Greeley Criminal Defense Attorneys

Bruno Lilly LeClere

Facing criminal charges in Weld County — whether in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, or Fort Lupton — is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Whether you are dealing with a first-time offense or a serious felony, the decisions you make in the hours and days following an arrest will shape the outcome of your case. The Weld County criminal justice system moves quickly, and the prosecution starts building its case from the moment charges are filed. You need someone who understands how that process works from the inside out, and who will fight for your rights from day one.

Legally Reviewed by Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly on July 16, 2025

At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Greeley criminal defense attorneys are trial-tested litigators with more than 20 years of combined experience. Founding attorney Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly spent time as a prosecutor in the Weld County District Attorney’s office, which means she knows exactly how the other side builds a case and where those cases can be challenged. That prosecutorial background is a distinct advantage for our clients. We represent individuals facing criminal charges throughout Weld County, including Greeley, Evans, Fort Lupton, and surrounding communities, and we offer free initial case consultations.

How the Weld County Court System Works

Criminal cases in Greeley are processed through the Weld County Combined Courts, located at 901 9th Avenue in Greeley. According to the Colorado Judicial Branch, district courts in Weld County handle felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile matters, domestic relations, and more — making it one of the busiest court dockets in Northern Colorado.

After an arrest, the process typically begins with a bond hearing, followed by arraignment, pre-trial conferences, and, if necessary, trial. Each stage presents opportunities to challenge the charges against you, negotiate a better outcome, or have evidence suppressed. Having an attorney who knows the local Weld County judges, prosecutors, and court procedures is not just helpful — it is a practical advantage that affects how your case is handled at every step.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Greeley

Our Greeley criminal defense attorneys handle a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges throughout Weld County. No two cases are alike, and we build individualized defense strategies based on the specific facts of your situation. Charges we defend include:

• DUI and DWAI — It is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher in Colorado. Even a DWAI charge with a lower BAC can result in fines, license suspension, and jail time. We defend clients facing first-time DUI charges, felony DUI, drugged driving allegations, and cases involving test refusals.
• Drug crimes — Colorado drug laws cover possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances. Penalties range from misdemeanor charges for small amounts to serious felony charges for trafficking allegations.
• Domestic violence — A domestic violence designation carries mandatory sentencing enhancements and can affect firearm rights, custody arrangements, and housing. These cases require careful, experienced handling.
• Sex crimes — Sex offense charges carry some of the most severe long-term consequences in Colorado, including registration requirements. We provide an aggressive defense for clients facing these allegations in Weld County.
• Juvenile offenses — Colorado has a separate criminal justice process for minors, with an emphasis on rehabilitation. We advocate for outcomes that protect a young person’s future and avoid a permanent record wherever possible.
• Protection and restraining orders — A protection order can limit where you live, where you go, and your ability to see your children. We represent clients at hearings and fight orders that are unjust or overbroad.
• Violent crimes — Assault, menacing, and other violent crime charges carry significant prison exposure. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence, witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding every allegation.

If you do not see your specific charge listed, contact us. We handle a broad range of criminal matters throughout Northern Colorado and can evaluate your situation in a free, confidential consultation.

The Weld County Prosecutor’s Advantage — Working for You

What separates Bruno Lilly LeClere from other Greeley criminal defense firms is prosecutorial insight. Founding attorney Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly served as a prosecutor in the Weld County District Attorney’s office before moving to the defense side. That experience gives her a firsthand understanding of how Weld County prosecutors evaluate cases, what evidence they prioritize, and where a case can be attacked before it ever reaches a courtroom.

In practice, this means we do not approach your defense from a purely reactive position. We anticipate the prosecution’s strategy, identify weaknesses in the evidence early, and use that knowledge to negotiate more effectively and litigate more aggressively when necessary. Alongside Havilah, managing partner Andrew C.R. LeClere brings additional courtroom experience to every case. Together, the firm has handled criminal matters across Weld County, Larimer County, and Boulder County.

Defending Against Weld County Misdemeanor and Felony Charges

Misdemeanors and felonies in Weld County carry varying levels of penalties, but even a minor offense can carry serious implications for your record, your freedom, and your future. Common misdemeanor charges in Greeley include petty theft, disorderly conduct, and harassment, while felony charges may involve violent crimes, large-scale theft, assault, or drug trafficking.

The right defense strategy depends on the facts of your specific case. Constitutional challenges are among the most powerful tools available — if law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search or seizure, or failed to observe your rights during questioning, we may be able to suppress key evidence. In DUI cases, we scrutinize the traffic stop itself, field sobriety testing procedures, and the chain of custody for chemical test results. In domestic violence matters, we examine whether allegations were exaggerated or motivated by collateral disputes. Regardless of the charge, our attorneys develop tailored strategies using evidence, witness testimony, and procedural safeguards. As a former Weld County prosecutor, Havilah Lilly brings insight that most defense attorneys simply do not have.

The Impact of a Criminal Record in Colorado

A criminal conviction can have consequences that extend far beyond jail time or fines. In Colorado, a conviction may lead to a permanent criminal record that affects your ability to secure employment, obtain housing, or maintain certain professional licenses. Some convictions carry mandatory consequences — including loss of driving privileges, firearms restrictions, and sex offender registration requirements — that follow a person for years or decades.

Our Greeley criminal defense attorneys fight to minimize those long-term consequences. That means exploring every available option, including plea agreements that avoid a conviction, diversion programs, deferred sentences, and record sealing for eligible cases. We work to protect not just your freedom but your future.

What to Do After an Arrest in Greeley

The actions you take in the first hours after an arrest matter more than most people realize. Many defendants unintentionally harm their own cases by talking to police, posting on social media, or waiting too long to contact an attorney. Here is what you should do right away:

• Remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions beyond providing identifying information, and nothing you say will help you — only hurt you.
• Do not speak to law enforcement, investigators, or prosecutors without an attorney present. This includes answering questions at the scene, at the station, or over the phone after your release.
• Contact a Greeley criminal defense attorney as early as possible. Early legal intervention can affect bond amounts, preserve evidence, and prevent mistakes that are hard to undo.
• Preserve any evidence, documentation, or communications that may be relevant to your case. Screenshots, receipts, messages, and witness contact information can all matter later.

Acting quickly matters. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your position.

Local Information for Greeley Criminal Defense Clients

Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC is located in Greeley at 3459 West 20th Street, Suite 223-A. We serve clients throughout Weld County, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Fort Lupton, Johnstown, Severance, and surrounding communities in the 19th Judicial District. Criminal cases across Weld County are handled at the Weld County Combined Courts at 901 9th Avenue in Greeley — a courthouse our attorneys know well from years of practice and, in Havilah’s case, from her time as a Weld County prosecutor on the other side of the courtroom. We also serve clients in Larimer County and Boulder County through our additional office locations. We offer free initial case consultations, represent clients in both English and Spanish, and welcome calls from family members reaching out on behalf of someone who has been arrested.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Greeley, CO

We hear a lot of the same questions from clients facing criminal charges in Weld County. Here are straightforward answers to the most common ones.