Colorado Springs Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

Military criminal defense representation grounded in more than 20 years of work on behalf of clients in Colorado Springs.

If you are a service member or veteran charged with a crime in the civilian courts around Colorado Springs, it is important to retain a defense attorney who understands what is at stake. A civilian conviction can affect your security clearance, your command, and your career. Our Colorado Springs, CO military criminal defense lawyer has represented members of this military community for more than two decades, including years as a former prosecutor. We give candid assessments rather than false reassurance, and our consultations are free.

Military Criminal Defense Lawyer Colorado Springs, CO

A military criminal defense lawyer, in this context, defends active-duty service members and veterans who face charges in Colorado’s civilian court system. This is distinct from the military justice system. When a service member is arrested off post by local police and charged in state court, the case proceeds like any other criminal matter, but the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.

Colorado Springs sits beside a large military community, with Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, and the Air Force Academy nearby. Service members get arrested for the same offenses civilians do, but the fallout is different. A charge that a civilian might absorb can threaten a clearance, trigger command notification, or jeopardize an enlistment. That added layer is exactly why experienced counsel matters here.

It also means the defense has to think on two tracks at once. We handle the criminal case in front of the judge, and we keep an eye on the separate consequences that can follow you back to post. A resolution that looks fine on paper for a civilian might still carry a hidden cost for someone in uniform, and we plan for that from the first conversation. The goal is not just a good outcome in court. It’s protecting the career you’ve built.

Types of Military Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Colorado Springs

Service members come to us with the full range of civilian charges. The underlying offense is often familiar, but the stakes attached to it are not. A conviction can sit on a record that gets reviewed every time a clearance comes up for renewal, which means a moment of bad judgment can echo for years. These are the matters we handle most often for the military community around Colorado Springs.

• DUI. Impaired-driving arrests are common, and for a service member they can carry career consequences a civilian never faces. We defend the charge while keeping the DUI and military personnel consequences squarely in view.
• Domestic violence. These cases move fast and carry firearm and clearance implications. We act quickly to protect your rights, especially given how domestic violence accusations can affect active-duty status.
• Assault. A bar fight or a heated dispute can become a serious charge. We examine self-defense, the witnesses, and the actual evidence behind the accusation.
• Drug offenses. Possession and related charges raise immediate clearance and disciplinary concerns. We treat the timing and the collateral effects as part of the defense, not an afterthought.
• Theft and property crimes. These offenses can carry a stigma that follows a service member through reviews and renewals. We work to limit both the legal and the professional damage.
• Weapons charges. Allegations involving firearms demand careful handling for anyone, and more so for someone whose career depends on the right to carry one. We scrutinize the basis for the charge closely.
• Off-base conduct. Much of what happens away from post is governed by state law, and the interplay matters. We understand how off-base conduct intersects with both systems.

Each case turns on its own facts, and the right approach depends on the offense, the evidence, and the service consequences in play.

Why Choose Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. as my Military Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Springs, CO?

Deep Roots in the Colorado Springs Military Community

Attorney Christian Schwaner has defended clients in this region for more than 20 years, including many connected to the local installations. Before he became a defense attorney, he served as a Deputy District Attorney in El Paso and Teller Counties, prosecuting cases for the state. That insider view shapes our work as a criminal defense lawyer in Colorado Springs, CO handling cases for service members. We understand how local prosecutors build cases, and we understand what a civilian conviction can do to a military career. We’ve also seen how often a service member’s first instinct, to handle it quietly and move on, is the wrong one. The quiet path frequently leads to the conviction that does the most lasting damage.

Honest Counsel When Your Career Is on the Line

We know that for a service member, the question is not only what happens in court. It’s what happens to the clearance, the command relationship, and the discharge characterization. We keep those concerns front and center, and we explain the value of hiring a former prosecutor who has tried these cases. Mr. Schwaner is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and the Colorado Bar Association. Consultations are free, and we give straight answers.

Understanding Military Criminal Defense Cases

Charges, Consequences, and Defense Strategies for Service Members

You don’t need a law degree to grasp how these cases work, but a few realities shape almost every one of them:

• Civilian charges, military stakes. The criminal case proceeds in state court, but the consequences can extend to your service record and clearance.
• Clearance exposure. Even an arrest, before any conviction, can prompt review of a security clearance.
• Command notification. Some charges trigger reporting obligations that affect how your command responds.
• Collateral discipline. A civilian outcome can lead to separate administrative or disciplinary action.
• Defense focus. As with any case, the stop, the search, the evidence, and the procedure all matter.

Strategy grows out of those realities. Knowing the charges military members face most often helps us anticipate what comes next.

What Are Important Aspects of a Military Criminal Defense Case?

For a service member, the case is rarely just about the verdict. We pay attention to the parts that drive the long-term consequences.

• The timing of disclosures and how they reach your command.
• Whether the charge implicates your clearance or your duty status.
• How a plea, a deferral, or a dismissal affects your record differently.
• Whether the underlying charge can be reduced or resolved without a conviction.

These factors can be as important as the courtroom result itself. We weigh them from the start, because the right legal outcome and the right outcome for your service are not always the same thing, and bridging that gap is much of what we do.

What Is The Military Criminal Defense Case Timeline?

A civilian criminal case involving a service member follows the state court calendar, with the added pressure of service deadlines running in parallel. Knowing the stages helps you plan around both.

• Arrest and the filing of state charges.
• Any clearance or command review that the arrest may trigger.
• Early court appearances and the exchange of evidence.
• Investigation, motions, and negotiation.
• Resolution by plea or trial, with attention to the service consequences.

The civilian and service timelines do not always line up, and managing both at once is part of the work.

What Should You Bring to Your Military Criminal Defense Consultation?

The more context you can provide, the more useful our advice. If you can, bring the following to our first meeting:

• Your charging or arrest paperwork.
• Information about your clearance level and duty status.
• Any notice or inquiry you’ve received from your command.
• A written account of what happened while it’s fresh.

We will use that first meeting to explain how the civilian case may unfold and how it could affect your service, and to give you a clear, honest assessment of how serious the situation actually is. We will also outline the steps we would take next and how each one connects to protecting your record and your standing. Either way, you’ll leave knowing where you stand.

What Are Important Colorado Legal Resources for Military Criminal Defense Cases?

You don’t have to learn the system on your own, but knowing where to find reliable information helps. These public resources cover the civilian side of a case involving a service member in Colorado. They won’t address the military process, which is governed separately, but they explain the courts and statutes that handle your state charge.

• The Colorado Revised Statutes hold the state’s criminal and traffic laws.
• The El Paso County self-help center provides Fourth Judicial District court information.
• Statewide Colorado court self-help resources offer forms and guidance.
• Federal NHTSA impaired-driving laws give context for DUI-related charges.

Reach Out to Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. to Schedule a Consultation

When your service and your future are both on the line, you deserve clear, honest counsel. We offer free consultations and will give you a realistic read on the civilian charges you face and the steps that protect both your case and your career. Contact us to speak with a Colorado Springs military criminal defense attorney who knows this community and these courts.

Military Criminal Defense Statistics in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs sits at the center of one of the largest military communities in the western United States. Fort Carson alone supports approximately 64,750 personnel and family members, and the city borders four additional installations, including Peterson Space Force Base, the Air Force Academy, and NORAD. The total military-connected population exceeds 175,000, which means a significant share of people who move through the El Paso County criminal justice system have a connection to the armed services.

The region’s crime and enforcement data underline why experienced counsel matters here. CDOT impaired-driving data shows that El Paso County led the state in impaired-driving fatalities in 2024. Colorado law enforcement made more than 14,000 DUI arrests statewide that year, and Colorado Crime Statistics from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirm that Colorado Springs consistently reports one of the higher crime rates among Colorado cities. For service members, every one of those numbers represents a case that could carry career-ending consequences.

