John Palmer Waters

John Palmer Waters

4.1
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Denver, CO
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Divorce & Separation, Family

Dominion Towers, 600 17th Street, Suite #2800 South, Denver, CO

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
See Details

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 34%

18 years | 150 cases

34%
Divorce and Separation 33%

First we try and settle; then we "burn the ships."

18 years | 250 cases

33%
Family 33%

18 years | 500 cases

33%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Colorado for 18 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 2007

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2019

Location

Waters Law Firm

Dominion Towers, 600 17th Street, Suite #2800 South, Denver, CO, 80202

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John Palmer Waters's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews

Posted by Denise | June 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Family

Run, run as fast as you can, if you want to win, don't hire this man!

Unprepared, unprofessional, lazy, rude, unfriendly - the list goes on... this man should not claim to be a family law lawyer - completely different on phone than in person. He didn't contact witnesses at all Although he had me write all the questions for the hearing, when he asked them, they were so ...garbled I had no idea what he was asking. He mistated facts multiple times and after day one of the hearing someone actually asked him if this was his first case! He claimed multiple times he had received an "A" in evidence, yet told me none of the evidence i had was admissable - when i mentioned various evidence i had the judge asked why it wasn't entered, I told her he said it couldnt be, and she said it should have been! I live in a different state & hired him based on good reviews & credentials but it's a decision I'll regret forever - the judge clearly stated that the outcome of my case would most likely have been different if I had different counsel! I let him go mid-hearing prior to day two of testimony., and did the remaining questioning myself but alas, the fiasco of having had him involved impacted the outcome. I hope this review will help someone else avoid the heartache my decision to hire him caused me. I wish there was an option to give him negative stars, he doesn't deserve the one I have to give him

Posted by eric walker | October 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney

THE BEST AND ONLY CHOICE!!

Out of all the Attorney's that contacted me, and I have spoke with, Mr Waters, from the first time he contacted me, and though out the time since I have retained him has proven himself to be an Attorney of not only integrity,professional, knowledgeable qualities, but one who genuinely cares about his... clients. From day one, I have been able to keep in contact with Mr Waters, and he continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. He reminds me of the television Attorney 'Perry Mason' by how professional he is and inclined he is to be helpful not only in the professional side, but also in the mental side, reassuring all persons that my legal situation presents. I take reviews very seriously, and I write reviews as well because I realize the importance of them, and if you are looking for an Attorney, that will not leave you in the dark, and make you confident in all aspects of your legal situation, Attorney Waters is that rare person for the job, and clearly became an Attorney to help people first and foremost, and this is why he has not only my vote of confidence, but that of everyone in my family that he has effected.

Posted by Mike | June 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

John Waters lost every motion filed, and was smashed in court.

John may be a likeable guy, but when I approached him with a very reasonable case, I needed legal competency. I spent $20k with John over the last year, and we lost every single motion. He failed to protect me from a rule 60 violation, costing me another $13k. After being demolished trial, John didn'...t even call me to tell me he'd quit; I found out via court document in the mail. All in all, I'm out $40k during the worst year of my life, actually lost ground, and my daughter still doesn't have a Dad. To boot, I'm now so in debt that I can't afford another go-around in court. A pitiful situation.

Posted by Ray | May 20, 2015

Epic

Money is time and time is crucial. John is prepared for you. He makes one feel at one on one. An attorney that will listen and ground himself in your cause. Lets keep it real you get what you pay for, and one must ask if the cause is worth it at the end. Thank you John!!

John Waters

Replied last May 20, 2015

Thanks, Ray, Good luck.

Posted by Leslie | May 08, 2015 | Child Custody

John Is My Lawyer

Finding the right lawyer is always stressful, this combined with trying to do a child custody agreement really had me on edge. John not only put me at ease about the situation but worked to ensure I got everything I was hoping for within the custody agreement while doing so at a cost less then ever...yone else I had spoken to (which is something you don't see most men receiving in a child custody matter). I highly recommend John Waters.

See All Client Reviews

John Palmer Waters's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Ahson Barkat Wali headshot
Ahson Wali

Family lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Julie Fowler headshot
Julie Fowler

Family lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a fine attorney who is dedicated to his clients and works tirelessly for successful results. I have no hesitation when endorsing him."

Samera I. Habib headshot
Samera Habib

Family lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Palmer Waters is an ethical attorney. I endorse him."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

James Kevan Minick headshot
James Minick

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is an experienced criminal defense lawyer and a valued member of the criminal defense bar."

David Herman Hirsch headshot
David Hirsch

Unknown lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Waters is a dedicated and skillful attorney who gives thoughtful and insightful guidance in his Avvo answers. He is a valued member of the Avvo community who is generous in sharing his time and expertise by spending considerable time participating on this site. It is my pleasure to endorse him."

