Matt Chaput
Senior Litigation Attorney
With extensive prosecutorial experience across multiple Colorado judicial districts, Matt Chaput is a former Deputy District Attorney who now dedicates his practice to criminal defense. His prosecutorial background includes service on the Vehicular Homicide Team and Special Victims Unit, where he prosecuted some of the most serious and complex criminal cases in the state. He has conducted jury trials in first-degree murder cases and has handled hundreds of DUI prosecutions, giving him unparalleled insight into how these cases are built and where they can be successfully challenged.
Felony criminal charges in Colorado represent the highest level of crime under state law. Felonies are categorized into six classes, ranging from Class 6 (F6) up to Class 1 (F1) felonies.
– Class 1 felonies are the most serious and can carry a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
– Class 6 felonies, on the other end of the spectrum, carry a potential sentence of 1 to 18 months in the Department of Corrections.
In addition to prison time, other sentencing options for felonies may include:
– Probation, which can involve up to 90 days in jail
– Community corrections, which is a structured facility-based program. It provides treatment and rehabilitation, with the possibility of transitioning to a non-residential phase, similar to home-based probation
Felony convictions also come with a wide range of collateral consequences that can impact your life well beyond the courtroom. These may include:
– Employment challenges, including difficulties finding a job or keeping one
– Ineligibility for certain government-issued certifications or professional licenses, which can block you from working in your chosen field
– Difficulty securing housing, as landlords often conduct background checks
– Loss of reputation and social stigma, which can affect your relationships with family, friends, and the broader community
– Travel restrictions, as many foreign countries deny entry to individuals with felony convictions
Because of these wide-ranging and lasting effects, it’s essential to take any felony charge seriously and understand both the legal penalties and the long-term implications.
During his time as a prosecutor, Matt Chaput was selected for two of the most specialized and demanding units in the District Attorney’s Office: the Vehicular Homicide Team and the Special Victims Unit. As a member of the Vehicular Homicide Team, he prosecuted cases involving fatal and serious injury traffic crashes, working closely with accident reconstruction experts, toxicologists, and law enforcement investigators. This experience gives him a deep understanding of the scientific evidence used in DUI and vehicular assault cases, including blood and breath testing, field sobriety tests, and accident reconstruction.
As a member of the Special Victims Unit, Matt Chaput prosecuted cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and other sensitive matters requiring specialized training in trauma-informed prosecution. His selection for this unit demonstrated his ability to handle complex evidentiary issues, work with vulnerable witnesses, and navigate the most challenging criminal cases.
Matt Chaput has conducted jury trials in first-degree murder cases, demonstrating his ability to handle the highest-stakes criminal litigation. This trial experience in the most serious criminal cases gives him the courtroom skills and strategic insight necessary to defend clients facing serious felony charges. He understands how prosecutors build murder cases, how they present forensic evidence, and how to challenge their theories at trial.
Before joining Right Law Group, Matt Chaput founded and operated Chaput Law LLC, his own criminal defense practice. As a law firm owner, he developed a client-centered approach to representation, focusing on communication, transparency, and results. His entrepreneurial experience gives him a unique perspective on the business of law and a commitment to providing exceptional client service.
As a Senior Litigation Attorney at Right Law Group, Matt Chaput leads the firm’s practice in Douglas and Arapahoe counties (the 18th Judicial District). He is based in the firm’s Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch offices and has deep familiarity with the courts, judges, and prosecutors in these jurisdictions. His prosecutorial experience in multiple Colorado counties gives him a comprehensive understanding of how different judicial districts handle criminal cases, allowing him to tailor his defense strategy to the specific jurisdiction.
Matt Chaput’s practice focuses primarily on DUI defense (CRS 42-4-1301) in Douglas and Arapahoe counties. His background as a Vehicular Homicide Team prosecutor gives him a distinct advantage in these cases—he knows exactly how prosecutors analyze blood and breath tests, how they work with expert witnesses, and where the weaknesses in their cases typically lie.
He has successfully defended clients in cases involving:
In addition to DUI defense, Matt Chaput handles complex felony cases including domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, and other serious criminal charges. He is skilled at filing motions to suppress evidence, challenging unconstitutional searches and seizures, and litigating complex evidentiary issues. His prosecutorial background allows him to identify weaknesses in the state’s case early and develop a strategic defense from the outset.
Matt Chaput has conducted numerous jury trials in both felony and misdemeanor cases, securing not-guilty verdicts, favorable plea agreements, and case dismissals for his clients. His first-degree murder trial experience demonstrates his ability to handle the most serious and complex criminal litigation. He understands the pressure points in negotiations and knows when to push for dismissal, when to negotiate a favorable plea, and when to take a case to trial.
Matt Chaput earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, one of Colorado’s premier law schools. He is licensed to practice law in Colorado (Co. Reg. #43792) and maintains active memberships in professional organizations focused on criminal defense and DUI defense.
Matt Chaput serves clients in Douglas, Jefferson, and Denver counties.
One too many drinks can leave you sitting in the drunk tank with a DUI.
One loud fight can turn into domestic violence charges.
A moment of distraction or a heavy foot can turn into a speeding ticket.
In almost every case, there is a silver lining and an opportunity to get the outcome you are looking for as long as you have an experienced Colorado criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the complicated criminal process.
