Bruce Whitney Sarbaugh

Bruce Whitney Sarbaugh

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Boulder, CO
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense

3223 Arapahoe Avenue., Suite 300, Boulder, CO

About Bruce

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Colorado for 39 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1986

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Sarbaugh Law Firm

3223 Arapahoe Avenue., Suite 300, Boulder, CO, 80303

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Bruce Whitney Sarbaugh's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

65 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Prepared and Effective

Mr. Sarbaugh was highly recommended to me by a friend who had been in the same situation as I was. I am very grateful that I accepted that recommendation. Mr. Sarbaugh clearly has experience in dealing with DUI cases. His initial consultation (which was free) provided some piece of mind when it ...was in very short supply for me personally. Once I hired him, we got to work quickly. Mr. Sarbaugh had a plan - between starting alcohol classes right away, letters we had written to the judge, and him taking the time to have in-depth and effective conversations about our overall best strategy, I felt like I had some opportunity to impact the final result from the courts and that I had the best teammate possible in order to do that. Additionally, Mr. Sarbaugh's spoke with the DA before sentencing and was able to get the DA to recommend a lesser sentence than she ordinary does. All of the above allowed us to walk into the court room with a strong plan and walk out with a better result than expected. During this process I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of other people in the same situation and when they speak about their lawyers' approaches I am consistently grateful that I hired Bruce. Every one of these cases is different, and in addition to being intelligent, prepared, friendly, and sympathetic, he took the time to truly understand what made my case unique and what was most important to me throughout the process. Ultimately, I believe that the money I spent to hire Mr. Sarbaugh saved me money in the long-run and helped make this process much less painful than it could have been. If you have unfortunately found yourself in this situation, Mr. Sarbaugh is the person you should have in your corner.

Posted by Brooke | November 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A lawyer who cares!

5.0 star rating 11/25/2017 Bruce truly cares about his clients. He takes the time to get to know you and understand your concerns and fears. He is there for you every step of the way and answers all of your questions. A lot of lawyers seem to check out until court, but Bruce updates you and makes... sure that you understand whats going on. He is passionate and compassionate and works hard to help you. He is also intelligent and very honest, so you know exactly what is possible and why. In a time where things are really emotional and scary, having Bruce on your side is amazing. I truly thought my life was over and that I was going to lose my career, but Brice fought for me and got me the best outcome. If you want a lawyer who care about you, you want Bruce.

Posted by David | December 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Bruce is a straight G

Bruce saved me. I was charged with multiple DUIs, my career dreams were dead in the water, then Bruce did some magic. He got the judge to grant five continuances (that's insane for mere DUIs), litigating the charges over eight months, before finally accepting a technically-illegal plea deal I still c...an barely believe he got, although it honestly was the only outcome I could have lived with. He knows all the judges and assistant DA's, which arguments will persuade who—plus how to get your charges moved into Courtroom 9 or Division 6, what have you, so that you're facing the optimal people. He’s got some legal acuity about him—and that was underscored even further when I later went to him again with some much more serious trouble; he knows what he’s doing. But it's not that he's the only legal expert in Boulder, it's his people skills, and I saw firsthand that's the key with the law. He'll get you the best outcome you possibly can get, plea or trial. Bruce went above and beyond around and back again for me. He's a compassionate advocate not just your lawyer, a passionate servant of justice. He's a must.

Posted by anonymous | August 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

An Experienced, Insightful Attorney who Genuinely Cared

Bruce Sarbaugh is a good man and an excellent attorney. I was involved in a domestic violence situation, and outside of anything I had ever experienced before. I was frightened and isolated. I didn't even have a good starting point till I found Bruce on Avvo. Within the fist few minutes of our conver...sation, I had peace and a place to start. Bruce helped make sense of the situation, see it for what it was, and counseled me wisely. Along the way, Bruce was able to analyze the situation, and detect potential pitfalls. He immediately perceived a level of unfairness that was in play by the DA, and acted in by best interest. He is sharp and analytical, calming and particle, down to earth and sensitive. Throughout the matter we had check points, and sit downs as needed - mostly because I simply needed reassuring. Bruce seemed to have an uncanny way of knowing when it was a good time to talk or see each other in the meeting room. It kept things on track and progressing. Finally the end of the road approached, the matter was handled wisely, and my family remained intact. I can't thank Bruce enough for all his help when my life was turned completely upside down. I would highly recommend Bruce Sarbaugh's legal service to anybody.

Posted by Jessica | May 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Attorney and Defense

Bruce was incredibly helpful, kind, and thorough when I needed help the most. He was always available to answer my questions, guide me through my concerns, explain my options clearly, and assisted getting me to the best possible solutions for my case. He was an excellent advocate for my defense. H...e got all the possible materials that we would need to make the best possible case and charge reduction possible, and explained everything to me along the way which was so important to me. I don't think i would have been able to do it without him!

See All Client Reviews

Bruce Whitney Sarbaugh's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bruce
Jose Caetano De Castro Hecht headshot
Jose Hecht

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bruce is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and personable. He cares a lot about his clients and works hard for them. I highly recommend him!"

Barry Christian Hart Lancaster headshot
Barry Lancaster

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Sarbaugh is a true champion for his clients. I have consulted with him and brainstormed with him on various strategies and can without any equivocation fully endorse this fantastic attorney."

