Cara Maniscalco
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Peakstone Law Group, LLC
Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, White Collar Crimes; view more
Licensed in Colorado since: 2022
Education: University of Oregon School of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2026 Call today:
719-639-2193
Free Consultation Peakstone Law Group, LLC
5475 Tech Center DrSuite 210
Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Visit website
Cara Maniscalco is a native of Southwest Florida and serves as a criminal defense associate at Peakstone Law Group, LLC, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she represents individuals facing serious criminal charges. Her practice centers on protecting constitutional rights, conducting rigorous investigations and advocating for clients at every stage of the criminal process. The role combines courtroom advocacy with strategic case development tailored to each client's circumstances.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Ms. Maniscalco earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a minor in international studies, graduating cum laude. She continued her academic pursuits at the University of Oregon School of Law, where she graduated Order of the Coif – an honor reserved for the top 10% of her class – and demonstrated consistent academic rigor throughout her studies.
During law school, Ms. Maniscalco contributed as a staff editor for the Oregon Review of International Law and participated actively on the Moot Court Board. She competed in national moot court competitions, including the Texas Young Lawyers Association Mock Trial, and received the Pro Bono Honors Award for her commitment to public service. Practical internships with the Air Force JAG Corps and a judicial clerkship internship for Chief Justice Meagan Flynn at the Oregon Supreme Court further broadened her legal perspective.
Following her formal education, Ms. Maniscalco began her career as a Public Defender in Colorado Springs, building substantial courtroom experience while representing clients in complex criminal matters. That hands-on work sharpened her trial skills and reinforced her commitment to zealous advocacy. She later joined Peakstone Law Group, LLC, bringing a measured, client-focused approach to the firm’s criminal defense practice.
Committed to the principle that the power of the state demands careful scrutiny, Ms. Maniscalco prepares each case methodically and presents arguments with clarity and resolve. Her courtroom demeanor is informed by close attention to detail, strategic thinking and a readiness to take difficult matters to trial when necessary to protect a client’s interests.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Felony, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Probation, Sex Offenses, Theft, Traffic Violations, White Collar Crime
- 50% Criminal Defense
- 30% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 20% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 2022, Colorado
Professional Webpage: https://peakstonelaw.com/about/our-team/cara-maniscalco-esq/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Colorado Bar Association
- El Paso County Bar Association.
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Client was charged with a domestic violence strangulation (class four felony), harassment, and assault charges. Client had different counsel at the trial level in 2020 and was convicted at trial. Client subsequently won his appeal at the Colorado Court of Appeals and was granted a new trial, and I was his new trial counsel. Client was acquitted of all charges, and the case was sealed, 2024.
- Client was charged with a class 1 drug felony -- the highest drug felony that mandated prison. There was a blatant constitutional violation that stemmed from the initial stop, and the judge granted defense motion to suppress all evidence based on a lack of reasonable suspicion. The government was forced to dismiss all charges and the case was sealed, 2024.
- Client was charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful discharge of a weapon after firing a gun in a basement. There were numerous evidentiary issues and mitigation presented, but the government refused to dismiss. Both charges were dismissed after a successful motion for judgment of acquittal argument in the middle of the jury trial, 2023.
- Client was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest after CSPD placed him in handcuffs not knowing his medical history and how it affected his body physically. The resisting arrest charge was dismissed by the court after successful argument during a motion for a judgment of acquittal, and the jury acquitted the client on the remaining obstruction charge, 2023.
- Client was charged with domestic violence trespass during an intense family separation case where there were multiple ongoing child custody cases as well. Client was acquitted of all charges after a jury trial, 2023.
- Client was charged with a DUI after an interaction with law enforcement where they suspected marijuana use. Testimony established client was an active marijuana user and not under the influence at the time of driving despite positive blood results -- client was acquitted of all charges after a jury trial, 2022.
- Client was charged with obstruction and resisting arrest after a bad interaction with CSPD. Client was ultimately acquitted of all charges after a successful jury trial and was set up for his civil lawsuit against CSPD for excessive force, 2023.
- Client was charged with felony level motor vehicle theft after a contract-dispute gone wrong. After a full jury trial, the client was acquitted of all charges, 2023.
- Client was charged with a hit-and-run offense, along with other traffic violations. Client had a severe medical history that was presented in a way that resulted in a complete dismissal of the case, 2025.
- Client was charged with child abuse and assault for defending his (5)-year old son that was getting beat up by a group of teenagers. There was heavy investigation and impeachment presented to the District Attorney that resulted in the case getting dismissed the morning of trial and the records sealed, 2025.
- Client was an elderly woman charged with a family dispute that resulted in misdemeanor assault charges. Multiple members of her own family testified against her, and she was acquitted of all charges after a jury trial, 2023.
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Alongside private clients, I contract with the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel to represent indigent clients that the Public Defender's office has a conflict in ongoing representation, 2025.
Pro bono / Community Service
- I volunteer every year with the local high school Mock Trial teams to judge and give feedback to students interested in litigation.
- I am currently a licensed foster parent with my partner through Kids Crossing, a local placement agency, 2024.
Educational Background
- University of Florida, Bachelor of Science, Major: Forestry, Minor: International Studies, Honors: cum laude, 2016-2018
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- University of Oregon School of Law, Oregon Review of International Law, Staff Editor
Honors
- Access the Law, Veterans Free Legal Clinic, Pro Bono Honors Award, University of Oregon School of Law, 2022
- University of Oregon School of Law, Texas Young Lawyers Association Mock Trial, Participant
- University of Oregon School of Law, Moot Court Board, Member
- University of Oregon School of Law, Order of the Coif, 2022
Office location for Cara Maniscalco
5475 Tech Center Dr
Suite 210
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Phone: 719-639-2193
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2026
