Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer
Martin & Reed, LLC is a Northern Colorado criminal defense firm that represents people charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Greeley, Fort Collins, and throughout Northern Colorado. Attorneys Bradley Martin and Justin Scott Reed have decades of combined criminal defense experience and have handled more than 100 jury trials.
From DUI and drug offenses to assault, theft, domestic violence, and other serious charges, the firm prepares every case with trial in mind. If you are under investigation or have already been charged, the first step is a free, confidential consultation.
Schedule your free consultation with one of our skilled Colorado criminal defense attorneys by calling (970) 573-5187 or by completing our contact form.
At a Glance
What we do: Martin & Reed represents people charged with both felony and misdemeanor offenses throughout Northern Colorado, including DUI, drug charges, assault, theft, domestic violence, weapons offenses, juvenile cases, traffic crimes, and probation violations.
Experience: Decades of combined Colorado criminal defense experience and more than 100 jury trials.
How Colorado grades criminal offenses: Colorado classifies offenses as felonies, misdemeanors, petty offenses, and traffic infractions under the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Free consultation: Confidential, no-cost case evaluations at the firm’s Greeley and Fort Collins offices.
What Is Criminal Defense, and What Does a Defense Attorney Do?
A criminal defense attorney protects a person accused of a crime by challenging the state’s evidence, advising on constitutional rights, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing the accused at every stage of the criminal process, including trial when necessary.
A defense attorney starts building your case as soon as possible. That may include reviewing police reports, obtaining body camera footage, speaking with witnesses, examining phone or surveillance records, and determining whether law enforcement followed the requirements of the U.S. and Colorado Constitutions during the investigation and arrest. Depending on the facts, your attorney may also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or another resolution.
If law enforcement wants to question you, you don’t have to answer on the spot. Once a statement is made, it cannot be taken back, even if it was intended to clear up a misunderstanding. Speaking with a defense attorney first gives you a chance to understand your rights before deciding how to respond.
How Colorado Classifies Crimes
Colorado law classifies criminal offenses according to their seriousness. The classification affects potential penalties, court procedures, and long-term consequences if convicted.
| Category | Colorado Classification |
| Felonies | Six classes (Class 1 through Class 6), with Class 1 carrying the most severe penalties under Colorado law. |
| Misdemeanors | Three classes (Class 1 through Class 3), generally carrying lower penalties than felonies. |
| Petty Offenses | Lower-level criminal offenses that may result in fines, jail, or other penalties depending on the charge. |
| Traffic Infractions | Non-criminal traffic violations that generally do not result in jail but may carry fines or license consequences. |
Colorado criminal charges also fall into several broad subject areas:
- Crimes against people: Offenses involving physical harm, threats, or unlawful conduct toward another person.
- Property crimes: Offenses involving theft, damage, or unlawful possession of another person’s property.
- Inchoate crimes: Crimes involving attempts, conspiracies, or solicitation to commit another offense.
- Statutory offenses: Crimes created by specific statutes covering conduct such as DUI, weapons violations, or sex offenses.
- Financial crimes: Offenses involving fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, or other financial misconduct.
These classifications are established by the Colorado Revised Statutes, primarily within Title 18 and certain provisions of Title 42 for traffic-related offenses.
Colorado Criminal Charges We Defend
Martin & Reed represents clients facing a wide variety of criminal charges throughout Northern Colorado. Every case receives an individualized defense strategy based on the evidence, applicable law, and the client’s goals. The firm handles:
- DUI and DWAI charges for adults and juveniles
- Drug offenses, including possession, distribution, and trafficking
- First- and second-degree assault charges
- Domestic violence, harassment, and stalking allegations
- Sex offenses
- Theft, burglary, robbery, and other property crimes
- Weapons offenses
- White-collar crimes, including fraud and embezzlement
- Serious traffic offenses
- Juvenile criminal defense
- Probation violation proceedings
Each practice area has unique legal issues, sentencing rules, and evidentiary challenges. Martin & Reed develops a defense strategy tailored to the specific allegations in each case.
How Martin & Reed Defends Your Case
Every criminal case follows a different path, but the firm’s approach remains consistent.
- Free consultation
Meet with an attorney to discuss the charges, explain what has happened, identify immediate concerns, and answer your questions. - Independent investigation
Review the evidence, interview witnesses when appropriate, obtain records, and gather information beyond the police investigation. - Analyze the prosecution’s case
Evaluate the strength of the government’s evidence and identify legal issues involving constitutional rights, witness credibility, forensic evidence, or procedural errors. - Ongoing communication
Keep you informed about hearings, deadlines, plea offers, and strategic decisions so you understand what is happening throughout your case. - Negotiate when appropriate
Pursue dismissals, reduced charges, diversion programs, or favorable plea agreements when they align with your objectives. - Trial preparation and courtroom defense
Prepare every case for trial, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s proof, and advocate before a judge or jury when trial offers the best path forward. - Post-trial review
If a conviction occurs, review the outcome to determine whether sentencing issues, post-trial motions, or an appeal should be pursued.
Why Clients Choose Martin & Reed
Clients choose Martin & Reed because they receive direct representation from experienced trial attorneys who remain actively involved in every stage of the case.
The firm’s attorneys bring decades of combined criminal defense experience and have handled more than 100 jury trials. Their commitment to trial preparation often strengthens negotiations with prosecutors because every case is prepared as though it may ultimately be decided before a jury.
Martin & Reed has also received recognition from organizations including Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top One Percent Attorneys, and maintains Better Business Bureau accreditation.
Clients work directly with an attorney who explains the legal process, answers questions promptly, and develops a defense strategy based on the facts of the case. Difficult cases receive the same level of preparation and attention as every other matter the firm accepts.
What to Expect & Getting Started
Your first consultation with Martin & Reed is free and confidential. During that meeting, an attorney will review the allegations, explain the criminal process, discuss possible defense strategies, and answer your questions about the next steps.
Before representation begins, you’ll receive a clear explanation of the firm’s fee structure and what it covers. As your case moves forward, your attorney keeps you updated on court dates, plea offers, rulings, and other developments so you know what to expect.
Martin & Reed has offices in Greeley and Fort Collins and represents clients throughout Northern Colorado.
Call (970) 573-5187 to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a criminal defense attorney do?
A criminal defense attorney protects your constitutional rights by investigating the case, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, advising you throughout the criminal process, negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate, and representing you during hearings and trial if necessary.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Colorado?
Under the Colorado Criminal Code, felonies are organized into six classes, with Class 1 carrying the most severe penalties and Class 6 the least severe. Misdemeanors are organized into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, with potential penalties that can include county jail, probation, fines, or all three. The sentence imposed in any case depends on the charge itself and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?
You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In many situations, it is best to speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering police questions because anything you say may later be used as evidence in court.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Colorado?
Every criminal case is different, so legal fees depend on factors such as the type of charge, the complexity of the evidence, whether expert witnesses are needed, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Martin & Reed provides a free initial consultation and explains fees before representation begins.
What areas does Martin & Reed serve?
Martin & Reed represents clients throughout Northern Colorado from offices located at 800 8th Avenue, Suite 202, Greeley, CO, and 155 E. Boardwalk Drive, Suite 400, Fort Collins, CO. To schedule a free consultation, call (970) 573-5187.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you are under investigation or facing criminal charges in Colorado, speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible. Call Martin & Reed, LLC at (970) 573-5187 or contact the firm online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. From offices in Greeley and Fort Collins, the firm represents clients throughout Northern Colorado.