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Claire Elster

also known as Claire M. Dawson
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Avvo Rating9.1
  • Westminster, CO
  • Licensed for 11 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.

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Practice areas

Sex crimeViolent crimeCriminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 40%

    12 years

  2. 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.

    12 years

  3. Violent crime: 10%

  4. Sex crime: 10%

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1940934 1602692742

Contact

C. McGuire Law, LLC

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

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      COActive200905/13/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers30
      Legal guides1
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Top 10 Under 40National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys2015
      National Arbitration Competition Finalist - 2nd PlaceABA Board of Advocates2009
      Excellence for the future - Conflict Theory Top HonorCALI2008
      Regional Arbitration Competition FinalistABA2008
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Owner/OperatorC. McGuire Law, LLC2018 - Present
      Contract AttorneyM. Trent Trani and Associates, P.C.2015 - Present
      Associate AttorneyCantafio Hammond, PC2015 - 2018
      Associate AttorneyThe Burnham Law Firm2014 - 2015
      Associate AttorneyFrankfurt Law Office2011 - 2014
      Associate AttorneyThe Reisch Law Firm, LLC2009 - 2011
      Legal Assistant/ClerkFrankfurt and Trani PC2009 - 2009
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Colorado Bar AssociationMember2009 - Present
      Colorado Criminal Defense BarMember2009 - Present
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Cantafio LawHouse Bill 1267 CONCERNING CONDITIONS OF PROBATION RELATING TO MEDICAL 102 MARIJUANA:A Legal Analysis2015
      JOURNAL OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION, Number 2 (2008): 515"State Legislative Update."2008
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of Missouri School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2009
      University of Missouri, ColumbiaBA - Bachelor of Arts2006
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Denver Veteran Homeless Stand-downClient Representation2015
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      DMV Dismissal for DUICase Dismissed. No license revocation.
      DUI to Reckless
      Domestic Violence Dismissaldismissed

      Reviews

      (13)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
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      3 Star
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      2 Star
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      1 Star
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      Review Claire Elster

      Th best!

      Posted by

      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!

      Posted by

      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!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Eternally Grateful Attorney

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Great Advocate

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      DUI Moffat County

      Posted by

      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!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Petition to Seal

      Posted by

      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!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Claire Dawson overall review

      Posted by

      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.

      Above and Beyond

      Posted by

      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

      Posted by

      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.

      Excellent, Very Knowledgable and Cared about my Goals

      Posted by

      Ms. Dawson represented me for DUI/traffic matters. She worked extremely hard and was very dedicated to my case. Because of her I was able to keep my driver's license and ultimately keep my job so I could support my family. If not for her representation I don't know where I'd be today. She is a wonderful attorney.
      See all reviews

      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.

      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.

      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.

      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!

      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.

      Cost

      RATES
        • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
          60 minutes
        PAYMENT METHODS

        Cash, Check, Credit Card