C. McGuire Law, LLC1499 W. 120th Ave.Suite 110Westminster, CO, 80234United States (720) 724-8180 (314) 409-3312

Claire Elster

also known as Claire M. Dawson

Avvo Rating9.1

Westminster, CO
Licensed for 12 years
Free consultation

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About Claire

Claire McGuire Elster (previously Claire M. Dawson) is an experienced trial attorney with an excellent litigation track record. Ms. Elster has ten years of experience litigating in the area of criminal defense. She has extensive knowledge and experience handling all aspects of criminal defense and has practiced at Appellate and Federal levels.

Ms. Elster effectively and competently represents all manner of criminal defense clients, ranging from traffic tickets to domestic violence charges, on up to sexual assaults and murder charges. Ms. Dawson has a particularized expertise in the area of DUI defense. She has the exceptional knowledge and experience necessary to defend any type or circumstance surrounding a DUI charge.

Ms. Elster graduated with a Certificate of Dispute Resolution from University of Missouri School of Law, one of the top 2 dispute resolution law schools in the country. Claire's education, knowledge, trial skills and experience allow her to effectively and efficiently represent her clients.

Practice areas

Criminal defense: 40%
Criminal Defense. I handle all manner of criminal defense cases from traffic tickets to sexual assaults and murders. I have a unique specialty in the area of DUI defense.
13 years
DUI and DWI: 40%
13 years
Sex crime: 10%
Violent crime: 10%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

C. McGuire Law, LLC

1499 W. 120th Ave.
Suite 110
Westminster, CO, 80234

Message

Resume

License

State	Status	Acquired	Updated
CO	Active	2009	06/08/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Avvo Contributions

Legal answers	30
Legal guides	1

Awards

Award name	Grantor	Date Granted
Top 10 Under 40	National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys	2015
National Arbitration Competition Finalist - 2nd Place	ABA Board of Advocates	2009
Excellence for the future - Conflict Theory Top Honor	CALI	2008
Regional Arbitration Competition Finalist	ABA	2008

work experience

Title	Company name	Duration
Owner/Operator	C. McGuire Law, LLC	2018 - Present
Contract Attorney	M. Trent Trani and Associates, P.C.	2015 - Present
Associate Attorney	Cantafio Hammond, PC	2015 - 2018
Associate Attorney	The Burnham Law Firm	2014 - 2015
Associate Attorney	Frankfurt Law Office	2011 - 2014

Associate Attorney	The Reisch Law Firm, LLC	2009 - 2011
Legal Assistant/Clerk	Frankfurt and Trani PC	2009 - 2009

associations

Association name	Position name	Duration
Colorado Bar Association	Member	2009 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar	Member	2009 - Present

publications

Publication name	Title	Date
Cantafio Law	House Bill 1267 CONCERNING CONDITIONS OF PROBATION RELATING TO MEDICAL 102 MARIJUANA:A Legal Analysis	2015
JOURNAL OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION, Number 2 (2008): 515	"State Legislative Update."	2008

education

School name	Degree	Graduated
University of Missouri School of Law	JD - Juris Doctor	2009
University of Missouri, Columbia	BA - Bachelor of Arts	2006

speaking engagements

Conference name	Title	Date
Denver Veteran Homeless Stand-down	Client Representation	2015

legal cases

Case name	Outcome
DMV Dismissal for DUI	Case Dismissed. No license revocation.
DUI to Reckless
Domestic Violence Dismissal	dismissed

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Reviews

5.0 stars5.0 (14)

5 Star		100%
4 Star		0%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Review Claire Elster

Incredibly Compassionate, Diligent, and will work hard to come through for the best outcome

5.0 stars

Posted by Zack
May 25, 2022

I interviewed numerous attorneys when I was charged with a DUI. Claire was the only one that gave me a modicum of compassion and listened to my story. She told me straight-up the most likely scenarios for my case. I was scheduled to appear shortly after a major holiday and she filed a continuance so I could be with my family. She did pertinent information gathering, made recommendations as to how to improve my case, worked with me throughout the process despite numerous needs for continuation, and due to circumstances specific to my case, she was able to provide the absolute best outcome I could have hoped for. I could not recommend her more strongly for anyone facing a DUI. I am elated with how she came through for me.

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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Th best!

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
March 2, 2018

Claire was outstanding when she represented me on a few situations. She was very kind, understanding and non-judgmental. Her knowledgeable allowed me to get the best service. If you need a great lawyer, call Claire!!!!!

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Claire is an OUTSTANDING attorney!

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
December 7, 2016

I am in the midst of a DUI case and hired Claire. She won my case at the DMV, meaning that I get to keep my driver's license!!!! This saves me an incredible amount of time, heartache, money, and worry! This enables me to maintain my employment, attendance of classes, etc. She is an amazing attorney. Truly amazing. Her and I are still in the middle of the court process, but I can sleep easy knowing that she will do the best job possible to resolve the case with the best possible outcome! I highly recommend Claire!

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Hired attorney

Eternally Grateful Attorney

5.0 stars

Posted by Catherine
June 14, 2016

I couldn't have had a better attorney for my divorce! Claire was very professional and passionate with my case. I hired her with very short notice before my trial and she worked day and night learning the details of what had already taken place. Mine ended up being a very long drawn out case (not by her or my choice) but she stuck with it and kept fighting for my best interests. She was very good at taking the time to explain things to me and made sure I knew what was going on. Her staff was also wonderful in always offering a welcoming face and a helping hand. I would highly reccommend Claire and her staff to anyone I could.

