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Criminal Defense

The DA has a plan. So should you. Defense strategy from an attorney who has investigated cases, prosecuted them, and defended them — Charles knows the playbook from every side.

Charles E. Liken Jr., Esq. — On Colorado's Legal Front Lines Since 1995 · Government Investigator, Denver Human Services (1997–2003) · Licensed Colorado Attorney Since 2003 ~ 20+ Years in Private Practice · Colorado Deputy District Attorney (2018–2020) · Colorado Court-Appointed Child and Family Investigator

How We Help

When the state is on the other side

A criminal charge threatens your liberty, your record, your license, and your livelihood. Charles conducted more than 700 civil and criminal investigations for the City & County of Denver and prosecuted criminal cases as a Deputy District Attorney before dedicating his practice to defense — he reads a case file the way the prosecution does, and builds your defense accordingly.

DUI, DWAI & Traffic Offenses — challenging stops, testing, and procedure; protecting your license and your record. See the full DUI Defense — nine guides for the recently arrested.

Domestic Violence — the Enhancer, and Protection-Order Defense — in Colorado, ‘domestic violence’ is not a charge of its own. Under C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3 it is a sentence enhancer that attaches to an underlying offense (assault, harassment, criminal mischief) against an intimate partner — and it triggers mandatory arrest, a mandatory protection order, firearms surrender, and a treatment evaluation before you've told your side. Charles handled these cases as a Deputy District Attorney (2018–2020); he knows the playbook from the other side, and defends the underlying charge, the protection order, and the custody and career fallout that ride along.

Drug Charges — possession through distribution, with close attention to search-and-seizure issues.

Theft, Fraud & Property Crimes — from shoplifting allegations to complex economic charges.

Assault & Violent Crimes — serious charges demand serious preparation, self-defense analysis, and witness work.

Wildlife, Hunting & Fishing Citations — Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) charges: licensing and tags, bag and possession limits, trespass, and Operation Game Thief matters.

Expungement & Record Sealing — clearing the record that follows you.

Ready when you are — talk it through with Charles.

Your choice: no-charge 20-minute phone call OR in-depth hour ($300) — both directly with Charles.

Book a Consultation (303) 406-2791

Every case gets the investigator treatment

Police reports are a starting point, not the truth. Expect independent scrutiny of the evidence, the procedure, and the people involved — because suppression issues and credibility gaps are where defenses are built.

Facing a DUI? Start with our Colorado DUI Defense — nine plain-English guides with the statutes cited, built for the week after the arrest.

Fees you can plan around: clear fee agreements, flexible payment plans through Affirm, and secure payments with Square.

Charles E. Liken Jr., Esq.

Attorney & Counselor at Law

Take the first step. We'll take it from there.

No-charge 20-minute phone consultation, or an in-depth hour ($300) — both directly with Charles.

Book a Consultation Call (303) 406-2791