Practice Areas: DUI-DWI; view more
Licensed in Colorado since: 2001
Education: University at Buffalo Law School - SUNY
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2015 - 2025 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2010 - 2014 Call today:
303-214-9226
Free Consultation Tiftickjian Law Firm, P.C.
1315 S. Clayton StSuite 100
Denver, CO 80210 Visit website
Details
Jay Tiftickjian, featured on the cover of Colorado Super Lawyers 2022, is widely regarded as one of the top DUI defense attorneys in Colorado. Mr. Tiftickjian is the only lawyer to ever be President of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar as well as a former Deputy District Attorney. He is frequently invited to lecture on related topics to groups of fellow attorneys and judges throughout the state and county, and he has authored or co-authored numerous articles and publications on impaired driving defense trial tactics, including "Colorado DUI Defense: The Law and Practice, Second Edition," the definitive treatise on the subject. The founder of his eponymous law firm, Mr. Tiftickjian represents clients throughout the state from the firm’s office in Denver.
Mr. Tiftickjian has handled a wide variety of DUI cases, ranging from a first offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to second and third offenses to felony DUI and vehicular assault and homicide. His clients have benefited from his skills in litigating constitutional motions and jury trials, and his track record has included dismissals and acquittals of all types of misdemeanor and felony charges. In situations where it is warranted and the client chooses to take this route, Mr. Tiftickjian has been able to negotiate favorable plea bargains with the prosecution that have resulted in a significant reduction in charges and penalties.
Mr. Tiftickjian’s prowess in the courtroom and at the negotiating table has earned him numerous honors and awards from his fellow members of the bar. He has been voted “Best DUI Lawyer” for the past decade in the state’s official bar journal by the lawyers and judges in Colorado. He also carries an AV Preeminent* peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbel. In addition, Mr. Tiftickjian has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, and his law firm is the only Tier 1 Ranked DUI defense firm in the state. A 2000 graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Law, he is admitted to practice in Colorado and New York and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense: DUI/DWIFocus areas
DUI/DWI
First Admitted: 2000, New York
Professional Webpage: https://www.criminallawdenver.com/attorneys/denver-dui-attor...
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Sustaining Member, National College for DUI Defense, (2012-Present), 2022
- Faculty, National College for DUI Defense, (2018-2022), 2022
- Legal Advisor, Adams County Drug Court Program, 17th Judicial District (2013-Present), 2022
- Lifetime Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, (2012-Present), 2022
- Chair, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Adams County (2012-Present), 2022
- Member, Denver Bar Association (2004-Present), 2022
- Member, Colorado Bar Association, 2022
- Board of Directors, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, (2013-2019), 2019
- President, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, (2018-2019), 2019
- Colorado State Delegate, National College for DUI Defense, (2016-2018), 2018
- President, Colorado Criminal Defense Institute, (2017-2018), 2018
- President, Colorado Criminal Defense Institute (2017-2018), 2018
- Vice-President, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2017
- Treasurer, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2016
- Chair, Adams/Broomfield Bar Association, Criminal Law Section (2011-2016), 2016
- Secretary, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2015
- Chair, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Professional Development Committee, 2014
- United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, 2004
- United States District Court for the District of Colorado, 2004
Videos:
