John M. Richilano, Criminal Defense Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratRichilano Shea LLC
Denver, CO
Practicing criminal defense in Denver since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John M. Richilano?
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Quick answer
John M. Richilano is a partner based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richilano Shea LLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Denver, CO
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation matters from Denver, CO.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John M. Richilano: John M. Richilano is a partner based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richilano Shea LLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John M. Richilano
John concentrates on criminal defense, general, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Litigation
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White Collar
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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.
General cases in Denver, Colorado
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Denver, Colorado
John takes litigation 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.
White Collar cases in Denver, Colorado
John 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John M. Richilano — Over 51 years of Colorado criminal defense experience
John M. Richilano is a partner based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richilano Shea LLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Author: "Keeping the Government's Hands Off Your Plane: Avoiding the Forfeiture Trap," ABA Forum on Air and Space Law, Winter, 1997; "The Residual Exception to the Hearsay Rule: Form Follows Substance," The Colorado Lawyer, June, 1993; "Federal Rule 6 Violations in Colorado," The Colorado Lawyer, December, 1984; Author: "Discovery and Admissibility of Police Internal Investigation Reports," The Colorado Lawyer, November, 1983. Co-Author and Editor: Criminal Law, "Annual Survey of Colorado Law," Continuing Legal Education of Colorado, Inc., 1984-1991. Lecturer, Criminal Law, Colorado Judicial Conference, 1989-1991. Deputy State Public Defender, 1976-1980. Faculty, Hastings Center for Trial and Appellate Advocacy, 1980. Assistant Federal Public Defender, 1981-1985. President, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Inc., 1983-1984. Chairman, Editorial Board, The Colorado Lawyer, 1992-1994. Chair, Committee on Conduct, United States District Court, District of Colorado, 1993-1996. President, Faculty of Federal Advocates, District of Colorado, 1999-2001.
How John handles criminal defense matters
Author: "Keeping the Government's Hands Off Your Plane: Avoiding the Forfeiture Trap," ABA Forum on Air and Space Law, Winter, 1997; "The Residual Exception to the Hearsay Rule: Form Follows Substance," The Colorado Lawyer, June, 1993; "Federal Rule 6 Violations in Colorado," The Colorado Lawyer, December, 1984; Author: "Discovery and Admissibility of Police Internal Investigation Reports," The…
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and litigation matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
John M. Richilano's legal education and bar admissions
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
J.D. · 1975
Marquette University
B.S. · 1972
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
Colorado
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and B.S. in Marquette University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and B.S. in Marquette University. 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.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of John M. Richilano
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
American College of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Locations
John M. Richilano's office in Denver
John's primary office is at 1800 15th Street, Suite 101, Denver, CO, 80202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John M. Richilano — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Denver.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John M. Richilano claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John M. Richilano — 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 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 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 John
John 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. 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 criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John M. Richilano
How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John'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. 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 criminal defense 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
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
John 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
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Colorado
If John'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.





