Douglas Richards – Denver Criminal Lawyer

Doug has been an Assistant United States Attorney and Assistant District Attorney. Now that he is in private practice, Doug is one of Colorado’s most experienced and acclaimed criminal defense lawyers. AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, with a perfect 10.0 / “Superb” rating by AVVO, Doug has been chosen as a “Rising Star” for several years—a distinction limited to 2.5% of Colorado’s practicing attorneys under the age of 40. In 2018 to 2020, he was recognized as a Colorado Super Lawyer for White Collar law. He is a recipient of “The Client’s Choice” Award and has been chosen to appear in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

As an Assistant United States Attorney, Doug was responsible for investigating and prosecuting international criminal travel networks, drug trafficking organizations, white-collar crime, threats to national security, and public corruption. In 2010 Doug received the FBI Director’s Award from then FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III.

Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Doug had been an award-winning Assistant District Attorney (ADA) with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas. During his tenure there, he tried more than 70 criminal jury trials, including prosecutions of murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assaults of adults and children, kidnapping, DUI and drug possession.

Recognized as a star within the DA’s office, Doug was chosen to work in the Vehicular Crimes Division. As a prosecutor, Doug’s responsibilities for these cases would often begin in the middle of the night, at the scene of a fatal crash. Along the way, Doug would direct officers and crash investigators through collecting and preserving evidence, drafting search warrants, and preparing the case for grand jury indictment or court. For this work, Doug received awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2007 and 2008.

In addition to working his own cases, Doug trained prosecutors and police on matters of law and procedure. He was responsible for addressing others’ mistakes when they erred. He perfected the art of drafting a successful, “airtight” warrant, having personally drafted hundreds of search and arrest warrants, and reviewed countless others. Doug has brought all of this experience into his private practice, allowing him to quickly identify any deficiencies, inaccuracies, and mischaracterizations in a prosecutor’s case.

In addition to his criminal work, Doug is an experienced civil and commercial litigator with a focus on trial work.

Doug is also a legal analyst and commentator, and has appeared in a number of print and broadcast outlets both locally and nationwide. These include USA Today, the Detroit Free Press, Fox News, the Dallas Observer, the Houston Chronicle, Enid News & Eagle, as well as a number of Denver-based news affiliates.

Doug is admitted to practice in all Colorado and Texas state courts, as well as the United States District Courts for Colorado and the Western District of Texas, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.