STEPHEN D. BENSON, L.L.C.
ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW
Practice Areas
The principal focus areas of my practice are listed below. When selecting an attorney, a client should carefully consider three things: (1) the attorney's skill and experience, (2) how clearly the attorney explains things, and (3) whether the attorney genuinely cares about the client and the client's case. Trust and comfort in an attorney-client relationship are of the utmost importance and can make all the difference when the chips are down.
Firearms Law
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment II, Constitution of the United States
The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall be called into question; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to justify the practice of carrying concealed weapons.
Article II, Section 13, Constitution of the State of
Colorado
I represent gun-owners. I am a Life Member of the National Rifle Association and the Single Action Shooting Society. I am a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and Article II, Section 13 of the Constitution of the State of Colorado. The most common matters I have handled for clients include education on personal protection and firearms possession/carry laws, reversal of background check denials, Lautenberg conviction prevention, estate planning concerning the disposition of specific firearms, advice on the legality of NFA war trophies, criminal defense in self-defense or brandishing cases, and unconstitutional encroachments on the rights of gun-owners by the government.
Child Abuse & Neglect
I defend Colorado parents in civil child neglect and abuse cases. These cases involve regular dealings with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and a special lawyer called a guardian ad litem who is appointed by the Court to represent the best interests of the child. This is the type of case where a person’s parental rights can be taken away permanently by the Court in what is called a termination hearing.
A dependency and neglect case is not something to be taken lightly. The potential stakes are high. The fact that a parent is not at fault or did not take part in any abuse or neglect does not necessarily prevent a Colorado court from finding the child neglected concerning that parent, nor does it prevent the Court from eventually terminating parental rights if the case doesn’t go well.
Effective defense of, or navigation through a dependency and neglect case requires total familiarity with the Colorado Children’s Code and how it is routinely interpreted and applied by Colorado courts. It also requires a very thorough understanding of and familiarity with the strategies, tactics and motives of the government, the guardian ad litem, and various other experts and treatment providers throughout the case.
Military Justice
I am proud to defend Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in Special or General Courts-Martial. Anytime. Anywhere.
I was a JAG officer in the United States Army. I had boots on the ground in Iraq for 11 months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I know what it’s about. I know the physical and legal hazards members of the U.S. Military face every day in a combat zone. I also know the personal and legal difficulties service members can undergo following redeployment.
In addition to courts-martial, I defend service members in administrative separation hearings, and in civilian court proceedings which specifically includes criminal domestic violence prosecutions that can result in career-ending Lautenberg convictions. I am intimately familiar with the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the service-related implications of the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968.
I have defended members of the U.S. Military since my practice opened in 1994 and will do so until the day I retire. For all that you have done and continue to do at home and abroad, I thank you.
Criminal Defense
I defend people charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes in State or Federal Court.
I also defend Colorado peace officers and members of the U.S. Military facing a potentially career-ending Lautenberg conviction. I am intimately familiar with this area of the law and place specific emphasis on career preservation.
General
I offer a number of standard legal services for my clients which includes but is not limited to the following:
Wills, living wills, powers of attorney, waiver of liability agreements, adoptions, and collections.
In instances where specialized knowledge or expertise is necessary in my judgment, I will refer a client to a lawyer who is sufficiently equipped to handle the matter.