Kevin Michael Burke headshot
Kevin Burke

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr Waters. His clear and concise answers evidence his knowlege and skills as a superior criminal lawyer."

Ryan Chandler Bramblett headshot
Ryan Bramblett

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. John was a very good law student. Naturally, he has developed into a very good trial attorney."

Matthew Clinton Smith headshot
Matthew Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Waters is a dedicated criminal defense attorney. He is an asset to the legal community."

Kent Joseph Leier headshot
Kent Leier

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Waters is a very well rounded and experienced attorney."

Chong Hae Ye headshot
Chong Ye

Unknown lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gintare Grigaite headshot
Gintare Grigaite

Family lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Waters. He is competent, professional and knowledgeable in family law matters."

Robert Douglas Lenhardt headshot
Robert Lenhardt

Unknown lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

S Shazam Kianpour headshot
S Kianpour

Family lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Waters is a consummate professional and excellent at what he does. I fully endorse Mr. Waters."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorneys Waters is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is one of the finest Family and criminal defense attorneys in his state and I highly recommend his legal services."

Matthew James O'Laughlin headshot
Matthew O'Laughlin

Unknown lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Mr. Waters. He is an excellent attorney with a first-rate legal mind."

R. Jason de Groot headshot
R. Jason de Groot

Family lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. For Family Law or Criminal Defense, he is the one you want on your side."

Brian Heath Crockett headshot
Brian Crockett

Family lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Waters's research and writing depicts a strong command of the law and how to apply it. He possesses all the right skills to be an excellent advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent attorney. Mr. Waters continues to provide valuable advice on Avvo each time that he responds to a question. Although I have been licensed and practicing for 24 years, including time spent as a judge and magistrate, I continually learn from his answers about different aspects of the law. I would recommend him to everyone."

View All Endorsements
Kimber Zane Smith headshot
Kimber Smith

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Michael William Gross headshot
Michael Gross

Family lawyer

Ahson Barkat Wali headshot
Ahson Wali

Criminal defense lawyer

Brenda Storey headshot
Brenda Storey

Family lawyer

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer

V. Iyer headshot
V. Iyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Hayden Robinson headshot
Scott Robinson

Criminal defense lawyer

Wadi F Muhaisen headshot
Wadi Muhaisen

Criminal defense lawyer

David Littman headshot
David Littman

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019.

Disbarment issued in CO, 2019

updated on 03/06/2019

This is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the Colorado Supreme Court to understand the reasons for this disbarment.

Honors

2015

"A+" rating (Five out of 5 stars), Better Business Bureau

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Top Contributor, Avvo

2014

One of 100 Best Trial Lawyers in Colorado (Criminal Defense), National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top Contributor, Avvo

2014

"A" rating, no complaints, Better Business Bureau

2005

Certificate of Merit, Federal Administrative Law, Thomas M. Cooley

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Owner/Attorney, Law Office of John Waters

2005 - 2005

Law Clerk for Hon. Calvin Osterhaven, Eaton County, Michigan

Associations

2015 - Present

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Nation's Top One Percent

2015 - Present

Colorado Bar Association, Juvenile Law Section

2014 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

One of 100 Best Trial Lawyers in Colorado (Criminal Defense)

2010 - Present

United States District Court for District of Colorado

Attorney

2008 - Present

Colorado Bar Association, Family Law Section

2007 - Present

Colorado Bar Association

2007 - Present

Colorado Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

No Value

National Trial Lawyers Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Ashley Santorno v. Anthony Sparks (15 C 2517) El Paso

Successful.

People v. Jane Doe (Central City Muni)

Deferred Prosecution (my first one ever).

Andrea Obee-Valenzuela and Jesus "Ray" Obee-Valenzuela (14 DR 30969) Denver

Successful.

Lizabeth Ligon and Leslie Williams (11 DR 1939) Adams

Successful.

Dan Crandell and Angel Craig (10 DR 1400) Denver

Successful.

Sondra Stinston and Keith Stinson (13 DR 1523) Adams

Successful.

People v. Charles Kirkpatrick (M 1084915) Littleton Muni

Successful.

Chad Churchill and Angela Bullock (13 DR 30647) Arapahoe

Successful.

People v. Roberto Esquivel (13 CR 45) Kit Carson

Not guilty on all counts!

10 CA 0597 In re the Parental Responsibilities of D.L.G., a Child, Mattika Farmer, Appellee, and Concerning Daniel Graham

Affirmed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

University of Colorado

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

1995

Adult Education "Kitchen-table Budget"

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution