Denver, CO criminal defense attorney David Lindsey discusses what it takes to be successful in the courtroom and how he deals with prosecutors. He points out that to be successful as a criminal defense lawyer, one must uncover the core story of the person who has been charged and present that narrative effectively to the jury. Discovering that story requires extensive investigation and close collaboration with the client, as the government always advances its own version of events. His role, as defense counsel, is to present the version that best protects and favors the accused.

He notes that prosecutors, by the nature of their work, often see defendants simply as case files—people charged with crimes day after day. In contrast, he views his clients as individuals, many of whom are unlikely ever to face criminal charges again. For them, this may be the single defining encounter with the justice system, and the outcome will have profound consequences for their lives. When engaging with prosecutors, he makes it a point to highlight this reality, reminding them of the human impact of a prosecution, which is something they can easily grow numb to over time.