Dru Nielsen - Criminal Defense profile photo

Dru Nielsen

Nielsen Weisz • Denver, CO
Criminal DefenseInvestigationsPersonal InjuryWhite Collar Defense

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Contact

Email
Phone
(720) 330-3919
Address
1800 15th Street, Denver, CO, 80202, US

Professional

About

Dru Nielsen is a distinguished criminal defense attorney based in Denver, Colorado, at Nielsen Weisz, specializing in investigations and white collar defense. With nearly thirty years of dedicated experience, Dru has earned a reputation for her gritty determination, professionalism, and exceptional trial skills. Clients and colleagues alike recognize her as a top criminal defense attorney, known for achieving remarkable results in pretrial investigations, prosecutions, and trials. Dru’s commitment to her clients is fueled by her personal experiences as a mother of two young men, inspiring her to passionately advocate for individuals wrongfully accused of domestic violence and sexual misconduct. She has successfully navigated high-stakes litigation, securing “not guilty” verdicts in multiple domestic violence murder trials, which underscores her prowess in the courtroom. In addition to her work in criminal defense, Dru maintains an active white collar defense practice in both federal and state courts. Her excellence was acknowledged in 2023 when she became a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an honor limited to just one percent of attorneys in any state and granted only through a rigorous selection process. Dru’s notable accolades include being named Lawyer of the Year for White Collar Criminal Defense by Best Lawyers in America in 2022 and receiving a Distinguished Achievement Award from the University of Colorado. For the past decade, Dru has consistently been recognized as a Top 10 attorney, reflecting her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation and advocating for justice on behalf of her clients.

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
1997 University of Colorado School of Law J.D. 1994 University of California, Los Angeles B.S., magna cum laude
Languages
English

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2025 Top 10 Colorado Super Lawyers, Colorado Super Lawyers 2025 Top 50 Women Colorado Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine 2024 Top Colorado Lawyers (Criminal Law), 5280 Magazine 2023 Top 100 Colorado Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine 2021 Colorado Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
Publications
2021 KOAA News5 Southern Colorado Quoted, "'A Slap in the Face:' Accomplice in Kelsey Berreth's Murder Has Three-Year Prison Sentence Thrown Out" 2020 9 News Interview, “Krystal Lee Kenney Being Considered for Halfway House After Serving Just 2 Months of 3-Year Sentence." 2020 9 News Interview, "I'm Sorry is Not Enough': Krystal Lee Sentenced to 3 Years for Role in Kelsey Berreth’s Death.” 2020 The Aspen Times Interview, “Wife of Embezzler in Aspen Skiing Co. Scheme Blames Husband at Sentencing." 2019 Law Week Colorado Subject, "Case of the Year Goes to Clemency Grant Over Life Without Parole Sentence"
Associations
2000 - Present Colorado Bar Association Member Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association Former Board Member National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Member National Women's White Collar Defense Association Member 2005 - 2007 Colorado Jury System Standing Committee Member
Speaking
2020 NACDL Engage & Exchange Co-Presenter (with Iris Eytan), "COVID-19 & Courts Reopening - Lessons Learned in Litigation" 2020 Eytan Nielsen Webinar Co-Presenter (with Iris Eytan), "Let’s Talk About…Sex (Offenses) and Consent." 2020 Eytan Nielsen Webinar Co-Presenter (with Iris Eytan), "Avoiding Party Pitfalls and Drug/Alcohol Offenses." 2020 Eytan Nielsen Webinar Co-Presenter (with Iris Eytan), "Virtual Hookups, Social Media & Bullying." 2019 DU Sturm College of Law Presenter, "Sex, Booze, and the Law"
Updated: Apr 01, 2026