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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Great Advocate

5.0 stars

Posted by Jeff
November 17, 2015

Ms Dawson was the best attorney I could have found to help me navigate my DUI. She is extremely intelligent and hard working. I was impressed with how quickly she is able to read her environment, assess the personalities involved, process the information available to her and move forward with the best course of action. I was extremely fortunate to have her represent me.

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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

DUI Moffat County

5.0 stars

Posted by Debbie Belleville
October 27, 2015

Claire was kind, informative, respectful and very pleasant to work with. She provided clear guidance without making us feel like she was simply trying to complete the case. She spent ample time helping us understand our options, explaining legal terms and giving us time to consider our options. She was amazing!

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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Petition to Seal

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
October 23, 2015

Claire Dawson jumped in on my case halfway through the legal process. My case was a bit complicated as it involved a few different counties. Claire had strong answers to every single one of my questions. She made me feel very calm and assured when things were still up in the air. I am very very thankful to have had Claire on my case. Everything turned out in my favor and it is definitely thanks to her!

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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Claire Dawson overall review

5.0 stars

Posted by Joseph
May 20, 2015

Great lawyer was very attentive and always kept us informed! When I would call she would immediately within the next few hours call back. Always had answers and even tried to help us with court issues in other states. I would highly recommend Claire to anyone who is in need or would want to make sure they can be well taken care of.

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Above and Beyond

5.0 stars

Posted by Kelly
December 1, 2014

Ms. Dawson helped me with a DUI matter during a very difficult time for my family. She was professional, knowledgable and most all, she cared about me and my goals. I was more than satisfied with the results and she walked me through the case one step at a time. I highly recommend Ms. Dawson.

Courteous, Helpful and Knowledgable

5.0 stars

Posted by Dylan
December 1, 2014

Ms. Dawson represented me in a matter in the Boulder County system. She was responsive and informative from the very first correspondence. Letting me know exactly what she could help with, what she couldn't, and set realistic expectations of an outcome based on previous, similar experiences. Ms. Dawson was also prompt with follow up communications at each juncture of the case (new court dates, expected court notifications, etc.). I would recommend Ms. Dawson for any legal matter in her wheel-house. She is capable, confident and diligent in her work and also has the ability to communicate and explain legal matters to your average lay-person like myself.

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Attorney endorsements

(15)

Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Michael Trani, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 22, 2015
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

Claire worked with me several years ago on a very serious criminal case in Adams County. She demonstrated herself to be knowledgeable of the law and very zealous in her defense of those accused of crimes. My firm later hired her as an associate because of how impressed that we were with Claire. Unfortunately, I left before getting to work with her any further. I have worked with quite a few new attorneys over the years and I can say, without a doubt, that Claire was one of the best as that stage of her career. I have no doubt that she has only gotten better and hope to get to work with her again someday. I fully endorse her and would have no hesitation referring a client to her.

Richard Eddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 26, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is a very knowledgeable and skilled criminal attorney. She knows the law and the knows how to help her clients. I have no problem highly recommending her to anyone in need of a great criminal attorney. She has the courtroom skills and juries really like her!

Dallas Norton, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Many great client reviews and peer endorsements. Call Claire before hiring someone else.

Travis Newton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Chelseá Mitchell, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 7, 2015
Relationship: Friend

Claire is a brilliant criminal defense attorney. Her commitment to her clients and fearless pursuit of justice are unmatched. Claire brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to help each client obtain the best result.

Christine Breen, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Claire is extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, and I would like to endorse her as a top criminal defense attorney. With a vast understanding of the law, she is a fierce advocate for her clients.

Wesley Eddington, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 3, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is a very intelligent attorney. She is dedicated to fighting for her clients. She is very easy to talk to, and does a great job of telling her clients what to expect throughout the process.

Francis Cuddihee, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 4, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire embodies all the necessary qualities of a criminal defense advocate. Her passion for her clients and skill as an attorney are second to none. I endorse this lawyer.

A Bouchee, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 17, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Claire is a fantastic attorney. She id dedicated to her clients. She is extremely thorough and will fight to the end for her clients.

Todd Burnham, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 19, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is the baddest criminal defense lawyer I know, which is why I hired her. DUI defense in particular...nobody knows more...high end lawyer and hard core litigator.

Gavin Halligan, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 19, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is an extremely passionate and knowledgable criminal defense attorney and will ensure your case is taken care of from beginning to end. You are in good hands with Claire.

Andrew Price, Family Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is a skilled and effective advocate in matters pertaining to both domestic and criminal law. Her talent is exceeded only by the passion and commitment she devotes to her cases, and to her clients.

Zachary Daigle, Family Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is a experienced litigator and equally accomplished advocate. She handles all of her cases with the perfect balance of strength and strategy. I endorse this lawyer.

Jennifer Scott, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire has so much experience and gets the job done for all of her clients. She is knowledgable and effective.

Stephanie Randall, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

Claire is very knowledgable and impressive in her handling of criminal defense matters.

Show endorsements

Mark Fischer
Michael Trani
Wesley Eddington
Christine Breen
Ralph Cantafio
Francis Cuddihee
A Bouchee
Gavin Halligan
Andrew Price

Show who Claire has endorsed

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Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes

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Claire Elster

About Claire

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Resume

Reviews

Incredibly Compassionate, Diligent, and will work hard to come through for the best outcome

5.0 stars

Th best!

5.0 stars

Claire is an OUTSTANDING attorney!

5.0 stars

Eternally Grateful Attorney

5.0 stars

Great Advocate

5.0 stars

DUI Moffat County

5.0 stars

Petition to Seal

5.0 stars

Claire Dawson overall review

5.0 stars

Above and Beyond

5.0 stars

Courteous, Helpful and Knowledgable

5.0 stars

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