Introduction: The most effective negotiating tool is the power to ultimately win.
I am the founder and managing attorney for Cantley Criminal Law Office. I focus only on criminal law, a practice that requires careful study of constitutional law and excellent trial skills. I am also an appellate and post-conviction lawyer. I can handle all types of criminal cases, from petty offenses to capital murder. I have experience successfully defending cases both before and after charges are filed, on appeal, and post-conviction.
Before starting my own practice I was a Senior Deputy State Public Defender in the Arapahoe County Trial Office. This is the gold standard of experience and training for a criminal defense attorney. I was lucky to learn from attorneys who knew how to win any kind of case, many with tough facts, such as death penalty cases. I gained experience handling serious felony offenses like homicide and sex offenses, as well as misdemeanor and traffic offenses. I have won acquittals in jury trials lasting from a day to multiple weeks, and in cases charging DUI, domestic violence, sex offenses, and crimes of violence including First Degree Murder. I have also authored numerous appellate briefs and have obtained reversal of conviction on appeal.
Actions speak louder than words. I have won DUI trials with drugs, alcohol, refusals, and tests above the presumptive legal limit. I have also given trainings on DUI cases focusing on subjects like chemical testing and the scientific literature on marijuana impairment. I have obtained dismissals of dozens of domestic violence cases, and have won both misdemeanor and felony accusations at trial. I secured four full acquittals in sex cases, and have tried three first degree murders (winning a full acquittal in one). Drug cases are also a specialty of mine, and if they are won, it is often before trial. I have successfully challenging unreasonable searches and seizures, and obtained dismissals of drug cases.
In my practice, I understand that the legal profession is first and foremost a service industry. I strive to provide the highest standard of loyalty to my clients, am not afraid to challenge the government, and will work aggressively to protect the liberty and constitutional rights of my clients.
I am a member of the American Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association, and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers.
