Valerie Cole - Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney
Valerie Cole is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has spent more than fifteen years defending individuals accused of crimes and protecting the rights of people facing serious criminal charges. Her career has been devoted to standing between her clients and the power of the government, ensuring that every person accused of a crime receives strong, strategic legal representation.
Valerie first recognized the importance of skilled criminal defense work while interning at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office, one of the largest and busiest public defender offices in the country. During that time, she saw firsthand how critical it is for individuals accused of crimes to have a knowledgeable attorney capable of challenging the power of law enforcement and prosecutors.
After graduating from the University of Miami School of Law, Valerie began practicing in Miami, Florida, one of the most demanding legal markets in the country. In her first year alone, she gained extensive courtroom experience, trying over 27 cases and quickly developing the litigation skills necessary to handle complex criminal cases. Valerie rose through the ranks to become a felony attorney and training attorney, helping guide and mentor other defense lawyers.
Valerie later moved to Colorado, where she served as a Deputy Public Defender in both the Montrose Trial Office and the Denver Trial Office of the Colorado State Public Defender system. In these roles, she continued to represent individuals facing serious criminal accusations and developed deep experience in Colorado criminal law and courtroom procedure.
Before founding Colerado Law, Valerie served as Lead Trial Attorney at Polansky Law Firm, PLLC, where she handled complex criminal defense matters and continued building her reputation as a dedicated trial lawyer.
Throughout her career, Valerie has assisted thousands of individuals accused of crimes in protecting their freedom, dignity, and future. She has defended clients against a wide range of criminal allegations, including:
- Homicide and violent crimes
- Assault and domestic violence charges
- Sexual offense allegations
- Weapons charges
- Property crimes and theft offenses
- Drug and alcohol-related crimes
Valerie also has significant experience in appellate and postconviction matters, including sentence reconsideration and litigation of postconviction claims.
Her practice today focuses on serious felony defense and complex criminal litigation. Valerie understands how devastating criminal accusations can be and how significantly they can impact a person’s life, reputation, and future.
From challenging eye-witness identifications and forensic evidence to resolving cases strategically before trial, Valerie brings a thoughtful and aggressive approach to every case she handles. With experience in more than 50 jury and bench trials, negotiating hundreds of case resolutions, and conducting hundreds of depositions, she is a vigorous advocate committed to fighting for her clients.
If you are facing criminal charges in Colorado, working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.
State Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2010
- Colorado, 2012
Federal Bar Admissions
- United States District Court of the District of Colorado and Wyoming, 2022
Legal Memberships
Valerie Cole is an active member of respected professional organizations dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes and advancing excellence in criminal defense representation.
Her professional memberships include:
- Colorado Criminal Defense Bar (CCDB)
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL)
Through these organizations, Valerie remains connected with leading criminal defense attorneys, continuing legal education opportunities, and developments in criminal law and trial advocacy. These memberships help ensure that Colerado Law stays current with evolving legal strategies and best practices in defending individuals facing criminal charges in Colorado State and Federal Courts and beyond.