Rachel A. Michael

Founding Attorney and Former Prosecutor

Criminal Defense

As a former prosecutor, Attorney Rachel A. Michael has a deep understanding for both sides of the criminal justice system. This experience enables her to thoroughly examine and evaluate the facts of each case. From there, she applies the law with each client’s specific circumstances in mind.

How Her Legal Career Began

Ms. Michael started her legal career in the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office. During this time, she led numerous training seminars for local law enforcement on the investigation and charging of domestic violence-related incidents.

After deciding she wasn’t able to help the way she wanted as a prosecutor, Ms. Michael handled civil litigation for a Denver-based firm before returning her focus to criminal law as a defense attorney. Her experience in both prosecution and defense gives her a unique skill set, allowing her to fully evaluate the facts of a case from all perspectives and seek the best outcome possible for her clients.

How Her Passion for Criminal Defense Came About

Rachel Michael understands how confusing and frustrating the criminal justice system can be for individuals charged with a crime and for their family members. When she was in law school, her brother was charged with a serious felony, and the experience influenced her to focus on criminal law. She wanted to provide people in similar situations with straightforward advice and assistance through the legal process.

Admissions

• Colorado & Wyoming

Practice Areas

Over the years, Attorney Michael has handled thousands of cases involving:

• Criminal Defense
  • Drinking and Driving Related Offenses (Felony & Misdemeanor Level)
    • DUI
    • DWAI
  • Reckless Driving/Careless Driving
  • Driving Under Restraint/Suspension
  • Harassment
  • Trespass
  • Sexual Assault
  • Unlawful Sexual Contact
  • Child Abuse
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Menacing
  • First, Second and Third Degree Assault
  • Domestic Violence Cases
  • Drug Possession & Distribution
  • Theft
  • Vehicular Eluding
  • Juvenile Defense
  • Computer Crimes
  • Financial Crimes
• Criminal Post-Sentencing Matters
  • Probation Revocation
  • Deferred Sentence Revocation
  • Petition to Terminate Probation
  • Petition to Transfer to Unsupervised Probation
  • Petition to Use Medical Marijuana While on Probation (Walton Petition)
  • Motions to Modify/Lift No Contact Order
  • Petitions to Seal
    • Expedited Sealing Statute
    • Criminal Convictions
    • Criminal Record
    • Investigations Not Resulting in Charges
  • Petition to Expunge
  • Petition to Deregister
• Domestic Relations Criminal Consultant
  • Consulting services for criminal parties with contemporaneous family law/child custody matters

Education

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, COLLEGE OF LAW: Juris Doctorate

• Excellence in Advocacy Award

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING: Bachelor’s Degree

• Criminal Justice

Experience

• Larimer County Bench Bar Committee (2014-Present)
• Partner: Joneson & Michael, LLC
• Attorney: Montgomery Kolodny Amatuzio & Dusbabek
• Deputy District Attorney: Larimer County District Attorney’s Office
• Defender Aid Clinic: University of Wyoming, College of Law