Attorney Profile
Adrian Hartwell
Denver trial attorney and former Deputy State Public Defender — a relentless advocate who prepares every case as if a jury will decide it.
A trusted advocate with a reputation earned in the courtroom.
Adrian Hartwell has built a well-respected reputation among his legal peers and clients for his ability to achieve favorable results. Through personalized, clear communication, he prioritizes making each client feel like a member of his own family — giving them direct access to his personal phone number for better support.
He began his career at the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender in Denver, gaining significant trial experience across more than 3,000 felony, misdemeanor, DUI, and juvenile cases — many resulting in dismissals, acquittals, or suppression of evidence. Adrian is not afraid to aggressively defend his clients in court.
Today he leads Hartwell Legal Group, representing clients in criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and traffic matters across the Denver metro, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and the greater Front Range. Whatever the case, his philosophy is the same: prepare relentlessly, communicate honestly, and fight for the best outcome possible.
- Admissions
- Colorado Supreme Court · U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- Education
- J.D., University of Colorado Law School · B.A., University of Denver
- Experience
- Former Deputy State Public Defender, Denver
- Languages
- English · Español (Se Habla Español)
From public defender to founding partner.
Public Defender
Trial by fire
Adrian began his career at the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender in Denver, handling a demanding caseload of felony, misdemeanor, DUI, and juvenile matters — trying the cases most attorneys settle.
3,000+ Cases
A record built in the courtroom
Across more than 3,000 matters, he has secured dismissals, acquittals, and suppression of evidence, earning a reputation among peers and prosecutors as an attorney who is genuinely prepared to go to trial.
Hartwell Legal Group
Client-first advocacy
He founded Hartwell Legal Group to give clients direct access to their attorney, personalized strategy, and the relentless advocacy that produces results — in criminal, family, injury, and traffic matters.
Reasons to put your rights first with us.
Experienced
Having represented more than 3,000 clients and conducted numerous trials, experience makes the difference.
Best Outcome Possible
We make it a priority to get you the best outcome possible, tailoring our defense to your individual needs.
Relentless Investigation
If you are charged with a crime, we launch our own professional investigation to uncover errors and prove your innocence.
Free Consultation
We offer a free consultation in criminal and personal injury cases — no obligation, just answers.
Immediate Attorney Access
You get immediate access to an attorney when you hire us — including Adrian’s direct personal phone number.
Communication
All calls are returned within 24 hours. You will always know where your case stands.