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 11 - 15 of 65 reviews

Posted by hassane | July 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Mr

My experience with Bruce Sarbaugh was excellent. My attorney, Bruce, gave my case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful. He was a calming and confident presence during very difficult times. I never once was treated as anything other than a valuable client by Mr. Bruce Sarbaugh. ...I very much appreciate the knowledge, guidance, and support I received.

Posted by Eleanor | February 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Above and Beyond Exceptional Work!

Before consulting with Bruce, I was having a very difficult time with my case and not able to complete all of my service hours on time because of outside obligations. I needed to work out of the state for a job around the same time of my court date and needed to move my court date. Bruce was immense...ly helpful in directing me exactly what to do and helping me understand everything clearly all while I was going through such a rough time. He helped me change my court date, make sense of all of the court paperwork, and accompanied me to my hearing. This made a huge difference for someone like me who knows next to nothing about the court processes and what I was supposed to do in a situation like this. I highly recommend Bruce, not only is he amazing at what he does; He also pays attention to what you need and makes the whole process easier to handle.

Posted by Khalil Benmellah | January 25, 2020 | Criminal Defense

Recommended Without Reservation

I recently had the opportunity to work with Mr. Sarbaugh. I write this recommendation without reservation. Mr. Sarbaugh was more than my lawyer serving my legal needs. He was a compassionate, kind human being that led me through a difficult process with no sure outcome at the end. I highly recommend ...Mr. Sarbaugh as a lawyer and as a person. If you are in need of legal services, you can be assured that he will treat you with dignity, work tirelessly for you and ensure that you fully understand the legal process, the alternatives you have and the possible outcomes so that you are fully informed along the path and prepared to make the best decisions for yourself knowing that he will be there to support you along the way. I am an immigrant to this country and he never treated me with negatively, judgement or bias. He was always positive throughout the process even when thing were very stressful for me and I knew that I might not have the outcome I was hoping for. He was always up front and honest, painting a clear picture of what could happen, while at the same time encouraging me to fight for the right to be heard and tell my story. He always explained the law fully, had limitless patience and never tried to influence my decisions. His guidance encouraged me to make the decisions that I knew were right in my heart even if I had to face consequences that were unfavorable. In the end, he provided me a full picture of the possibilities, worked hard for me, and I chose to stand up for my right to take my case to trial knowing full well that in not accepting a plea bargain I might receive much more severe consequences. I was fortunate and the jury found me not guilty- due to Mr. Sarbaugh and his unwavering. Had the outcome not been positive, I would still have the same thing to say her in this review as I would have known that the decisions were the right ones for me to stay true to what my own heart and maintain my own dignity regardless. Choosing to work with Mr. Sarbaugh will ensure that you receive excellent legal services but more importantly you will have the opportunity to know a kind, compassionate human being who will treat you with dignity.

Posted by anonymous | November 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The very best representation I could have hoped for

If you have been charged with a DUI, Bruce is the man. I mean, the MAN. I could not have asked for a more compassionate, professional, or exceptional trial attorney than Bruce. Bruce recently represented me in a DUI case where I was arrested in-front on my home. Police were initially called for a w...elfare check, questioned me and arrested me for DUI. Bruce first allowed me to walk him through the facts of the case, then reviewed footage from the officer's body cam, read the officer’s report, related my case to others he's handled, and finally laid out options for me. Going to trial is never a "sure thing," and he made no illusions to the contrary: he advised me of the offer from the District Attorney, it’s consequences, and never sugar-coated my chances at trial. He advised me, but the decision to take my case to trial was always in my hands. We elected to state my case before a jury. It was stressful. It was nerve-wracking. I don't ever want to repeat the process, but Bruce and I went over every contingency together in such a way before trial that he left me feeling confident and prepared to testify. Without going into the gory details, I can tell you, without reservation, that I cannot imagine another attorney doing for me what Bruce did. During trial he strikes an impressive balance between pleasantness and aggressiveness, guile and humility. It's shockingly effective. He knows just how far to push a witness and how to select and appeal to a jury. He displays incredible knowledge of the facts and pertinent law of the case. Bruce's representation gave me the confidence to stand trial before my peers, and I cannot overstate his skill. Bruce Sarbaugh was my strongest advocate in my hour of darkest need, and for his diligence, dedication and outstanding representation I am forever grateful.

Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Best in Colorado

Around fifteen months ago I was in bad situation that I had no clue what to do about. After calling around Boulder to find the best attorney to fight for me and my case I discovered Bruce. Bruce is not only a 5-Star attorney, who knows the law like the back of his hand, but he was the most compassion...ate lawyer that I talked to. He treated me like a person and was willing to do anything in his power to get me the best outcome, which he did. Thanks Bruce you are the man!

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

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • 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