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Chris Halsor
also known as The Law Office of Chris Halsor
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About Chris
Biography
I am a Colorado criminal defense attorney with 25 years of experience. I am a former prosecutor (14 years) and have extensive courtroom and trial experience. I have been involved with all levels of criminal offenses ranging from simple traffic cases to very serious felonies, including homicide. I represent clients in Felony, Misdemeanor, DUI, and juvenile case.
While the majority of my practice is criminal defense, I do represent people in Civil Protection Order cases.
Prosecution Background. I find that my background is incredibly valuable to clients. I understand both law enforcement and prosecution culture and because I spent years teaching in both spheres, I have a deep understanding of both institutional strengths and weaknesses. I can read a police report and determine the level of training as well as the quality of the investigation quickly. I also understand what it takes to get the prosecutor to see my client's side of the story, or the weaknesses in their case.
Client Approach - being charged with a crime can evoke many emotions and is often a source of stress and anxiety. People make mistakes and I provide my clients with:
- Court Process - what is happening in the case and how does it progress? I provide my clients with a detailed explanation of the procedural aspect of the case and provide what is really happening in a case including explaining terminology, what the different actors (Prosecutor, Judge, Police, Witnesses) can and can't do.
- Law - what does the law say and mean including what are the consequencesDiscovery - Discovery refers to all of the evidence that police and the prosecutors have collected in a case including reports, witness statements, photos and videos, test results and other items depending upon the complexity of the case.
- Negotiation - meeting with the prosecutor and persisting in getting the best possible outcome for a client.
- Mitigation/Exoneration - working with a client to provide determine any details that establish that he/she did not commit the crime, including any necessary follow up investigation. Where a client did engage in the charged conduct, what have they done or what can they do to lessen the consequences.
- Motions - this process generally refers to the process of addressing constitutional issues - did the police comply with the requirements espoused in the 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments of the Constitution? If a case is headed on a trial track, it may also address what evidence will be allowed or prohibited.
- Trial - If a case goes to trial it is critical to know what is at stake. Knohwing the evidence, the skills and capability of the prosecutor as well as the demeanor of the judge are important. I always provides clients with the landscape of a trial including my strategy and realistic outcomes. There is always a level of uncertainty and unpredictability about trial. Not only does it require being prepared, but it also necessitates being nimble and being quick to adapt to take advantage of opportunities.
Specialties - while I am experienced in all range of misdemeanor and felony cases there are several areas where I possess high levels of experience and expertise:
- DUI - I spent the better part of decade teaching Colorado law enforcement and prosecutors about all aspects of DUI investigations. As a result I have an extensive understanding of how DUI investigations are conducted including the different levels of training that law enforcement receive. This is a critical piece of information in defending DUI cases and I have a pretty good gauge of the level of a training a police officer has based upon the content of their police report. Further, I know the technical and scientific aspects of both breath and blood testing. There are other attorneys who are DUI specialists, but few have the background that I possess.
- MARIJUANA DUI - I am one of the country's formost experts on marijuana impaired driving. For anyone charged with this crime, I am simply the best defense attorney in Colorado to handle your case.
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - domestic violence crimes are pervasive and there are many significant collateral consequences to these types of cases, including gun ownership.
- MARIJUANA CRIMES - Although marijuana is "legal," there are still a great many crimes that people can be chared with involving marijuana. I was on the frontlines of marijuana legalization beginning in 2009 when regulated medical marijuana exploded on the scene after Colorado voters passed recreational marijuana I was a sitting member on one of the Governor's committees on Edibles and Servicing Sizes and a reserve member on the committe on Cultivations and grow limits. Whether a person is charged with Possession, Possession with Intent, Consumption, Cultivation, or Distribution, I can help. Marijuana law is a confusing mash of Constitutional protections coupled with statutory provisions and there are conflicts between the two that may avail a person charged with these crimes additional defenses. If you are choosing a lawyer to represent you for this kind of case, most wouldn't know the diference between a Hemp plant and a marijuana plant, or the difference between a plant or a clone or the difference between CBD and THC. If you are charged with any marijuana crime, I can definitely help.
