Thomas J. Nellessen

Thomas J. Nellessen, Criminal Defense Attorney in Denver, Colorado

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Senior AttorneyatJohnson Law Group, LLC

Denver, CO

Practicing criminal defense in Denver since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
2 client reviews
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Thomas J. Nellessen is a senior attorney based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes. Thomas has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Johnson Law Group, LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Denver, CO
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · Divorce · Drug Crimes
  • Handles Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes matters from Denver, CO.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Thomas J. Nellessen: Thomas J. Nellessen is a senior attorney based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes. Thomas has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Johnson Law Group, LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on criminal defense, divorce, drug crimes, dui/dwi, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Denver, Colorado

Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Denver, Colorado

Thomas takes divorce 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Denver, Colorado

Thomas takes drug crimes 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Denver, Colorado

Thomas takes dui/dwi 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Denver, Colorado

Thomas takes general 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Thomas J. Nellessen — criminal defense lawyer in Denver

Thomas J. Nellessen is a senior attorney based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Divorce, and Drug Crimes. Thomas has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Johnson Law Group, LLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Thomas J. Nellessen, Senior Attorney at Johnson Law Group, brings over 30 years of experience in divorce and family law. Tom is known for his compassionate and client-centered approach, with a focus on effective communication and prioritizing the best interests of children throughout the legal process. His expertise spans all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, spousal support, asset division, and orders of protection, ensuring his clients receive personalized attention and strong legal representation at every stage. Tom also has experience in criminal law, which enhances his ability to navigate complex cases involving overlapping legal issues.

Education & Professional Memberships

Tom earned his Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois College of Law and has been a member of the Colorado Bar Association for over three decades. His commitment to excellence in family law has made him a trusted advocate, providing not only legal guidance but also emotional support to clients navigating complex family matters.

Career Achievements

Before joining Johnson Law Group, Tom founded and led the Nellessen Law Office, where he earned a reputation as one of Colorado’s premier family law attorneys. His deep knowledge of the legal system and unwavering dedication to client advocacy enable him to consistently achieve favorable outcomes for clients, whether through negotiation or litigation.

Comprehensive Experience

In addition to his legal practice, Tom has provided Child-Family Investigator (CFI) services across the Denver Metro area. After completing the state-required 40-hour CFI training program, he has applied his experience as a Guardian ad Litem and Special Advocate to deliver insightful CFI reports. Tom’s approach involves spending significant time with each family, thoroughly understanding their dynamics and relationships, ensuring the court receives a complete and practical picture of each family unit. His investigative method, focused on meaningful family interactions rather than brief testing and limited contact, provides the court with a clearer understanding of the family’s needs, always keeping the well-being of children at the forefront.

Personal Interests

Outside of his legal career, Tom enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with his wife, Therese, and their dogs. He is also an avid West Coast swing dancer, having competed nationally and won several competitions, reflecting his passion for both precision and creativity in everything he does.

How Thomas handles criminal defense matters

Thomas J. Nellessen, Senior Attorney at Johnson Law Group, brings over 30 years of experience in divorce and family law. Tom is known for his compassionate and client-centered approach, with a focus on effective communication and prioritizing the best interests of children throughout the legal process. His expertise spans all areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, spousal support,…

Who Thomas represents

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, divorce, and drug crimes matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Northern Illinois University

    J.D. · 1990

  • Metropolitan State College, Denver

    B.S. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • Colorado United Stat

    1991 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Northern Illinois University and B.S. in Metropolitan State College, Denver.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Northern Illinois University and B.S. in Metropolitan State College, Denver. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Douglas/Elbert Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Thomas J. Nellessen's office in Denver

Thomas's primary office is at 3773 Cherry Creek Drive North, Suite 801, East Tower, Denver, CO, 80209. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Johnson Law Group, LLC

3773 Cherry Creek Drive North, Suite 801, East Tower

Denver, CO 80209

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas J. Nellessen — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Denver.

4.9

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas J. Nellessen claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas J. Nellessen — 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 Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas 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 Thomas

Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas J. Nellessen

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a criminal defense case?

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

  • Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

    Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

    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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Thomas accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Thomas'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

Thomas 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

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