- NBC 9News story features Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News - Next w/ Kyle Clark: Breathalyzer Tests, 2017
- NBC 9News story about the felony DUI law features Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: Felony DUI Law Takes Effect, 2017
- NBC 9News KUSA news story features Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: Stoned Drivers Not as Dangerous as Drunk Drivers, 2015
- NBC 9News coverage of NBA athlete Ty Lawson's arrest on suspicion of DUI features Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: Denver Nuggets Ty Lawson Arrested, 2015
- ABC 7News story regarding holiday DUI checkpoints, featuring Jay Tiftickjian, ABC 7News: DUI Checkpoints, 2015
- NBC 9News story featuring Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: St. Patrick's Day DUI Enforcement, 2014
- NBC 9News Colorado 4/20 rally news story features Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: 4/20 DUI Enforcement, 2014
- CBS News story features footage of Jay Tiftickjian testifying on behalf of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, CBS News Denver - Felony DUI Debate, 2014
- ABC 7News Denver news story features Jay Tiftickjian, ABC 7News Denver: State DUI Lab Closed, 2013
- NBC 9News story counting down to marijuana legalization in Colorado, featuring Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: New Year's Eve Countdown, 2013
- NBC 9News interviews Jay Tiftickjian at the State Capital regarding DUI THC Bill 111, NBC 9News: How will the Marijuana DUI Law Work?, 2013
- NBC 9News story about the shutdown of the Colorado State Toxicology Lab, featuring Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News - State Lab Shut Down, 2013
- NBC 9News story features interview with Jay Tiftickjian regarding Labor Day DUI checkpoints, NBC 9News: Summer of Heat DUI Crackdown, 2013
- NBC 9News discusses increased DUI patrol on Halloween with Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: Colorado Halloween DUI Patrol, 2013
- ABC 7News interviews Jay Tiftickjian regarding Jessica Ridgeway murder, ABC 7News: Jay Tiftickjian commentary on Jessica Ridgeway Murder, 2012
- NBC 9News discusses questions regarding how much THC impairs driving with Jay Tiftickjian, NBC 9News: Setting THC DUI Limits, 9News Colorado, 2012
- NCB 9News talks to Jay Tiftickjian about the impact of a DUI arrest, NBC 9News: New Year's Eve DUI Warning, 2012
- Fox News discusses James Holmes case with legal panel including Jay Tiftickjian, Fox News: Aurora Theater Tragedy - James Holmes Case, 2012
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- NHTSA Standard Field Sobriety Testing Instructor Certification, 2010
- NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Practitioner Certification, 2009
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Tiftickjian Law Firm accepts pro bono cases for clients who cannot otherwise afford legal representation (2010-Present), 2022
- Assisted the Colorado State Demographer’s Office in the creation of a state DUI arrest interactive map based on Colorado 5th Judicial District census data in an effort to combat drunk driving during the 2018 holiday season., 2018
- Testified in opposition of felony DUI bill on behalf of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar to the Legislative Committee., 2014
- Provided pro bono legal advice to attorneys with pending DUI cases at the CCDB's Defense Roundtable, 2014
- Teen Court Judge, City of Brighton Municipal , 2002
Honors/Awards:
- Awarded 2023, Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America, 2023
- Recognized 2023, Best Lawyers in America: DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America, 2023
- Recognized 2021-Present., Best Law Firms Tier 1 Ranking: DUI Defense, Best Lawyers in America, 2022
- Recognized 2016-Present., Best Lawyers in America: DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America, 2022
- Recognized 2011-Present, Preeminent AV® Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022
- Recognized 2010-Present, 10/10 Superb, AVVO, 2022
- Recognized 2019-2021, 2013-2017, People's Choice Best DUI Lawyer, Law Week Colorado, 2021
- Awarded 2019, 2017, 2016, Client's Choice Award, AVVO, 2019
- Recognized 2018, 2016, 2012-2013, Barrister's Best DUI Lawyer, Law Week Colorado, 2018
- Finalist, 2015, Best Litigators, Law Week Colorado, 2015
- Awarded 2012, Compleat Lawyer, Law Week Colorado, 2012
- Recognized for Best in Graduating Class in Evidence 2000, Adelbert Moot Award, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, 2000
Educational Background:
- J.D., State University of New York, University at Buffalo School of Law, Best in Graduating Class, Evidence, 2000
- Joint B.A., cum laude, State University of New York, University at Buffalo School of Law, English Literature and Psychology, 1997
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Successfully Launching and Running Your Own Practice: The Essential Guide 20th Annual Program, Speaker, From the Trenches: A Panel Presentation of Practical Advice and Traps to Avoid, Colorado Bar Association, 2021
- Published 2018, Co-Editor, Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana: Arizona Edition, Lawyers and Judges Publishing, 2018
- Published 2019, Co-Editor, Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana: Michigan Edition, Lawyers and Judges Publishing, 2019
- DUI & DUID: Advanced Practice, Program Chair, Updates for DUI and DUID Cases, Colorado Bar Association, 2019
- Annual DUI Conference, Speaker, Enter the Dragon: Legal Updates and New Strategies for Colorado DUI Cases, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2019
- Sotomayor Inn of Court, Speaker, Work-Life Balance, Sotomayor Inn of Court, 2019
- Denver Bar Association, Bench-Bar Committee Courtroom Chat Series, Successfully Launching and Running Your Own Practice: The Essential Guide 19th Annual Program, Speaker, The Ethical Practice of Criminal Law in Denver Courts, Colorado Bar Association, 2019
- Winter Session, Speaker, What If It Becomes Legal in My State? Navigating Through the Haze of Prescription and Legalized Marijuana, National College for DUI Defense, 2018
- Successfully Launching and Running Your Own Practice: The Essential Guide, Speaker, From the Trenches: A Panel Presentation of Practical Advice and Traps to Avoid, Colorado Bar Association, 2018
- American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Workshop, Speaker, Legal Ethics, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), NHTSA/Federal Government, 2018
- Annual DUI Conference, Speaker, Exploring the Ethics of Handling the Media in a High-Profile Case, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2018
- Oklahoma City, OK, Speaker, Cannabis & DUID Cases, Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2017
- Published 2017, Author, Editor, Colorado DUI Defense: The Law and Practice, 2nd Edition., Lawyers and Judges Publishing, 2017
- Published 2016, Co-Editor, Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana: Washington Edition, Lawyers and Judges Publishing, 2016
- DWI: Dark Side of the Moon, Speaker, Strategies in Handling the DWI Marijuana Case, New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2016
- DUI & DUID: Advanced Practice, Program Chair, Jury Selection: Winning Cases Before the Bad Evidence Comes In, Colorado Bar Association, 2016
- Criminal Defense Ethics Extravaganza, Speaker, Ethics in Business and Law, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2016
- Work/Life Balance, Faculty, Hot Topics in Employment Litigation - Managing High-profile Cases, Implicit Bias and Other Challenges, Colorado Bar Association, 2016
- New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association 2016 DWI: Dark Side of the Moon: Strategies in Handling the DWI Marijuana Case, Speaker, 2016 DWI: Dark Side of the Moon, New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, 2016
- Changes to DUI Defense in the Wake of Marijuana Legalization, Speaker, Pharmacology of Marijuana and Where the Government Stands on Impairment; DUI Defense Strategies for DUID Cases, Alaska Bar Association, 2015
- Published Jan 12, 2015, Author, Felony DUI Bill Returns, Law Week Colorado, 2015
- Felony DUI: The Law and Penalties, Speaker, Introduction to Felony DUI, Colorado Bar Association, Criminal/DUI, 2015
- Published 2015, Author, Editor, Medicolegal Aspects of Marijuana: Colorado Edition, Lawyers and Judges Publishing Company, 2015