This former prosecutor and long-time law enforcement trainer knows the inner-workings of the other side and provides that advantage to his clients. Experienced, Detailed, Great Communication and Value.
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you want an attorney who has experience, who is detailed and precised and keeps you up to date and in the know. This former prosecutor and law enforcement trainer offers all of that in addition to reasonable rates and payment plans.
Knowing the inner workings of a DUI case (alcohol, marijuana, drugs) better than most cops, this former DUI prosecutor and law enforcement trainer is who you want on your side!
There are two sides to every story, yet in today's culture someone accused of domestic violence often faces tough odds in trying to prove their innocence. Having a former prosecutor and long-time law enforcement trainer who knows the inside approach to defending these cases is essential.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
25 years
DUI and DWI
30%
26 years
Domestic Violence
20%
25 years
Violent Crime
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2020 2019
Licenses
Licensed in Colorado for 25 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Chris Halsor
(833) 736-7980
Mobile
1030 Johnson Rd, Suite 285, Golden, CO, 80401
halsorlaw.com/Gallery
Chris Halsor's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
17 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Brandon | February 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Caring, Professional, Responsive, Knowledgeable, 10/10 <- A great a person and somehow, he manages to be an even better lawyer.
Chris is by far the best legal counsel I have had to date. He is extremely responsive and I really felt as though he took an interest in truly assisting me with my case, not just processing my matters or 'completing the job'. He went over and beyond and time and again has gone to bat for me even af...
Posted by Nicholas | December 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Strategic, Skilled and Knowledgable
I hired Chris as counsel on a DUI Marijuana charge and within 2 months, my charges were dropped and I walked without punishment. This man has trained the cops that patrol our streets in properly detecting if a driver IS TRULY under the influence of marijuana. He has practically written the book that ...
Posted by Nicholas | September 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Great representation
Chris did a great job representing & taking care of my case all the way until it was finished, my case went on for over 9 months. Keeping me updated the entire time & making sure everything was taken care of. Would recommend, great representation.
Posted by Rocky | August 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Attack dog lawyer
Chris is a very good lawyer. He keeps in touch, which for me was very important. He is also very detailed. Incredibly knowledgeable as well as a great litigator. His quick responses mingled with a little sarcasm is fun to watch as his client. He also has spent time in the DA's office as part of their...
Posted by Aida | August 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
First Offense
Had the unfortunate need to hire Chris for a first time drunk driving offense. I've found him to be extremely knowledgeable about all the ins/outs of the entire process & was immediately put at ease. The everything was thoroughly explained, leaving me to feel very confident in his skills and experi...
Chris Halsor's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Chris Halsor for many years and have seen first hand his abilities as an experienced and competent attorney. I worked with Chris when he was a Colorado deputy district attorney in Jefferson County. I have observed Chris in court, interacting with prosecutors and judges over the years. Chris has a special talent that is essential to be an effective attorney: He has the ability to connect with people, including his adversaries. This is how he gets the best possible outcomes in his DUI and criminal cases. He has mastered the art of negotiaton. Chris is the go-to attorney for any marijuana DUI or criminal issue. He is an expert in this field and the prosecutors know this. I endrose Chris Halsor for legal representation on any criminal or DUI case."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Chris Halsor for many years, having first worked on the opposing side when he was working as a prosecutor and I was a defense attorney. He has always been extraordinarily professional and pleasant to work with or against. He knows how to listen and evaluate cases very well. Now I know him on another level, as a fellow criminal defense attorney. He is very talented in defending his clients, and works hard for them. He has amazing expertise in the area of DUI and DUID (driving under the influence of drugs), and has actually conducted trainings around the state on this topic. I highly recommend Chris!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris Halsor has been a professional colleague of mine for over 20 years. I've always known him to be a very diligent, honest, hard-working lawyer. As a prosecutor he was always very reasonable to people. Now that he is out on his own I know that he cares about every case he takes."
