David S. Kaplan

David Kaplan has more than 40 years of experience in criminal defense, including complex litigation and trial representation in state and federal courts on matters ranging from violent crime to white collar defense. Additionally, he frequently represents attorneys facing disciplinary consequences, other professionals facing regulatory licensing issues, and students confronting disciplinary actions.

David graduated from the University of Denver College of Law in 1982 and began work as a Deputy State Public Defender in the Denver trial office. After leaving the Defenders he went on to practice criminal law in both state and federal courts as a partner in Pozner and Kaplan, and later with the firm of Holland, Kaplan and Pagliuca.

In 2000, David returned to public service when he was appointed Colorado State Public Defender. For more than six years, he oversaw 320 criminal defense attorneys in what is regarded as one of the top indigent defense services in the nation. In 2006 David became a partner with the well-established criminal defense firm of Haddon, Morgan and Foreman. In 2021 he joined Stimson, LaBranche and Hubbard as senior counsel helping to launch a new and vibrant litigation firm continuing his dedication to representing the criminally accused.

David is Past-President of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and was an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver College of Law, teaching criminal law, criminal procedure and trial tactics. He has lectured extensively in the areas of trial tactics, criminal defense and criminal justice issues. Among many other positions, David served as Vice Chair of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, chaired the CJA Standing Committee for the District of Colorado from 2013 to 2017, and the CJA Panel Attorney District representative through 2020. David is past Chairman of the Colorado State Office of Judicial Performance and currently chairs both the Aurora Public Defender and State Public Defender Commissions.