John Galligan

John Galligan is an attorney at DeChant Law in Denver, Colorado, where he focuses his practice on criminal defense, administrative driver’s license matters and post-conviction litigation. He is dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals facing serious criminal charges and helping clients secure second chances through appeals and post-conviction relief. With a decade of experience in both trial and appellate work, he provides strategic advocacy rooted in a deep understanding of Colorado’s criminal justice system.

A graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Mr. Galligan developed his passion for criminal defense early on. While still in law school, he gained hands-on experience interning at the Colorado Springs Office of the State Public Defender and participating in the Criminal Defense Clinic. These formative experiences instilled in him a commitment to zealous advocacy and laid the groundwork for his future career.

Mr. Galligan began his legal career at the Denver Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, where he represented clients in a broad spectrum of cases, from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to sexual assault, homicide and complex organized crime indictments. Over the course of his tenure, he served as lead or co-counsel in more than 40 trials, building a reputation for thorough preparation and skilled courtroom advocacy.

Later in his public defender career, Mr. Galligan discovered a passion for post-conviction work. He sharpened his research and writing abilities, drafting numerous appeals and addressing illegal sentences and ineffective assistance of counsel claims. 

Known among his peers as an authoritative resource, Mr. Galligan is frequently sought out for his encyclopedic knowledge of criminal law and his ability to back up his insights with precise legal citations. At DeChant Law, he continues to combine trial experience with appellate skill to deliver exceptional representation to his clients.