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John found a passion for criminal defense very early while enrolled in law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. John interned at the Colorado Springs Office of the State Public Defender in 2011 and continued to work in criminal defense at the Criminal Defense Clinic while in law school.
John began his legal career at the Denver Office of the Colorado State Public Defender over a decade ago where he handled a wide variety of cases, including traffic offenses, misdemeanors, sexual assaults, homicides, and grand jury indictments under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA). John has extensive trial experience having been the lead attorney or co-counsel on over 40 cases that have proceeded to trial.
Towards the end of John’s career with the public defender’s office, he found a passion for post-conviction work. During this time John honed his legal research and writing skills, authoring several appeals. As a result, John has extensive experience handling appeals, correcting illegal sentences under Crim. P. 35(a), and litigating ineffective assistance of counsel claims pursuant to Crim. P. 35(c).
John is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in Denver and often is called upon by attorneys in the community as someone who not only can be trusted to know the answer to just about any legal question off the top of his head but will go above and beyond to provide legal citations in support of his response.
At DeChant Law, John’s practice consists of criminal defense, administrative driver’s license matters, and post-conviction work. He gives people a second chance by drafting direct appeals and litigating ineffective assistance of counsel claims to ensure everyone’s rights are protected and held to the highest standards.
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Practice Area
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Mobile
950 South Cherry St. Suite 1515, Denver, CO, 80246
dechantlaw.com/our-team/john-galligan/Other places you can find John online.
9 Client Reviews
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by David | May 31, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Unmatched Litigators
My case was won by the unmatched professionalism that Reid, John, and the entire team brought to the courtroom. Prior to working with them, the legal process made me feel frustrated, helpless, and isolated, but the team guided me through each step. I appreciate them taking the time to communic...
Posted by Hassel | March 27, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Gun Law
John got my gun rights back easier than i had expected
When going through to regain my gun rights i went to dechant law and was connected with john galligan. From the beginning he was very straightforward and clear on how to go about my case. His persistence and determination into getting all the information to navigate my case went above and beyond and ...
Posted by Doreen | February 23, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Tough & unusual legal case
I highly recommend John Galligan- he worked on a very difficult and unusual case for my son. He is very professional and explored every legal angle to make sure that we got the best possible outcome in court, which we did. John is very responsive and the entire staff is great. Thank you, John!
Posted by Ivan | December 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Amazing Experienced Representative
I highly recommend John Gilligan as your criminal representative. The amount of dedication John has brought to both my cases he’s handled brought favorable outcomes. With his knowledge and experience in his profession, delivers aggressive arguments towards the DA/Prosecutors. I felt extremely hopeles...
Posted by Dennis | November 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Look no further
From start to finish I’m glad I didn’t call anyone else. Very informative for the entire process, never felt given up on and in the end CASE DISMISSED. What more could you ask for? Thanks to John and Reid for the final result and standing by my side throughout the process!
"I strongly endorse John Galligan as an exceptional criminal defense attorney. John is highly knowledgeable and brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every case he handles. He has a deep understanding of Colorado criminal law and consistently demonstrates careful legal analysis and strong attention to detail in his work. His experience in both trial and appellate practice makes him an especially valuable advocate for clients facing serious charges or seeking post-conviction relief."
"Extremely intelligent, hard working, cares deeply for clients. Can handle all sort of high level matters effectively and see great results. I endorse this lawyer for trial level, appeal and post conviction."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Galligan is the most knowledgeable attorney I know when it comes to criminal defense and appellate law in Colorado. He is a wealth of information and I highly recommend Mr. Galligan."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2026
Rising Star, Colorado Super Lawyers
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014 - 2025
Attorney, Colorado State Public Defender
2025 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association
2013
J.D.