• Fort Carson supports approximately 64,750 service members, family members, and civilian employees.
• El Paso County recorded 26 impaired-driving fatalities in 2024, the highest of any county in Colorado.
• Colorado law enforcement made more than 14,000 DUI arrests statewide in 2024.
• Colorado’s statewide violent crime rate declined 13.3% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period the prior year.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Military Criminal Defense Case

For service members facing civilian charges in Colorado Springs, CO, the margin for error is narrower than most people realize. A wrong step early in the process can undermine your defense, damage your career, or both. These are the mistakes we see most often in military criminal defense cases, and every one of them is avoidable with the right counsel.

1. Talking to investigators without counsel. The instinct to cooperate runs deep for service members. But anything you say to law enforcement during a civilian investigation can and will be used in court. Do not give a statement or answer substantive questions until you have spoken with a defense attorney.
2. Waiting too long to hire a lawyer. Some service members assume the charges will resolve quietly or that a public defender will handle everything. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the more options remain open. Evidence degrades, witnesses become harder to reach, and filing windows close.
3. Assuming a minor charge will not affect your career. A charge that looks routine on paper, such as traffic offenses or a low-level misdemeanor, can still trigger command notification or a clearance inquiry. Service members cannot afford to evaluate a charge by the civilian scale alone.
4. Accepting a plea without understanding the collateral effects. A plea agreement that a civilian might absorb without lasting consequences can disqualify a service member from holding a clearance or possessing a firearm. Both of those affect whether you can continue to serve. Certain convictions also carry mandatory gun rights restrictions under federal law, which is a direct threat to any military career.
5. Posting about the case on social media. Screenshots and direct messages can be subpoenaed. Prosecutors review social media accounts during case preparation. Any post, comment, or photo that touches the facts of your case can be used against you.
6. Failing to disclose when disclosure is required. Some service members avoid reporting an arrest to their chain of command. Depending on the branch and the charge, that failure can result in separate disciplinary action. A military criminal defense lawyer can advise on the timing and scope of required reporting.
7. Overlooking clearance implications. Even if the criminal case ends well, an arrest for weapons charges or a drug-related offense can prompt a separate security clearance investigation. We plan for that from the start.
8. Relying on a lawyer who does not account for service consequences. The intersection of civilian criminal law and military regulations requires specific knowledge. An attorney who secures a result that looks fine on paper but ignores clearance risk, command reporting, or discharge implications has not done the full job.

Colorado Springs Military Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

What is a military criminal defense lawyer?

A military criminal defense lawyer, in this context, is a civilian attorney who represents active-duty service members and veterans charged with criminal offenses in Colorado state courts. This is separate from the military justice system under the UCMJ. When you are arrested by local police and your case is filed in civilian court, you need counsel who understands both systems.

Do I need a civilian attorney if I am charged off base?

Yes. Off-base charges are filed in Colorado state court. JAG officers and military defense counsel generally do not represent you in civilian proceedings. A civilian military defense attorney handles the case in court while tracking the military career implications that follow.

Will a civilian conviction affect my security clearance?

It can. Even an arrest, before any conviction, may trigger review of your eligibility. Convictions involving drugs, dishonesty, or felony DUI charges create significant risk. We evaluate every case with clearance consequences in view.

Can a DUI end my military career?

A single DUI does not automatically end a career, but it sets a sequence of potential consequences in motion. Command notification, clearance review, and administrative action are all possible. For repeat offenses or cases involving DWAI charges alongside aggravating circumstances, the risk increases substantially.

What happens if my command finds out about civilian charges?

In many cases, your command will learn about an arrest through routine reporting channels or law enforcement notification. We help service members understand their obligations, prepare for the command response, and limit additional fallout.

Can civilian charges be reduced or dismissed?

