colorado. If you are charged with a state or federal offense, Doug is one of the go-to guys in Denver."
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
10 Best Attorneys for Colorado, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Colorado, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 5% in America - Criminal Defense:General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Lifetime Achievement Award, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2018
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2017
Top 10 Attorney Award for the state of Colorado, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017
Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2017
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
10 Best Attorneys for Colorado, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Colorado, American Society of Legal Advocates
2016
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2016
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
"10 Best" Criminal Attorneys for Colorado, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2015
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
10 Best Attorneys for Colorado, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
Rising Stars: White Collar Criminal Defense, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
10 Best Attorneys for the State of Colorado, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2014
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Rising Stars: White Collar Criminal Defense, SuperLawyers
2013
Top 10 Attorney Under Age 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Inc.
2012
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2010
FBI Director's Award, Federal Bureau of Investigation / Robert Mueller, Director
2009
Award of Recognition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2008
Outstanding Contribution to Traffic Safety, Harris County District Attorney
2008
Award of Appreciation, Harris County District Attorney
2008
Award of Recognition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2005
Trial Dog, Harris County District Attorney
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Partner, Richards | Carrington, LLC
2010 - 2016
Attorney & Counselor, Law Office of Douglas Richards, PC
2008 - 2010
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney's Office
2004 - 2008
Assistant District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney's Office
2002 - 2002
Legal Intern, Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson
2002 - 2004
Legal Intern, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2018 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Denver Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - 2017
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2014
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2008 - 2010
National Association of Assistant United States AttorneysMember
2004 - 2010
Texas District and County Attorneys AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty
Case dismissed; record sealed
1yr unsupervised deferred judgment with no conditions (just stay out of trouble for 1 year)
Multiple counts dismissed; client entered plea to reduced charge and received "time served" sentence. Permitted to return to Australia while on supervised release.
Case dismissed (self-defense); record sealed
Case dismissed
Education
2004
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
Colorado Firearms Case Law Update
2008
DUID
2008
Accident Reconstruction
2007
Prosecutor Trial Skills
2007
DUI
2007
DUI
2007
Process Serving
2006
Process Serving
Publications
2015
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers