Military law in Colorado: defense lawyers for service members
Colorado has a large military community centered on Colorado Springs — Fort Carson, Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases and the U.S. Air Force Academy — plus Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora. Service members stationed here are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) in addition to Colorado law. This page lists 9 attorneys and law firms in Colorado who handle military law matters.
What military defense lawyers handle
- Courts-martial. Summary, special and general courts-martial, including the Article 32 preliminary hearing before a general court-martial.
- Covered offenses. For sexual assault, domestic violence and other serious offenses committed after December 27, 2023, the decision to prosecute belongs to an independent Office of Special Trial Counsel, not the commander. This changes how these cases are investigated and charged.
- Administrative actions. Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15, letters of reprimand, separation boards, officer boards of inquiry and reductions in rank.
- Other charges. AWOL and desertion, drug offenses, larceny and financial fraud.
Military counsel or a civilian lawyer?
In a special or general court-martial, you have the right to a military defense counsel at no cost. You may also hire a civilian lawyer at your own expense, who can work alongside the military attorney. When comparing civilian lawyers, ask about court-martial trial experience, familiarity with your branch of service and how they will work with your assigned defense counsel.
Act early
Statements to investigators, the choice to accept or refuse nonjudicial punishment and deadlines to respond to a separation notice can shape the case from the start. Talk to a lawyer before you make them.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
How to Choose a Military Law Lawyer in Colorado
- Check the license. Every attorney admitted in Colorado can be looked up through the Colorado Supreme Court attorney registry, together with any public discipline. Do it before the first meeting.
- Ask about military law cases specifically. General practice is not the same as a track record in your type of matter: ask how many similar cases the lawyer handled recently and how they ended.
- Local courts matter. Procedures, filing practice and judges differ from county to county even within Colorado. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the courts that will hear your case.
- Get the fee agreement in writing. Hourly rate, flat fee or contingency, what counts as costs, and what happens if the case ends early — all of it should be on paper before work starts.
- Compare several profiles. 9 military law attorneys in Colorado are listed here, with the largest groups in Colorado Springs. Profiles carry direct contacts, so you can reach two or three of them without an intermediary.
