John T Carlson

John T Carlson, Civil Rights Attorney in Denver, Colorado

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense

Of Counsel

Denver, CO

Practicing civil rights in Denver since 1993.

33+
Years practicing
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

John T Carlson is an of counsel based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. John has over 33 years of legal experience.

Based in
Denver, CO
Experience
over 33 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Criminal Defense
  • Handles Civil Rights and Criminal Defense matters from Denver, CO.
  • Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About John T Carlson: John T Carlson is an of counsel based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. John has over 33 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by John T Carlson

John concentrates on civil rights and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Denver, Colorado

John takes civil rights matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Denver, Colorado

John takes criminal defense matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

About John T Carlson — Over 33 years of Colorado civil rights experience

John T Carlson is an of counsel based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Civil Rights and Criminal Defense. John has over 33 years of legal experience.

John Carlson is an appellate and post-conviction lawyer. He spent fifteen years at the Federal Public Defender, in Denver, where he represented clients in appeals arising from all six states of the Tenth Circuit. He also defended clients facing the death penalty. He has argued more than sixty cases in state and federal appellate courts. Before the Federal Defender, John was a legal services lawyer on the Navajo Indian Reservation, an appellate lawyer at the Colorado Public Defender, and an associate at an employment-discrimination and civil-rights firm in Denver. John served on the Colorado ACLU Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020.

Working with John on a civil rights matter

John Carlson is an appellate and post-conviction lawyer. He spent fifteen years at the Federal Public Defender, in Denver, where he represented clients in appeals arising from all six states of the Tenth Circuit. He also defended clients facing the death penalty. He has argued more than sixty cases in state and federal appellate courts. Before the Federal Defender, John was a legal services…

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights and criminal defense matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.

Credentials

John T Carlson's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Southern California

    J.D. · 1993

  • University of California Berkeley

    B.A. · 1988

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • United States Court

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • United States Distri

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • Colorado

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • New Mexico

    1993 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in University of California Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in University of Southern California and B.A. in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

John T Carlson's office in Denver

John's primary office is at Republic Plaza, 303 16th Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO, 80202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Republic Plaza, 303 16th Street, Suite 200

Denver, CO 80202

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John T Carlson

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Hiring guide

How to hire John T Carlson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Denver, Colorado

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John T Carlson

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a civil rights case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in Colorado typically take?

    Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside Denver?

    John is licensed in Colorado. Matters governed by Colorado law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new civil rights clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado

John handles civil rights matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Denver handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.