- Hanging Your Shingle (2013-2015), Speaker, Practice Panel Roundtable, Colorado Bar Association, 2015
- DUI Defense: Nuts and Bolts, Program Chair, Ethics Update in DUI Defense, Colorado Bar Association, 2014
- Published 2014, Editor, Colorado DUI Defense Manual, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2014
- Published 2014, Author, Understanding Changes to Colorado DUI Laws: What You Need to Know, Thomson Reuters, 2014
- Published 2014, Co-Author, CCDB Quick Reference Guide: DUI Revocations and Sentencing, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2014
- CCDB Roundtable: DUI Law, Speaker, Ethics Overview in DUI Defense, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2014
- June 20, 2014, Speaker, Recreational Marijuana CLE, CLE International, 2014
- Lorman Seminars, September 9, 2014., Speaker, Ethics Update in DUI Defense, Lorman Education Services, 2014
- Annual Ethics Seminar, Speaker, Ethical and Effective Marketing for the Criminal Defense Attorney, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2014
- Work-Life Balance, Speaker, Work-Life Balance, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2013
- CBA - CLE Home Studies, Speaker, Anatomy of a DUI Case, Colorado Bar Association, 2013
- Navigating the New DUI Laws, Speaker, Navigating the New DUI Laws, Colorado Bar Association, 2013
- Weld County Chapter, Speaker, Navigating the New DUI Laws, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2013
- Jefferson County, Speaker, Navigating the New DUI Laws, Jefferson County Bar Association, 2013
- Adams County, Speaker, Navigating the New DUI Laws, Adams County Bar Association, 2013
- Arapahoe/Douglas County, Speaker, Navigating the New DUI Laws, Colorado Public Defender's Office, 2013
- Colorado Alternate Defense Counsel, Speaker, Closing Arguments: How To Persuade (Almost) Anyone, Colorado Alternate Defense Counsel, 2013
- Warhorse Marketing Summit, Cancun, Mexico, Speaker, Effective and Ethical Marketing, Warhorse Marketing, 2013
- Published 2013, Author, Defending DUI Vehicular Homicide Cases, Thomson-Reuters/Aspatore, 2013
- Published 2013, Author, The Legality of Search and Seizure in DUI Cases, Thomson-Reuters/Aspatore, 2013
- Published 2013, Author, Facing DUI in Colorado: What You Need to Know, Thomson Reuters Westlaw, 2013
- Published June 10, 2013, Quoted, Colorado State Lab Accused of Mishandling Evidence, New York Times, 2013
- Published 2013, Co-Author, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar DUI/DMV Sentence Guide, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2013
- Published 2013, Author, Forensic Evidence in Criminal Cases, Thomson-Reuters/Aspatore, 2013
- Published 2013, Author, Jury Selection in Criminal Cases, Thomson-Reuters/Aspatore, 2013
- Published 2013, Co-Author, Colorado DUI Defense: The Law and Practice, 1st Edition, Lawyers & Judges Publishing, 2013
- Annual DUI Seminar, Speaker, Ethics Update, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, 2012
- Published 2013, Author, Navigating DUI Drug Cases, Thomson-Reuters/Aspatore, 2012
- Published 2012, Author, Defense Strategies for Drug Crimes, Thomson-Reuters/Aspatore, 2012
- Published 2012, Author, Trends in DUI Discovery, Thomson Reuters / West, DUI Defense, 2012
- KIDDS Seminar, Cambridge MA, Speaker, Dealing with the Non-Testifying Client in Jury Selection, Knowledge In DUI Defense Symposium, 2012
- Brighton, CO, Speaker, Drugged Driving Defense 101, Brighton Public Defender's Office, 2012
- Adam's County, CO, Speaker, DUI Driver's License Revocations, Adams County Bar Association, Colorado Bar Association, 2011
Industry Groups:
- Criminal Traffic Defense
- Driving Impaired
- Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs
- Drug & Alcohol Offenses
- Drug Possession
- DUI
- DUI Attorney
- DUI Defense
- Dui Lawyer
- DUID Defense
- DWAI
- DWAI Defense
- DWI Defense
- Felony Drug Possession
- Felony DUI
- Hit And Run
- Leaving the Scene
- OWI
- Reckless Driving
- Traffic
These comments were made by fellow attorneys during the annual nomination process.
“Mr. Tiftickjian is one of the finest DUI lawyers in Colorado.”
Selections
11 Years Super Lawyers
5 Years Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers: 2015 - 2025
- Rising Stars: 2010 - 2014