"I have personally worked with Chris for several years and know him to be a diligent and thorough litigator who has an understanding of DUI matters which few can match, especially when it comes to marihuana intoxication. Chris is a very capable attorney in the area of criminal law and can expertly help his clients navigate the criminal justice system."
"I have known Chris for several years, since he was a prosecutor and continuing into private practice. He is very skilled and knowledgeable in all of the ins and outs of DUI defense, and able to use those skills to best protect and defend his clients. I highly recommend Chris Halsor to any client facing a DUI charge."
"I want to take the time to commend one of the most knowledgeable and ethical lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with; I have known Chris Halsor for over two decades and have had cases against him. Mr Halsor is a strong advocate, has compassion, and has extensive experience as a longtime prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney. He is on the cutting edge of marijuana law, including regulatory implementation. Excellent and trustworthy lawyer."
"Chris and I have known each other for years. Chris used to TEACH trial tactics to other lawyers in Colorado. He is an amazing litigator and cares deeply about his clients. I've called him for help before on my cases, and look forward to the day when I'm able to assist him on his own cases, as well. I'd happily second-chair a trial with him or ask him to sit with me on complicated matters, as well. I highly recommend this attorney to anyone dealing with criminal charges in Colorado."
"Chris has extensive experience with a wide spectrum of criminal matters. He has tried many cases, and taught others how to do it well. Just as importantly, Chris is decent and compassionate. He might not be your lawyer, but you want him to be."
"I have known Chris for over twenty years. He is thoughtful and methodical. His dedication to his practice and professionalism is superb. Do not hesitate to rely on his expertise."
"I am honored to endorse Chris Halsor. He is a talented attorney with incredible knowledge in the field of DUI and DUI-Drug related matters. Chris is a respected collegue and an experienced litigator. I recommend and endorse attorney Chris Halsor."
"I fully endorse and recommend my legal colleague Chris Halsor and in particular recommend him for DUI, marijuana and drug related criminal defense. I have know Chris for over 15 years. He has become a great criminal defense attorney in general and one of few real, bonafide experts in DUI defense, DUI-D(Drug) Defense, marijuana-industry specific criminal defense and related drug crimes defense. He also has developed a speciality in marijuana regulatory issues, having trained law enforcement nationwide in the regulatory scheme involving the growing legalization of marijuana nationwide. I have known Chris since he and I worked for the felony unit of a Denver metro District Attorney's Office in the early 2000s. Chris and I tried cases together to include murder and high-level felonies. Chris then became an expert lecturer statewide on DUI prosecution before opening his own marijuana regulatory consulting firm and becoming a defense attorney. I highly recommend Chris."
David Jones
DUI and DWI lawyer
Thomas Nellessen
Criminal defense lawyer
Douglas Cohen
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2013
Prosecutor of the Year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
1999
American Jurisprudence Awared - Trial Practice, University of Denver College of Law
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Founder, Understanding Legal Marijuana, LLC.
2014 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Chris Halsor
2018 - 2019
Of Counsel, Molly Jansen Law Group
2008 - 2014
Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Colorado District Attorneys' Council
2000 - 2008
Deputy District Attorney, Jefferson County District Attorney's Office
1998 - 2000
Intern, Jefferson County District Attorney
Associations
2020 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
2020 - Present
Jefferson County Bar Association (CO)Member
2020 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
Education
2000
University of Denver College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
Western State College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2020
Ohio Judicial Conference
Marijuana Law
2020
North Dakota State Bar Association
Marijuana Law
2019
Employment Law Conference
The Straight Dope on Legal Marijuana
2019
Arkansas Attorney General's Office Marijuana Summit
Arkansas Medical Marijuana - Legal Challenges
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Got a ticket for underage drinking and a DUI at the same time. Do I need a lawyer?
02 Jan 2021
Q&A
Do I plead guilty, not guilty, no contest? The charges are operating a B&B in a low residential, home based business.
16 Oct 2020
Q&A
Can I still be charged with a DUI if I take Adderal? Can the cops be at fault for anything described?
24 Sep 2020