Sean McDermott, Criminal Defense Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and White Collar
The Law Office of Sean McDermott
Denver, CO
Practicing criminal defense in Denver since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Sean McDermott is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and White Collar. Sean has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sean McDermott.
- Based in
- Denver, COLORADO
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Personal Injury · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and White Collar matters from Denver, COLORADO.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026).
About Sean McDermott: Sean McDermott is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and White Collar. Sean has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sean McDermott.
Areas of practice
Sean's practice areas in Denver
Sean concentrates on criminal defense, personal injury, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sean handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Denver, Colorado
Sean 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 Sean agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Denver, Colorado
Sean takes personal injury 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 Sean agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Denver, Colorado
Sean takes white collar 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 Sean agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sean McDermott, criminal defense attorney serving Denver
Sean McDermott is an attorney based in Denver, COLORADO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and White Collar. Sean has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sean McDermott. Sean works from Denver, Colorado and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Colorado trial attorney SEAN MCDERMOTT is a founding partner of the criminal defense and civil litigation practice, McDermott Stuart & Ward. His practice focuses on representation of those who have been charged with crimes as well as those who have experienced civil wrongs. At the heart of his practice is a strong belief that everyone charged with a crime or involved in a personal injury matter should have an attorney who is dedicated to the case and who will protect their interests both inside and outside the courtroom. His extensive experience includes DUIs, fraud, homicide, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes. He also provides representation to those involved in vehicle accidents, and premises liability.
Sean’s extensive background and successes earned him a preeminent AV Martindale-Hubbell rating. He has been named by the Top 100 Trial Lawyers as a National Trial Lawyer since 2013. He is an active and respected member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the Colorado Bar Association, and the Denver Bar Association. He has been a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar since 1998 and served as the organization’s President in 2013-2014. Sean has consistently been named as a Colorado Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine. Prior to moving into private practice, he served in the Colorado Public Defender’s office.
For more information about Sean McDermott visit www.MSWDenver.com.
Sean's approach to criminal defense cases
Colorado trial attorney SEAN MCDERMOTT is a founding partner of the criminal defense and civil litigation practice, McDermott Stuart & Ward. His practice focuses on representation of those who have been charged with crimes as well as those who have experienced civil wrongs. At the heart of his practice is a strong belief that everyone charged with a crime or involved in a personal injury matter…
The kind of cases Sean takes
Sean reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, personal injury, and white collar matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sean studied and practices
University of Denver
J.D. · 1998
Colorado State University
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Sean's state bar admissions
Colorado
1998 · ACTIVE
Sean studied at J.D. in University of Denver and B.A. in Colorado State University.
Law school and academic background
Sean completed J.D. in University of Denver and B.A. in Colorado State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sean runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Sean's legal honors and published work
Sean has received 16 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America©
2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2019, 2020, 2021)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense, General Practice,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Colorado Super Lawyers (2015 – present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell (2009 – present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers (2013 – present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Member, Denver Crime Prevention and Control Commission (2012 – present)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — 10/10 AVVO
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
Sean McDermott's office in Denver
Sean's primary office is at 1775 Sherman street, Ste 1650, Denver, Colorado, 80203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Law Office of Sean McDermott
1775 Sherman street, Ste 1650
Denver, Colorado 80203
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sean McDermott — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sean usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sean charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sean'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; Sean will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Denver, Colorado
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Sean
Sean discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. Sean confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sean's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sean McDermott
How much does it cost to hire Sean for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sean walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sean offer a free consultation?
Sean charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sean's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Sean's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Colorado typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. Sean gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sean take my case if I'm outside Denver?
Sean 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 — Sean 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 Sean?
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. Sean will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sean accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Sean's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
Sean handles criminal defense matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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