Mission

The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar is dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused and is unalterably opposed to the death penalty. We provide training and support to the criminal defense community in an effort to promote zealous advocacy for our clients at every stage of representation.

Our state and federal constitutions are magnificent documents. They are intended to guarantee that the law recognize the inherent dignity and value of individuals and to protect a person's life, liberty, and property. By protecting constitutional rights one client at a time, we are protecting YOUR constitutional rights so that YOU have them when you need them.

CCDB is the only statewide organization devoted solely to the representation of persons accused of having committed crimes. We provide crucial services and support to private criminal defense practitioners, public defenders, paralegals, and investigators. We are committed to providing our members with the tools they need to better represent their clients and working together to improve Colorado’s criminal justice system.

The CCDB is affiliated with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) in mission, function, and goals.

CCDB By-Laws

Diversity Statement

Membership Equitable representation is indispensable for competent representation. CCDB combats the inequities, discrimination, and inequities of the criminal legal system by giving members tools to combat bias. We advocate for diversity on the bench and legislative action to effect change. We prioritize inclusion - for our members and for the entire legal community.

History

The CCDB has a proud history. We have grown from an intrepid six to nearly one thousand. We have grown because of the principles we believe in, our support for our clients, and our commitment to the constitutional process. Our history is captured by the acts of the people who supported, built, and fought for the rights of our clients and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar over the years.

The CCDB was created and established on May 8, 1979 as a result of the vision and leadership of our seven founding members: