Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls
Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt

Defending the Constitutional Rights of the Accused

Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt

Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls

Defending the Constitutional Rights of the Accused

Firm Overview

Jeralyn E. Merritt is a nationally renowned criminal defense attorney in private practice, defending individuals accused of serious federal and state drug offenses and white-collar crimes, including related asset forfeiture actions.

With more than 45 years' experience representing the accused in complex cases in federal and state courts in Colorado and throughout the country, Jeralyn E. Merritt is consistently on the forefront of innovative trial strategies and defenses. Ms. Merritt is a past Lecturer-at-Law at the Denver University College of Law, teaching courses in Criminal Defense Techniques and Wrongful Convictions. She has testified before both Congress and the U.S. Sentencing Commission on drug laws and the federal sentencing guidelines. She is a frequent lecturer at nationally accredited continuing legal education programs.

Ms. Merritt has a proven record of accomplishment of passionately and effectively upholding her clients' Constitutional rights. The Law Office of Jeralyn E. Merritt aggressively represents clients at all stages of criminal actions, including pre-Indictment, grand jury, trial, and post-conviction proceedings.

Jeralyn E. Merritt is nationally recognized as AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to her. She has been selected by SuperLawyers for the past several years.

Confidence - A confident approach produces the best possible outcomes for clients - Backed by her strong history of awards and accomplishments, distinguished criminal defense attorney Jeralyn E. Merritt exudes confidence and is a persuasive, convincing advocate. Applying knowledge acquired and fine-tuned through more than 40 years of experience, including high-profile cases, she aggressively defends your Constitutional rights.

Dedication - Jeralyn Merritt is compassionate and devoted to her clients. She understands the difficulties criminal defendants face in their personal and professional lives. She provides information about the law and how it applies to your case and is there to help you every step of the way towards the best possible outcome.

Focus - Attorney Jeralyn E. Merritt is a top achiever focused on winning. She works tirelessly and fights tenaciously in your defense. She is never intimidated and does not back down under pressure.

Experienced attorney focused on serious drug offenses, white collar crime and forfeitures - Jeralyn E. Merritt provides effective criminal defense representation focused on the following practice areas: federal and state drug offenses including charges of drug distribution and conspiracy, manufacturing, organized crime (RICO and COCCA), money laundering and related forfeiture actions. She has decades of experience challenging wiretaps and other forms of electronic surveillance.

White Collar Crimes - In her white-collar defense practice, Jeralyn E. Merritt skillfully navigates the complexities of the federal court system to defend those who are under investigation or have been charged with financial crimes, such as money laundering, mail or wire fraud, conspiracy, embezzlement, or tax evasion.

Criminal and Civil Forfeitures - Those accused of crimes may be subject to criminal or civil forfeiture of their property or assets. Jeralyn E. Merritt addresses these issues effectively, working to recover your property under the provisions of the law.

Experts: In both complex and routine cases, expert services may be advisable. These include private investigators, experts in cell phone and GPS technology, forensic accounting, jury selection, fingerprints, eyewitness identification, handwriting analysis, interpreters, and translators, sentencing mitigation and even social media experts. If any of these or other experts could make a difference in your defense, Ms. Merritt will work with you and your budget to retain a qualified and experienced expert with a proven track record.

Second Opinions - Ms. Merritt is available to provide a confidential and detailed second opinion to defense counsel seeking an independent opinion for their clients facing tough choices as to whether to accept a plea offer or proceed to trial, and the potential consequences of each decision. Her "second opinion" services may also be obtained by individuals who want to receive the opinion confidentially.

Main Office

Downtown Denver
600 17th Street
Suite 2800-S
Denver, CO 80202

Phone

303-837-1837

Fax

720-904-9197

Fees
Office Information
Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

English

Criminal Defense

Committed to Defending Constitutional Rights

Practice Areas:
-Federal and State Drug Offenses
-White Collar Defense
-Criminal and Civil Forfeitures

Federal and State Drug Offenses
-Defense of Federal and State Drug Crimes

Complex Federal Criminal Cases
-Defense of complex federal criminal cases, including multi-defendant drug and fraud conspiracies

Criminal and Civil Forfeitures
-Defense of criminal and civil forfeitures

Pre-Indictment and Grand Jury Representation
-Pre-Indictment and grand jury representation

White Collar Defense
-Defense of financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, criminal forfeitures

Electronic Surveillance
-Defense of criminal cases involving the use of electronic surveillance, including wiretaps

Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt
Jeralyn Merritt

Admitted: 1974, Colorado, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado and U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; 1981, New York and U.S. Supreme Court; 1990, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1991, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona; 1999, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Law School: University of Denver, J.D.

Member: American Bar Association (Member, Criminal Justice Section Council, 2000-2004); American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) (Fellow, 1994-2019, Member, Board of Governors, 1996-2004); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (Life Member, Board of Directors, 1995-2001; Secretary, 2002-2003; Treasurer, 2003-2004; Co-Chair, Legislative Committee (1994 - 2004); Vice-Chair, Internet and Innocence Project Committees, 1996-2004); Past member Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado and Denver Bar Association.

Biography: Teaching Positions: Lecturer in Law, University of Denver College of Law, Wrongful Convictions; Criminal Defense, 2001-2003. Honors, Awards: Selected by National Institute of Justice, U.S. Dept. of Justice, to serve on Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence, 1998-2000; Selected by United States Sentencing Commission - oral testimony on federal drug sentencing guidelines, August 12, 1996, Denver, CO; Selected by House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, - oral and written congressional testimony on federal marijuana sentencing laws on behalf of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), March, 1996, Washington, D.C.; Recipient of the first annual Marshall Stern Award for Outstanding Legislative Achievement, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1995; Selected by Chief Judge Richard P. Matsch, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, to serve (1994) and to chair (1995) the Court's Standing Committee on the Criminal Justice Act. Lectures: Over fifty, list available upon request. Publications: Co-Author, "USA Patriot Act of 2001: An Analysis," LexisNexis Publishing, 2002; NACDL Champion: "Legislation", Monthly Column, 1995-2000. Member: Martindale-Hubbell- Lexis-Nexis Legal Advisory Board, 1996-2007. Media: MSNBC Legal Analyst, 1997-1999; Frequent appearances on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNBC (Rivera Live), NBC, Court TV, 1996-2008; Internet Journalist on Crime and Politics, 2002-2019.

Born: New York, N.Y.

License

Bar Number: 2134757
New York, 1981

Bar Number: 5288
Colorado, 1974

Education

University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts, 1971

University of Denver College of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1973

Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt
Jeralyn Merritt

Admitted: 1974, Colorado, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado and U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; 1981, New York and U.S. Supreme Court; 1990, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1991, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona; 1999, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Law School: University of Denver, J.D.

Member: American Bar Association (Member, Criminal Justice Section Council, 2000-2004); American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) (Fellow, 1994-2019, Member, Board of Governors, 1996-2004); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (Life Member, Board of Directors, 1995-2001; Secretary, 2002-2003; Treasurer, 2003-2004; Co-Chair, Legislative Committee (1994 - 2004); Vice-Chair, Internet and Innocence Project Committees, 1996-2004); Past member Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado and Denver Bar Association.

Biography: Teaching Positions: Lecturer in Law, University of Denver College of Law, Wrongful Convictions; Criminal Defense, 2001-2003. Honors, Awards: Selected by National Institute of Justice, U.S. Dept. of Justice, to serve on Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence, 1998-2000; Selected by United States Sentencing Commission - oral testimony on federal drug sentencing guidelines, August 12, 1996, Denver, CO; Selected by House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, - oral and written congressional testimony on federal marijuana sentencing laws on behalf of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), March, 1996, Washington, D.C.; Recipient of the first annual Marshall Stern Award for Outstanding Legislative Achievement, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1995; Selected by Chief Judge Richard P. Matsch, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, to serve (1994) and to chair (1995) the Court's Standing Committee on the Criminal Justice Act. Lectures: Over fifty, list available upon request. Publications: Co-Author, "USA Patriot Act of 2001: An Analysis," LexisNexis Publishing, 2002; NACDL Champion: "Legislation", Monthly Column, 1995-2000. Member: Martindale-Hubbell- Lexis-Nexis Legal Advisory Board, 1996-2007. Media: MSNBC Legal Analyst, 1997-1999; Frequent appearances on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNBC (Rivera Live), NBC, Court TV, 1996-2008; Internet Journalist on Crime and Politics, 2002-2019.

Born: New York, N.Y.

License

Bar Number: 2134757
New York, 1981

Bar Number: 5288
Colorado, 1974

Education

University of Michigan Bachelor of Arts, 1971


University of Denver College of Law Juris Doctorate, 1973


Firm Overview

Jeralyn E. Merritt is a nationally renowned criminal defense attorney in private practice, defending individuals accused of serious federal and state drug offenses and white-collar crimes, including related asset forfeiture actions.

With more than 45 years' experience representing the accused in complex cases in federal and state courts in Colorado and throughout the country, Jeralyn E. Merritt is consistently on the forefront of innovative trial strategies and defenses. Ms. Merritt is a past Lecturer-at-Law at the Denver University College of Law, teaching courses in Criminal Defense Techniques and Wrongful Convictions. She has testified before both Congress and the U.S. Sentencing Commission on drug laws and the federal sentencing guidelines. She is a frequent lecturer at nationally accredited continuing legal education programs.

Ms. Merritt has a proven record of accomplishment of passionately and effectively upholding her clients' Constitutional rights. The Law Office of Jeralyn E. Merritt aggressively represents clients at all stages of criminal actions, including pre-Indictment, grand jury, trial, and post-conviction proceedings.

Jeralyn E. Merritt is nationally recognized as AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to her. She has been selected by SuperLawyers for the past several years.

Confidence - A confident approach produces the best possible outcomes for clients - Backed by her strong history of awards and accomplishments, distinguished criminal defense attorney Jeralyn E. Merritt exudes confidence and is a persuasive, convincing advocate. Applying knowledge acquired and fine-tuned through more than 40 years of experience, including high-profile cases, she aggressively defends your Constitutional rights.

Dedication - Jeralyn Merritt is compassionate and devoted to her clients. She understands the difficulties criminal defendants face in their personal and professional lives. She provides information about the law and how it applies to your case and is there to help you every step of the way towards the best possible outcome.

Focus - Attorney Jeralyn E. Merritt is a top achiever focused on winning. She works tirelessly and fights tenaciously in your defense. She is never intimidated and does not back down under pressure.

Experienced attorney focused on serious drug offenses, white collar crime and forfeitures - Jeralyn E. Merritt provides effective criminal defense representation focused on the following practice areas: federal and state drug offenses including charges of drug distribution and conspiracy, manufacturing, organized crime (RICO and COCCA), money laundering and related forfeiture actions. She has decades of experience challenging wiretaps and other forms of electronic surveillance.

White Collar Crimes - In her white-collar defense practice, Jeralyn E. Merritt skillfully navigates the complexities of the federal court system to defend those who are under investigation or have been charged with financial crimes, such as money laundering, mail or wire fraud, conspiracy, embezzlement, or tax evasion.

Criminal and Civil Forfeitures - Those accused of crimes may be subject to criminal or civil forfeiture of their property or assets. Jeralyn E. Merritt addresses these issues effectively, working to recover your property under the provisions of the law.

Experts: In both complex and routine cases, expert services may be advisable. These include private investigators, experts in cell phone and GPS technology, forensic accounting, jury selection, fingerprints, eyewitness identification, handwriting analysis, interpreters, and translators, sentencing mitigation and even social media experts. If any of these or other experts could make a difference in your defense, Ms. Merritt will work with you and your budget to retain a qualified and experienced expert with a proven track record.

Second Opinions - Ms. Merritt is available to provide a confidential and detailed second opinion to defense counsel seeking an independent opinion for their clients facing tough choices as to whether to accept a plea offer or proceed to trial, and the potential consequences of each decision. Her "second opinion" services may also be obtained by individuals who want to receive the opinion confidentially.

Main Office

Downtown Denver
600 17th Street
Suite 2800-S
Denver, CO 80202

Phone

303-837-1837

Fax

720-904-9197

Fees
Office Information
Emergency After Hours

Yes

Languages Spoken

English

Criminal Defense

Committed to Defending Constitutional Rights

Practice Areas:
-Federal and State Drug Offenses
-White Collar Defense
-Criminal and Civil Forfeitures

Federal and State Drug Offenses
-Defense of Federal and State Drug Crimes

Complex Federal Criminal Cases
-Defense of complex federal criminal cases, including multi-defendant drug and fraud conspiracies

Criminal and Civil Forfeitures
-Defense of criminal and civil forfeitures

Pre-Indictment and Grand Jury Representation
-Pre-Indictment and grand jury representation

White Collar Defense
-Defense of financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, criminal forfeitures

Electronic Surveillance
-Defense of criminal cases involving the use of electronic surveillance, including wiretaps

Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt
Jeralyn Merritt

Admitted: 1974, Colorado, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado and U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; 1981, New York and U.S. Supreme Court; 1990, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1991, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona; 1999, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Law School: University of Denver, J.D.

Member: American Bar Association (Member, Criminal Justice Section Council, 2000-2004); American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) (Fellow, 1994-2019, Member, Board of Governors, 1996-2004); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (Life Member, Board of Directors, 1995-2001; Secretary, 2002-2003; Treasurer, 2003-2004; Co-Chair, Legislative Committee (1994 - 2004); Vice-Chair, Internet and Innocence Project Committees, 1996-2004); Past member Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado and Denver Bar Association.

Biography: Teaching Positions: Lecturer in Law, University of Denver College of Law, Wrongful Convictions; Criminal Defense, 2001-2003. Honors, Awards: Selected by National Institute of Justice, U.S. Dept. of Justice, to serve on Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence, 1998-2000; Selected by United States Sentencing Commission - oral testimony on federal drug sentencing guidelines, August 12, 1996, Denver, CO; Selected by House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, - oral and written congressional testimony on federal marijuana sentencing laws on behalf of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), March, 1996, Washington, D.C.; Recipient of the first annual Marshall Stern Award for Outstanding Legislative Achievement, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1995; Selected by Chief Judge Richard P. Matsch, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, to serve (1994) and to chair (1995) the Court's Standing Committee on the Criminal Justice Act. Lectures: Over fifty, list available upon request. Publications: Co-Author, "USA Patriot Act of 2001: An Analysis," LexisNexis Publishing, 2002; NACDL Champion: "Legislation", Monthly Column, 1995-2000. Member: Martindale-Hubbell- Lexis-Nexis Legal Advisory Board, 1996-2007. Media: MSNBC Legal Analyst, 1997-1999; Frequent appearances on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNBC (Rivera Live), NBC, Court TV, 1996-2008; Internet Journalist on Crime and Politics, 2002-2019.

Born: New York, N.Y.

License

Bar Number: 2134757
New York, 1981

Bar Number: 5288
Colorado, 1974

Education

University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts, 1971

University of Denver College of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1973

Law Office Of Jeralyn E. Merritt
Jeralyn Merritt

Admitted: 1974, Colorado, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado and U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; 1981, New York and U.S. Supreme Court; 1990, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1991, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona; 1999, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Law School: University of Denver, J.D.

Member: American Bar Association (Member, Criminal Justice Section Council, 2000-2004); American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) (Fellow, 1994-2019, Member, Board of Governors, 1996-2004); National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) (Life Member, Board of Directors, 1995-2001; Secretary, 2002-2003; Treasurer, 2003-2004; Co-Chair, Legislative Committee (1994 - 2004); Vice-Chair, Internet and Innocence Project Committees, 1996-2004); Past member Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado and Denver Bar Association.

Biography: Teaching Positions: Lecturer in Law, University of Denver College of Law, Wrongful Convictions; Criminal Defense, 2001-2003. Honors, Awards: Selected by National Institute of Justice, U.S. Dept. of Justice, to serve on Technical Working Group for Eyewitness Evidence, 1998-2000; Selected by United States Sentencing Commission - oral testimony on federal drug sentencing guidelines, August 12, 1996, Denver, CO; Selected by House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, - oral and written congressional testimony on federal marijuana sentencing laws on behalf of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), March, 1996, Washington, D.C.; Recipient of the first annual Marshall Stern Award for Outstanding Legislative Achievement, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1995; Selected by Chief Judge Richard P. Matsch, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, to serve (1994) and to chair (1995) the Court's Standing Committee on the Criminal Justice Act. Lectures: Over fifty, list available upon request. Publications: Co-Author, "USA Patriot Act of 2001: An Analysis," LexisNexis Publishing, 2002; NACDL Champion: "Legislation", Monthly Column, 1995-2000. Member: Martindale-Hubbell- Lexis-Nexis Legal Advisory Board, 1996-2007. Media: MSNBC Legal Analyst, 1997-1999; Frequent appearances on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNBC (Rivera Live), NBC, Court TV, 1996-2008; Internet Journalist on Crime and Politics, 2002-2019.

Born: New York, N.Y.

License

Bar Number: 2134757
New York, 1981

Bar Number: 5288
Colorado, 1974

Education

University of Michigan Bachelor of Arts, 1971


University of Denver College of Law Juris Doctorate, 1973


Contact Us