Criminal Defense, Title IX Education Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
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About our law firm
Criminal Defense, Title IX Education Law, Personal Injury/Wrongful Death
Larry Mertes started his Colorado law career in 1983 as a deputy district attorney in the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office. In 1990 he founded Mertes Law in Boulder, Colorado – a law practice dedicated to providing a strong, creative, and competent defense to those accused of a criminal offense, including DUI and Domestic Violence.
In addition to providing a seasoned and successful criminal defense Larry’s practice provides representation for administrative law claims, such as providing a defense for the revocation of a driver’s license, including commercial driver’s license matters, and for claims made against licensed professionals by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs (DORA).
Recognizing that students accused of criminal offenses need a lawyer well-versed in education law to address companion Title IX sexual misconduct claims which can result in suspension or expulsion from their secondary schools, colleges, and universities Larry’s law practice specializes in providing an aggressive and focused defense to students who face a notice of investigation and Title IX/student conduct investigations.
While working as a deputy district attorney Larry personally handled all civil forfeiture matters in Boulder County which were brought to seize the profits and possessions of persons who committed serious crimes. Gaining this intimate knowledge of civil practice, while still working as a prosecutor, allowed Larry to develop a personal injury practice which pursues civil justice for anyone whose life has been disrupted by personal injury and pain caused by the negligence of another, as well as wrongful death claims occurring when a loved one’s life has been taken by the negligence of another.
Larry is a 2001 graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, an organization dedicated to training and educating lawyers and judges who are committed to the jury system and to representing and obtaining justice for individuals — the poor, the injured, the forgotten, the voiceless, the defenseless; and the damned — and to protecting the rights of such people from corporate and government oppression.
Larry currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Northern Colorado YMCA and has provided professional commentary on CNN’s Burden of Proof.
Pete Maguire – of Counsel
Effective June 1, 2021 Pete enters Senior Status with Mertes Law to become semi-retired but working with other Mertes Law attorneys on selected projects.
Pete began his legal career at the Boulder County (Colorado) District Attorney’s Office in 1978. After prosecuting misdemeanors in county court for two years and felonies in district court, Pete was promoted to the position of Chief Deputy District Attorney in 1985. In addition to prosecuting some of the highest profile and most serious cases in Boulder County, including complex homicides and multiple defendant cases, Pete developed a special expertise in grand jury matters at both the state and local level. In 2001, Pete was promoted to the position of Boulder County’s First Assistant District Attorney.
Pete has served on the executive board for Boulder’s County Juvenile I.M.P.A.C.T. program, been a member of the Boulder County Community Correction Board, and has been involved in the planning and implementation process for community initiatives involving domestic violence and drug treatment courts. In 2009 Pete assisted the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and the Conference of Western Attorneys General in developing a pilot program to train prosecutors from the state of Baja, Mexico.
Since January 2009 Pete has been in private practice as a criminal defense attorney. In November 2013 Pete joined Mertes Law with a continued commitment to providing those accused of crimes with a vigorous and effective criminal defense.
Larry Mertes is exceptional. His legal advice, guidance, and compassion resulted in a positive legal outcome and our family healing. He is much more than a talented and educated attorney, he was a beacon of hope and a friend during our families darkest hour.
The Mertes Law Firm handled my case with care, compassion, and the high level of professionalism. I would highly recommend Larry Mertes to anyone needing legal assistance.
I have had fair and great representation with this firm.
Larry and his staff took excellent care of both my husband and I. My injury was not severe but it changed both of our lives. I am not a fan of litigation so I tried to get better on my own. My treatments were costly and I continued to struggle. I had to give up many of the things that gave me pleasure. Larry made me realize that I still had rights even though I had a previous injury. I was not the same person. It was good to have Larry in my corner.
Larry Mertes and staff provided me with exceptional representation in my biggest time of need. After being rear-ended, I attempted to handle everything myself, which ended up feeling like a second job. I was in deep turmoil with paperwork, doctor bills, physical and mental pain, and confusion….and Larry Mertes and his team set up a free consultation immediately. They explained the whole process clearly, and eased my mind by handling the case. I’m extremely satisfied with their professionalism, time, dedication, and care that they showed me and my case. Someone I know recommended Larry to me and now I recommend him to you!
I love Mertes Law. Not only is Larry Mertes a brilliant, thorough, experienced, knowledgeable, and well networked lawyer, he is a kind, intuitive, caring, trustworthy, and genuine person. What seemed like an unfortunate circumstance actually ended up a blessing in disguise, and meeting and hiring Mertes Law was the catalyst. I now have a greater understanding of the insurance business so I can make sure I’m taken care of. The health care professionals Larry put me in contact with matched my personal needs and I’ve retained lasting, cherished relationships, both professionally and personally. Thank you!
We hired Larry to help seal the files of felony charge for my husband that had occurred several years ago. There were a lot of crazy circumstance to the original case/charges that made it seem impossible. It was difficult to do for many reasons but Larry got it done.
They handled a DWI and Criminal Mischief case for us. Very patient and helpful!! The entire staff was GREAT!!!
Larry Mertes handled my DUI case in a very professional manner. I got positive feedback from the start, as he had a lot of questions I never would have thought of when we had our initial consultation. I understood that due to the large number of cases the firm handles, I had to be patient to hear a response back. But it was always a very thorough response, and he made good suggestions. TJ Willard also assisted in my case, and helped me to win my administrative hearing by simply stating the facts and explaining that I was only sitting in the vehicle, and not actually driving it. He had helped Larry a great deal with my case and I would also recommend his services. Larry had recommended a good course of action for me to take to help my case to include gathering as much information and evidence as I could and attending alcohol classes ahead of time for my DUI charge. All of this preparation had helped put me in a good situation. He had presented an excellent argument toward the District Attorney stating that I had not intended to drive, and was merely sitting in the car staying warm to try to figure out what to do next. He also mentioned the arresting officer had no reasonable suspicion for approaching my vehicle because I had tinted windows and he could not see inside. I was also parked legally in a parking garage. The DA had later reached a plea bargaining agreement, and I plead guilty to a reckless driving offense with community service, and my DUI charge had been dismissed. Well worth the cost and peace of mind of maintaining a clean criminal record. I would strongly recommend Larry Mertes for his legal services! Thank you!
Larry and TJ were very adept at handling both my son and the DA in dealing with my son’s felony charges. With some sage advice to take an extra two weeks on bond, my son was able to demonstrate he was trying to get back on track, and the bond officer was able to give an excellent report. TJ was right there helping my son see what he needed to do, and encourage him to keep trying to put his best foot forward with the judge, DA, and bond officer.
Mr. Mertes resolved my case in a expedient and professional manner. I had multiple serious charges and he was able to reduce my felony charges down to a 1st class misdemeanor. He was very compassionate and was always available to discuss my case. From arrest to disposition was only 36 days. He should be appointed to be a judge in my opinion.
The Mertes Law Office did an outstanding job in analyzing each piece of my case and strategizing ways to determine whether or not I was charged fairly. Throughout dealing with me their team stayed on top of everything, made sure I was informed and updated in addition they answered all of my questions promptly. In the end I was able to keep a clean record and received the best outcome due to their recommendations. Mertes Law will not disappoint.
Exceptional law firm and had a great experience with them! 100% recommend 🙂
Larry represented me a few times for cases involving auto accidents and he never ceased to impress. He understands the system and insurance companies very well and always painted a clear picture of what the plan was. His coaching for times when I had to speak, like depositions, was always on point. He referred me to great doctors who helped me get healthy and whose reports helped aid our case. Whenever Larry was wasn’t immediately available, the staff was always eager and willing to help. Beyond being great at what he does, Larry also took interest in my personal life by getting to know me and ensuring the legal process didn’t derail everything else in my life. He cared from day 1 and it has always been appreciated.
Mertes Law Firm has helped our family in many ways! They are smart, thorough and willing to step outside the box to find solutions. In times of much stress, they can be counted on to provide information in a format that is easy to understand. I cannot recommend them enough.
I’ve recently used Mertes Law and cannot be happier with their service. Both Larry and Pete made me feel welcome and helped ease my worries about possible outcomes. They always kept me in the loop and made sure I understood all of my options before I made a decision. If it wasn’t for their professional guidance, I wouldn’t have had the outcome I received. I’m so happy and grateful I chose them to help me. I would never use anyone else and highly recommend them both.
Larry and his staff have been great resources for my family and I. Providing excellent guidance in a timely and fashionable manner. Highly recommended.
Larry Mertes is a dedicated and experienced attorney committed to putting the needs of his clients first.
5 stars
Larry and his team were beyond great! It was such a relief to hand my legal issues over to them so that I could focus on healing after my car accident. The folks at Mertes Law worked hard on my behalf and got a great settlement. I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done. Thanks, Larry, Karen, and Mariah!
Successfully defended a CU student in a Title IX Sexual Misconduct claim alleging non-consensual sexual contact and sexual intercourse on campus at CU Boulder. No criminal charges filed, client found not responsible.
Burn injury case at a nursing home in Boulder, settled for $675,000.
Slip and fall accident at a fast food restaurant in Longmont, settled for $82,500.
Personal injury case in Denver tried for a verdict exceeding policy limits ($390,990 with costs and interest).
Negligent snow board accident at a ski resort, settled for $225,000.
Professional malpractice claim in El Paso County, settled for $140,000.
Car accident in Longmont resulting in a brain injury. Settled for $350,000.
Bicycle accident in Boulder County resulting in a damaged shoulder. Settled for $120,000.
Rear-end car accident in Boulder, settled for $245,ooo.
Sex assault trial involving a religious cult in Boulder. Resulted in a not guilty jury verdict.
Second degree assault charge in Boulder reduced to a misdemeanor menacing charge.
Sex assault on a cognitively impaired person charge in Boulder that resulted in a not guilty jury verdict.
Domestic Violence and second degree assault charge in Longmont reduced to a misdemeanor with deferred sentence.
DUI charge in Weld County reduced to Careless Driving.
DUI charge in Longmont, reduced to Careless Driving. Work up of the client’s medical condition resulted in a plea result, but also saved the client from blindness when an untreated glaucoma was identified as a causal factor.
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