Philip Marshall Clark headshot
Philip Clark

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I have worked with him on cases and have observed his work for many years. In my opinion he is clearly an excellent attorney."

Bradley Allen Stephenson headshot
Bradley Stephenson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Melanie Kathleen Corrin headshot
Melanie Corrin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Sarbaugh on a difficult case with potentially severe immigration consequences. He went above and beyond to ensure an excellent outcome for our combined client. I recommend him highly."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Oswaldo A. Mendoza-Estrada headshot
Oswaldo Mendoza-Estrada

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bruce is a highly professional, caring, and competent attorney. He works in criminal defense and traffic cases, including real estate matters. I highly recommend him to all my clients and believe he is one of the best attorneys in our community."

Kyle Cledys Watson headshot
Kyle Watson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Other

"I am a lawyer in San Antonio, TX. My son was a student at University of Colorado and, unfortunately, found himself in need of a DUI lawyer in Boulder. I researched good lawyers in that area and called Bruce. What a blessing! Bruce is a superb lawyer, conscientious, caring and compassionate to the cause and has a tremendous work ethic. His advise was "target on" and I recommend Bruce without hesitation. I have been practicing law for over 28 years and I can state that Bruce ranks up at the top."

Franz P. Frechette headshot
Franz Frechette

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"What makes Bruce a superb attorney is not only his vast and qualitatively in-depth, substantive knowledge of the law, but equally, if not more importantly, his even-keeled, confident and utterly respectful and dignified demeanor both in the courtroom and outside of it. Bruce is extremely intelligent and quick on his feet and never intimidated when the unexpected arises. He is one of the few attorneys I know where the unexpected is not unforeseeable and not a challenge. I attribute that critical quality in an attorney to both Bruce's extraordinary intelligence and his years of experience in the courtroom. He is simultaneously both tough and gentle in his approach -- vigorously and selflessly representing his clients without being offensive to opposing attorneys, the court or others -- a rare and gifted quality which is what I believe makes Bruce such an outstanding attorney and person, for that matter - qualities which make up extremely effective legal representation."

Kathleen Colette Cribari headshot
Kathleen Cribari

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bruce for more than 20 years. He is intelligent, thoughtful, highly ethical and provides top notch personal service to his clients. He understands the law and knows how to work his way effectively through the legal system in a way that is most beneficial to his clients."

View All Endorsements
Jose Caetano De Castro Hecht headshot
Jose Hecht

Criminal defense lawyer

Barry Christian Hart Lancaster headshot
Barry Lancaster

DUI and DWI lawyer

Philip Marshall Clark headshot
Philip Clark

Criminal defense lawyer

Bradley Allen Stephenson headshot
Bradley Stephenson

Criminal defense lawyer

Melanie Kathleen Corrin headshot
Melanie Corrin

Immigration lawyer

Lindasue Smollen headshot
Lindasue Smollen

Criminal defense lawyer

Franz P. Frechette headshot
Franz Frechette

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

1986

Legal Aid and Defender Award, CU Legal Aid Clinic

Work Experience

1993 - Present

Owner/Principle Attorney, The Sarbaugh Law Firm

2003 - 2018

Legal Advisor - Off-Campus Housing, University of Colorado - Boulder

1995 - 2016

Of Counsel, Cameron W. Tyler & Associates, P.C.

1991 - 1992

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City of Lakewood

1987 - 1989

Assistant Attorney General, United States Virgin Islands

1986 - 1987

Law clerk, Hon. Morris W. Sandstead - 20th Judicial District, Colorado

Associations

2013 - Present

National College For DUI Defense

2003 - Present

Boulder County Bar Foundation

1994 - Present

Colorado Criminal Defense Bar

1990 - Present

Virgin Islands Bar Association

1989 - Present

Boulder County Bar Association

Co-Chair Bench/Bar Committee - 1995

1989 - Present

Boulder County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Khalil

Not guilty after jury trial

People v. Lehti

Not guilty after jury trial

People v. Romero

Not guilty after jury trial

People v. Zehnal

Not Guilty after jury trial

People v. Early

All charges dismissed at motions hearing upon establishing rising blood-alcohol defense

People v. Williams

Dismissed after motions hearing upon showing coercive police conduct rendered roadside maneuvers and breath test involuntary

People v. Somes

Not Guilty

People v. Pappas

Not Guilty following jury trial

People v. Miller

Reinstatement of probation and early termination of supervision

People v. Herrera

Not Guilty after jury trial

People v. Buzzanca

Original felony charge dismissed upon plea to petty offense

People v. Latimer

Obtained favorable 1-year home detention sentence upon establishing client's special needs

People v. Fouts

Not guilty following trial

People v. Roberts

Conviction vacated upon appeal and case remanded for further proceedings

See More Legal Cases

Education

1986

University of Colorado School of Law

JD

1982

Colorado College

BA

Speaking Engagements

2013

Warranty of Habitability Forum

Flood Relief Assistance

2013

Parents Weekend presentation

CU Student Legal Issues Living Off-Campus

2013

Community Living Class

CU Students and Municipal Ordinances

2013

CLE Seminar

Flood Relief Assistance

Publications

2009

CU Off-Campus Housing Landlord/Tenant Guide Boulder Landlord/Tenant Guide

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 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