Douglas I Richards

Douglas I Richards

Richards | Carrington, LLC • Denver, CO
Criminal DefensePersonal Injury

Is this your profile?

Claim it for free to update your information and connect with clients.

Claim Profile →

Contact

Email
Phone
(720) 707-2478
Address
1444 Blake Street, Denver, CO, 80202, US

Professional

About

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 and 2019, 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. 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.

About Criminal Defense Law

Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals accused of crimes, protecting their constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They work to achieve the best possible outcome through negotiation or trial. Common matters include dui/dwi, drug charges, assault, theft.

Credentials

Education
2004 South Texas College of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1998 Rollins College BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
Spanish | English

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2019 10 Best Attorneys for Colorado, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 2019 Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Colorado, National Trial Lawyers 2019 Top 5% in America - Criminal Defense:General Practice, Best Lawyers in America 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award, America's Top 100 Attorneys 2018 America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 Attorneys
Publications
2015 CCDB DUI Trial Notebook The State's Case & Prosecutorial Misconduct
Associations
2018 - Present American Bar Association Member 2010 - Present Denver Bar Association Member 2010 - Present Colorado Bar Association Member 2010 - Present National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Member 2010 - 2017 Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association Member
Speaking
2014 US Law Shield Seminar What Power Does A Police Officer Have To Search, Detain Or Arrest You In Your Car or Home 2014 US Law Shield Seminar Colorado Deadly Force Laws 2014 US Law Shield Gun Law Seminar What Power Does A Police Officer Have To Search, Detain or Arrest You In Your Car Or Home? 2014 US Law Shield Gun Law Seminar Legally Justified Use of Deadly Force 2014 Knowing the Law of Deadly Force - When Can I Shoot? Colorado Firearms Case Law Update
Updated: Mar 08, 2026