Chris began his legal career as a prosecutor in Burlington, Colorado, eventually being promoted to prosecuting felonies in four counties across Colorado’s eastern plains, as well as managing the Burlington branch of the district attorney’s office for Colorado’s 13th Judicial District. In 2001, Chris moved on to the district attorney’s office for the 19th Judicial District in Greeley, Colorado and specialized in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, drug crimes and crimes against children. In February 2004, Chris joined Collins | Liu, & Associates, L.L.P. as a partner. Chris primarily practices in criminal defense and has handled cases ranging from DUI, simple assaults, felony assaults, drug crimes and sexual assault to murder. Chris is very experienced in conducting jury trials, having spent his entire career as a trial lawyer.
Chris has received the same training that police officers in Colorado receive in the area of roadside sobriety maneuvers used in DUI investigations, and he is certified in those maneuvers. Chris has handled hundreds of cases involving allegations of drunken driving throughout his career as both a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. Chris has recently expanded his practice to include bankruptcy, landlord-tenant disputes and trusts, wills and estate planning. Chris’s extensive experience in litigation provides valuable insight in assisting clients with needs in these areas.
In addition to having a busy and fulfilling family life, Chris is an active member of the community. Chris has been on the Weld County Bar Association’s board of directors since 2008 and has instructed high school teams at mock trial competitions in Weld County. Chris has received several awards for his pro bono work with indigent clients, and he enjoys teaching and instructing in the law. Chris has instructed on Fourth Amendment search and seizure law to the Colorado State Investigator’s Association and appears occasionally as a guest lecturer on search and seizure at local colleges and universities.
Chris is a native of the state of Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1994 with honors. Shortly after graduation, Chris fulfilled his dream to live in Colorado and moved to Denver to attend law school. Chris enjoys hiking in the beauty of Colorado’s mountains and bicycling with his family.
Practice areas
23 years
23 years
17 years
17 years
23 years
17 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CO | Active | 1998 | 03/05/2022 |
Legal answers | 7 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Pro Bono Service Award | Weld County Legal Service | 2006 |
Pro Bono Service Award | Weld County Legal Service | 2005 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Collins, Liu, & Associates, LLP | 2004 - Present |
Deputy District Attorney | Office of the District Attorney 19th Judicial District | 2001 - 2004 |
Chief Deputy District Attorney | Office of the District Attorney 13th Judicial District | 1998 - 2001 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association | Member | 2013 - Present |
Colorado Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present |
Weld County Bar Association | Board Member | 2007 - 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Denver College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1997 |
University of Iowa | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1994 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Hate Crime Week | Hate crimes legislation | 2006 |
Free Living Will Seminar | Living Wills | 2005 |
Conference with 19th Judicial District bench and bar | Methamphetamine Labs | 2003 |
Colorado State Investigator's Association Annual Training | 4th Amendment Search & Seizure | 2000 |
Posted by anonymous
September 1, 2020
Posted by anonymous
March 21, 2018
Posted by anonymous
March 27, 2013
Raj Chohan, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 21, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is a smart, compassionate and tenacious defender for his clients. He is a consummate professional and builds good working relationships with opposing counsel. His prior experience as a prosecutor gives him insight and leverage that directly contributes to better results for his clients. I would highly recommend him for criminal defense.
James Merson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 12, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is a very smart lawyer and a very compassionate person. The combination of these character traits create a tireless and zealous advocate for his clients. His clients are lucky to have him on their side.
Raj Chohan, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 21, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is a smart, compassionate and tenacious defender for his clients. He is a consummate professional and builds good working relationships with opposing counsel. His prior experience as a prosecutor gives him insight and leverage that directly contributes to better results for his clients. I would highly recommend him for criminal defense.
James Merson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 12, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is a very smart lawyer and a very compassionate person. The combination of these character traits create a tireless and zealous advocate for his clients. His clients are lucky to have him on their side.
Bradley Martin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Chris is an extremely skilled trial attorney. He tirelessly fights for his clients rights. Chris uses his vast legal knowledge to obtain enviable results for his clients.
Brandon Luna, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 21, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Collins is exceptional at identifying the weaknesses in the prosecution's case. This allows him the ability to obtain an outright dismissal or in the alternative, the best plea agreement possible for his clients.
Kent Leier, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 19, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Chris is a fantastic advocate. I believe he actually gets to know his clients and looks out for them personally as well as professionally. I've worked with Chris many times and I've found him a pleasure to work with.
Troy Krenning, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 9, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Great lawyer and good person. Chris really believes in defending those accused of a crime and works very hard prote ting them.
Jeffrey Joseph, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 1, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Chris and his team are amazing attorneys and we have successfully represented many clients together in Northern Colorado.