Depending on the facts, charges can be reduced through negotiation, dismissed because of procedural errors, or resolved through a deferred judgment that avoids a conviction. For service members, the specific resolution is critical because different outcomes carry different consequences for clearances, firearms eligibility, and service records.

Will I face military discipline on top of civilian penalties?

Potentially. A civilian conviction does not prevent your command from initiating separate administrative or disciplinary proceedings. The command may act before the civilian case concludes. We account for that risk from the start.

Should I tell my chain of command about an arrest?

That depends on your branch of service, your clearance level, and the charge. In some situations, reporting is mandatory. We advise service members on the timing and content of any disclosure so that the notification itself does not create additional problems.

How long does a civilian criminal case take in Colorado Springs?

A misdemeanor may resolve in a few months. A contested felony can stretch well beyond a year. For service members, the civilian timeline often runs alongside service deadlines for clearance reviews or PCS moves, and managing both tracks is part of what a military criminal defense attorney does.

How much does a military criminal defense attorney cost in Colorado Springs, CO?

We discuss fees during the free initial consultation. Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer provides a clear assessment of the case and the likely costs before you commit. We do not charge for the first meeting and are straightforward about what the representation will involve.

Important Resources for Colorado Springs Military Criminal Defense Cases

Colorado Springs Courthouses and Local Criminal Justice Resources

Criminal cases involving service members in the Colorado Springs area are heard in the Fourth Judicial District, which covers El Paso and Teller Counties. The primary courthouse is the El Paso County Combined Court at 270 South Tejon Street. Traffic and municipal code cases arising from CSPD citations may go through the Colorado Springs Municipal Court. The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases across both counties.

What Are Important Local Resources for Colorado Springs Military Criminal Defense?

If you are a service member facing criminal charges in Colorado Springs, the following agencies handle different parts of the process. This list is for reference only.

• El Paso County Combined Court, (719) 452-5000. Fourth Judicial District courthouse for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic matters.
• El Paso County Criminal Justice Center, (719) 390-2000. County detention facility at 2739 East Las Vegas Street.
• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, (719) 520-7100. County law enforcement handling patrol, investigations, and detention.
• Colorado Springs Municipal Court, (719) 385-5928. Municipal violations and traffic cases within city limits.
• 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, (719) 520-6000. Prosecution office for El Paso and Teller Counties.

Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee the services of any agency, office, or resource listed above. This information is provided for reference purposes only.

About Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer

Christian Schwaner founded the firm and has practiced criminal defense in Colorado Springs for more than two decades. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver in 1997 and was admitted to the Colorado Bar that same year. Before transitioning to defense work, he served as a Special Prosecutor in Pueblo and Canon City, where he earned the Trial Hound designation twice for trying the most cases of any attorney in the office. He is a member of the National College of DUI Defense. Mr. Schwaner has secured favorable outcomes for DUI clients who had been told by other attorneys that little could be done, and he applies that same level of persistence to every military criminal defense case.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“Christian is an outstanding attorney. He went out of his way to get the best possible outcome for me. I called and bothered him often with several questions and he always had an answer for me. Some how even though I was facing a pretty big charge I always felt better after talking with him. Christian is genuine and kind and someone you can trust.”

— Nicole Thomas

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Additional Resources for Colorado Springs Military Criminal Defense Cases

• What Happens When You Get a DUI Off a Military Installation
• Can You Get Your Criminal Record Sealed in Colorado Springs? A Defense Attorney Explains
• Top Criminal Defense Strategies From an Experienced Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney
• What Happens If You Are Charged With Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Colorado Springs?
• How Charges Escalate From Minor to Felony

Contact Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are a service member or veteran facing criminal charges in Colorado Springs, you do not have to navigate the process alone. We offer free consultations and provide honest assessments of the legal case and its potential consequences for your service. Fees are discussed at the initial meeting, and we move quickly once retained. Contact us to speak with a Colorado Springs, CO military criminal defense attorney who will give you a clear picture of where things stand.