Our Services

Colorado Criminal Defense Support

With over 25 years of experience, 2nd-Chair provides the high-level litigation and research skills needed to handle your most complex cases. Our services are designed to maximize your efficiency, saving you time by providing ready-to-file work and strategic support where you need it most.

Trial & Hearing Litigation: Available for co-counsel or direct representation, Kelly Meilstrup uses a direct, "real person" tone to communicate and build credibility with juries and judges.
Case Consultation: In-depth analysis, research memo and motion drafting.
Sentencing & Plea Strategy: Statewide sentencing analysis and expert opinion letters to leverage better plea offers.
Case Development: Strategic brainstorming and issue spotting to identify the winning path forward.

*The attorneys at 2nd-Chair maintain expert, research/writer, and co-counsel contracts with Alternate Defense Counsel (ADC).

state and federal Appeals

Britta Kruse is recognized as one of the state's premier appellate attorneys. Known for her thoughtful, strategic approach and a consistent track record of successful outcomes, Britta is available for both direct hire and specialized consultation.

Interlocutory Appeals. When a trial court ruling impacts a defendant’s right to present a defense, an appeal after trial is often an inadequate remedy. In these scenarios, an interlocutory appeal is the necessary approach.

These filings demand intensive legal research, a meticulous review of the record, and highly persuasive writing—all within a time-sensitive window. Directed at the Colorado Supreme Court, these briefs require a high level of expertise. 2nd-Chair handles the interlocutory process so that trial counsel can remain focused on the case while ensuring the client’s rights are protected in real-time.

Federal Criminal Defense Support

2nd-Chair provides the specialized research and drafting required to navigate the unique complexities of the federal system. We help attorneys maximize efficiency through:

Trial & Litigation Experience: Kelly Meilstrup has rare federal trial experience and is available to serve as a true 2nd chair for complex federal trials.
Pre-Trial Motion Practice: Expert research and drafting for search and seizure, warrant challenges, and complex evidentiary issues.
United States Guideline Analysis: Strategic assessment of USSG criminal history, enhancements, offense levels, and sentencing reductions. Technical support for PSR objections, motions for downward variance, and sentencing memos.

*The attorneys at 2nd-Chair maintain a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) research contract. Kelly also has a CJA co-counsel contract.