Reid DeChant - Denver, CO

Reid is a professional who developed his passion for the courtroom at age 16. Facing a speeding ticket, Reid took it to trial where he cross-examined the police officer, learning how to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Prepared with exhibits and legal argument to the Judge, Reid found his calling to work in the courtroom. Born and raised in Arizona, he kick-started his academic journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University.

Venturing further into the world of law, Reid relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he pursued his passion for legal expertise at the University of Denver. It was during his time in law school that he began to refine his trial advocacy skills, a journey that led him to become a distinguished member of the National Trial Team. Reid traveled the country honing his trial skills, even traveling to Scotland for trial practice.

Reid’s commitment to client-focused representation and trial advocacy continued to grow during his tenure at the Colorado Public Defender’s Office, where he passionately defended the rights of the accused. He firmly believes in taking any case to trial when a favorable resolution seems unattainable, and his dedication extends to regularly attending trial advocacy trainings across the nation to ensure he possesses the most effective tools for his clients. Trial Lawyers College taught him how to reverse roles with the client, so he can more effectively convey the client’s story to the jury. His trial skills are recognized by him receiving the top 40 under 40 award from the National Trial Lawyers Association, a position he has maintained since 2024.

Reid’s experience as a public defender and graduating from the Trial Lawyer’s College taught him how important it is to understand the client’s story. Whether negotiating with a prosecutor, arguing with the judge or presenting a defense to a jury at trial, telling the client’s story is imperative in getting people to care. The judicial system does a good job at dehumanizing folks and judging them based on a single moment in their life. Reid’s goal is to take a personalized approach to each case, bringing to light your story to assure that your future is not defined by a single moment.

Reid found his passion defending impaired driving cases because of the depth of science that supports these allegations. On the surface, a DUI case can seem closed and shut based on the BAC alone. However, Reid understands that is just the tip of the iceberg and diving deep into the allegations can uncover a host of issues. The first step in successfully defending against impaired driving cases is understanding the science behind the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, the breath tests, and the blood tests. Reid has attended the same Standardized Field Sobriety Test course the police officers attend. This allows him to evaluate the officer’s administration of such test to call it into question at trial.

Being a lifetime member in the nationwide DUI Defense Lawyers Association and National College of DUI Defense allows Reid to stay at the forefront of the best defense strategies and tactics. Traveling nationally to seminars allows Reid to bring back that knowledge to Colorado to lead impaired driving defense strategies. Reid has achieved the highest recognition from DUIDLA; Board Certification in DUI Defense. This title represents proven expertise, high ethical standards, and national recognition in the field of DUI defense. Additionally, Reid is recognized by the American Chemist Society as an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist. He achieved this recognition by completing a thorough hands-on lab based course where he learned the ins and outs of the HS GC FID blood-alcohol, GC MS blood-drug, and LC MS/MS drug testing methods used across labs in the U.S. and Colorado.

In addition to being involved in multiple national associations, Reid is also involved in local associations like Colorado Criminal Defense Bar. Reid has been invited to present at the annual DUI conference at the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar since 2023.