Joseph Daniel Zimmerman

Colorado criminal defense attorney and a former U.S. Air Force captain, Joseph D. Zimmerman brings hands-on trial experience, strong legal research skills, and a background in military leadership to defending people accused of crimes.

Joseph has served as lead counsel in multiple criminal trials, managing everything from jury selection and cross-examination to closing arguments. His experience also includes negotiating plea agreements, drafting motions, and advocating for clients at bond and sentencing hearings. He also assists people seeking to seal their Colorado criminal records, helping clients move beyond past cases and pursue new opportunities.

Joseph discusses his approach to cases:

"My most deeply held core belief is that every person is entitled to the same rights as everyone else, no matter what. Every single person is a human being and deserves to be treated like one. So, as an attorney, I view it as my duty to ensure my client’s rights are protected absolutely. This obviously includes constitutional rights but also extends to holding the police and prosecutors accountable. If they cut any corners, that directly affects people’s lives, and it is wrong on so many levels. I will do everything in my power to fight that.

Every day that I work in this job, I take time to consider what it means to see every client of mine as a human being first. As a result, I believe that it is my responsibility to treat my clients with empathy and respect, to fight for the government to do the same, and to tell my clients’ stories as effectively as possible. To me, practicing law is ultimately about making my deeply held beliefs into reality, one case at a time."

Before joining Colorado Legal Defense Group, Joseph spent two years clerking for a judge, researching complex legal issues and drafting judicial orders in criminal and civil cases. That experience gave him valuable insight into how judges evaluate arguments and apply the law. Before entering the legal profession, Joseph served as an Air Force missile combat crew commander, leading personnel responsible for critical nuclear missile operations. He attained the rank of captain and received an honorable discharge, with military honors including the Air Force Commendation Medal and Achievement Medal.