Colorado Criminal Defense Bar

The Jonathan Olom Award

“… for remarkable personal sacrifice made without regards to personal gain in the defense of the accused ….”

The Jonathan Olom Award was established by CCDB in 1985 to serve as a memorial to the remarkable Colorado defense attorney, Jonathan Olom. Designed to perpetuate and encourage others to follow the principles that he lived and practiced by, the Jonathan Olom Award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the criminal defense community based on the activities and accomplishments over his or her career. Factors considered by the nominating committee include a willingness to defend an accused without regard to public sentiment, personal advancement, or profit; professional excellence displayed in the face of adversity; adherence to high ethical standards; a willingness to assist, teach, and advise other practitioners; and a willingness to explore and develop criminal law and criminal advocacy to protect the rights of the accused and the innocent. This award is to be given to a defender who best demonstrates the above qualities regardless of the type of work, big or small.

Past Olom Award Recipients

David Kaplan (2018)
Laurie Rose Kepros (2017)
Daniel King (2016)
Larry Pozner (2015)
Hollis Whitson (2014)
Katherine Spengler (2013)
Lisa Fine Moses (2012)
Steven G. Colvin (2011)
Darren Cantor (2010)
Tamara Brady (2009)
Patrick Burke (2008)
Judy Lucero (2007)
Philip Cherner (2006)
Randy Canney (2005)
Ann P. Kaufman (2004)
Edward J. Nugent (2003)
Kathleen Lord (2002)
James A. Castle (2001)
Sharlene Reynolds (2000)
Doug Wilson (1999)
Michael Enwall (1998)
David Wymore (1997)
Bryan Shaha (1996) deceased
David Lane (1995)
Irvin Andrews (1994) deceased
Roberta Nieslanik (1993)
Terri Brake (1992) deceased
Michael Heher (1991)
Mary Allen (1990) deceased
Randy Jorgensen (1988)
David Eisner (1987)
Harold “Hal” Haddon (1986)
Forrest “Boogie” Lewis (1985)

The Alvin D. Lichtenstein Award

"... for remarkable accomplishments over a lifetime of distinguished service ..."

This award is given by the CCDB in recognition of remarkable accomplishments over a lifetime of distinguished service to a lawyer who leaves a memorable imprint in the daily practice of criminal defense lawyers in Colorado. This award is given to the lawyer who many lawyers conform their own conduct by asking, “what would she do, how would he address the court?” This award was created by the 1998-1999 CCDB Board of Directors to honor those rare, stand out, individuals who take on issues that help defendants in more ways than the boundaries of a criminal defense case. They are relentless in positively and uniquely contributing to the criminal justice system throughout their long and distinguished careers.

Past Alvin D. Lichtenstein Lifetime Acheivment Award Recipients

Ann Roan (2018)
Philip Cherner (2017)
David Vela (2016)
Gary Lozow (2015)
Wadine Gehrke and Howard Rosenberg (2014)
Lisa Cisneros (2013)
Daniel C. Bowen (2012) Awarded Posthumously
G. Paul McCormick (2011)
Cary Lacklen (2010) Awarded Posthumously
Lurix "Skeet" Johnson (2007)
Steven Rench (2004)
Peter Sadick (2003) Awarded Postumously
Mary Halloran (2002) Awarded Posthumously
Father Jim Sutherland (2001)
Walter Gerash (2000)

The Advancing Justice Award

The “Advancing Justice” Award is given to any person whose work to advance and uphold the principles of the CCDB has had an exceptional impact on the criminal justice system and those accused of crimes, or for outstanding service to the criminal defense community.

Factors considered by the selection committee include but are not limited to:

Unwavering dedication to the principles of creating a more fair and equitable criminal justice system
commitment to the CCDB and its membership
outstanding participation in the practice of criminal defense, not limited to legal representation of the accused
service as a role model or mentor for those new to criminal defense
service in one’s community
leadership in local defense organizations or local community organizations
participation in policy and legislative activities that benefit the criminal defense bar
generosity of spirit; personal sacrifice; creativity in criminal defense

Past Advancing Justice Award Recipients

Richard Demarest (2015)

The CCDB Gideon Award

From 2005 - 2014 The Colorado Criminal Defense Bar presented the Gideon Awards to honor CCDB members who through their practice have preserved the principles enshrined in the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision Gideon v. Wainwright and for outstanding service to the organization and/or community.

Factors considered by the selection committee include but are not limited to:

commitment to the service of indigent defendants
commitment to the CCDB and its membership
service as a role model or mentor for newer lawyers
teaching and/or scholarship that assist(s) other criminal defense practitioners
financial support of the CCDB and its activities
unwavering dedication to criminal defense
service in one’s community
leadership in local defense organizations or local community organizations
participation in policy and legislative activities that benefit the criminal defense bar
generosity of spirit; personal sacrifice; creativity in criminal defense

Past Gideon Award Recipients

Colorado Death Penalty Eligibility Study: (2014)
Prof. Justin Mareau, Prof. Sam Kamin, Prof. Wanda Foglia, Meg Beardsley, Bonnie Stewart, Erin Kincaid
Abraham "Abe" Hutt (2013)
Laurie Rose Kepros (2012)
Lisa Cisneros (2011)
David B. Harrison (2011)
Tom Williamson (2010)
John Pineau (2010)
Antony Noble (2010)
DNC People’s Law Project (2009)
Shannon Carson, Thom Cincotta, Jes Jones, Sean McAllister, Hans Meyer, Charles Nadler, Joshua Norkin, Taylor Pendergrass, Tim Quinn, Heather Skrypek, Miriam Stohs, Brian Vicente
Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel
Cynthia Sheehan (2009)
Tim Masters Defense Team (2008)
Maria Liu, David Wymore, Michael Heher, Josh Hoban, Barie Goetz
Jonathan D. Reppucci (2007)
Michelle L. Lazar (2007)
Kimberly Dvorchak (2007)
Thomas K. Carberry (2007)
Mark Burton (2007)
Greg Greer (2006)
Jim Covino (2006)
Maureen Cain (2006)
Marna Lake (2005)
David Joyce (2005)
Pam Dayton (2005)

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