Practice areas: Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Employment Litigation; view more
Licensed in Colorado since: 2007
Education: Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026 Call today:
720-657-1798
Free Consultation Emeson & Zale, LLC
2315 BroadwayBoulder, CO 80304 Visit website
With more than a decade of experience in criminal defense alone, Brian Emeson is a seasoned attorney with more than 16 years of combined experience in the legal arena. A founding partner at Emeson & Zale, LLC, he has represented thousands of clients, ranging from minor to severe criminal charges (arrest and arraignment, criminal fraud, drug and alcohol violations, expungement, felony misdemeanor, murder, probation and criminal domestic violence) in Boulder, Colorado. He has successfully conducted numerous trials and litigated various contested hearings such as motions hearings and hearings on illegal sentences, sentence reductions and ineffective assistance of counsel under the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Although criminal defense is now a primary focus of his practice, Mr. Emeson began his career in civil rights and employment matters. His extensive background in these areas significantly enhances his proficiency at Emeson & Zale, LLC. His practice also covers a broad spectrum of tort cases, including personal injury, and advising companies on employment matters and complex commercial cases across various state and federal courts in the United States.
Mr. Emeson earned a B.A. in English literature from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. Between his undergraduate and law school years, he gained diverse experiences, from working as a legal assistant in Detroit to backpacking through various continents.
During his time at law school, Mr. Emeson dedicated himself to serving the underrepresented and aggrieved, engaging in substantial work in human rights and civil justice. His efforts ranged from investigating discrimination claims to working on human trafficking and prisoners’ rights. He actively participated in the Civil Rights and Community Justice Clinic and contributed as an associate editor for the Washington University Law Quarterly. His academic excellence was reflected in the highest grades he secured for national security law and public interest lawyering.
Mr. Emeson has also made significant strides in criminal appeals within the Colorado appellate courts. A notable achievement in his career was his role in a landmark case that reached the Colorado Supreme Court and was instrumental in reversing marijuana convictions post its legalization in Colorado. This case, among others like Martin vs. People and People vs. Desantiago, earned him national recognition with features in The New York Times and The Washington Post. He has also been rated “Very Good” on Avvo.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation: Plaintiff, Civil Litigation: Defense, Employment Litigation: PlaintiffFocus areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law - Employer, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Probation, Prosecution, Retaliation, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations, Wrongful Termination
- 70% Criminal Defense
- 10% Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
- 10% Civil Litigation: Defense
- 10% Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 2007, Colorado
Professional Webpage: https://www.emesonzale.com/brian-emeson
Bar / Professional Activity
- Colorado
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Martin vs. People
- Rodriguez-Ibanez
- People v. Walker
- People v. Russell
- People vs. Desantiago
Pro bono / Community Service
- Civil Rights and Community Justice Clinic
Honors
- Rated “Very Good” on Avvo
- Dean’s List, Washington University School of Law in St. Louis
Educational Background
- University of Michigan, B.A. in English literature
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Associate Editor for the Washington University Law Quarterly
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“I am proud to nominate my colleague Brian Emeson as a Super Lawyer in criminal defense. I have had the privilege of working with Brian on a number of serious and challenging criminal cases over the past few years. In 2003, we tried a 2 ½ week child abuse resulting in death case together in Boulder County. And in 2025, we tried a three-week first-degree murder case together in Weld County. Brian is a skilled trial attorney who combines meticulous preparation with strategic insight and courtroom skill. He is particularly adept at handling complex scientific issues that often arise in serious felony cases. I have witnessed firsthand his ability to distill highly technical, medical and scientific issues – often involving neuropathology, biomechanics, and pediatric injury mechanisms – into compelling arguments that juries can understand. Moreover, he is very skilled at cross-examining prosecution experts and presenting expert witnesses for the defense. Even though litigating criminal cases is an adversarial pursuit and often contentious, Brian has a reputation among judges, district attorneys and other members of the defense bar for striking an appropriate balance between vigorous advocacy and treating all parties in the courtroom with decency and respect. Lastly, Brian is a tireless advocate for his clients who provides compassionate, empathetic and client-focused representation and develops client relationships based on trust, mutual respect and ensuring that his clients feel acknowledged and heard. In short, Brian’s skills as a criminal defense attorney undoubtedly exceed the benchmark for becoming a Super Lawyer and I therefore enthusiastically nominate him for this recognition”
“I write to recommend Brian Emeson for recognition as a Colorado Super Lawyer specializing in criminal defense. I have known Brian since 2014 when I began my legal career as a deputy district attorney for the 20th Judicial District. Through our work in opposition to each other on numerous cases, I know Brian to be a passionate and zealous defender of the criminally accused. Brian regularly demonstrates impressive legal acumen, a steadfast dedication to his clients, and a profound commitment to upholding justice. While these qualities are certainly notable, it is Brian's skills in the courtroom advocating for criminal defendants and trying cases in front of juries that set him apart from his colleagues. Brian also has a reputation for providing compassionate, empathetic and client-focused representation, for developing client relationships based on trust and mutual respect and for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that his clients feel acknowledged and heard. Finally, even though litigating criminal cases is an adversarial pursuit and often contentious, Brian developed a reputation among judges, district attorneys, and other members of the defense bar for striking an appropriate balance between vigorously advocating on behalf of his clients and treating all parties in the courtroom with decency and respect. In sum, Brian's skills as a criminal defense attorney undoubtedly exceed any benchmark for becoming a Super Lawyer and I therefore enthusiastically nominate him for this award.”
“I write to recommend Brian Emeson a Super Lawyer in criminal defense. I have known Brian for four years. We have worked together and tried even tried a serious felony case together. Based on my experience with Brian, I believe that he exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated criminal defense lawyer, as he combines legal skill with a client-centered approach. What sets Brian apart is not just his command of the law, but his unwavering compassion and empathy he bring to each case. Whether defending a complex felony or guiding a client through a misdemeanor matter, he treats every client with dignity and respect, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process. He also possesses a keen strategic mind, an impressive courtroom presence, and a reputation for tireless advocacy. Judges, opposing counsel, and even courtroom staff, all respect his professionalism and integrity, while clients consistently praise his responsiveness, honesty, and personal commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. In short, in a tough profession, Brian stands out as a trusted and principled advocate.”
“Brian is an excellent attorney with a great reputation for high-level criminal defense and for his compassion for his clients.”
“Brian is a smart and zealous advocate.”
“Brian is an excellent attorney with expertise in both civil and criminal litigation.”
“Brian has over twenty years of experience across a diverse range of legal subject matter. His work has taken from Nepal to Detroit and places in between. Today, you can find him working as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Boulder County.”
“Brian is an outstanding litigator. He cares deeply about his clients and about the outcome of their case. Each person is more than just a client to Brian and he treats everyone, regardless of the situation they find themselves in with compassion and humility.”
“Brian is a committed and smart attorney”
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
