About Krizman Law – A Denver Criminal Defense Law Firm

Meet The Team

Criminal Defense Attorneys, in Denver Colorado.

We’re a small but growing team. We signed on to make a difference in the CRIMINAL INJUSTICE SYSTEM and in the lives of those who get sucked up in it.

Meet Our Attorneys

Casey Krizman

Casey Krizman

Trial Attorney

Daniel Steinhauser

Daniel Steinhauser

Trial Attorney

Lane Thomasson

Lane Thomasson

Of Counsel

The Support Team

Chris DeGraff

Chris DeGraff

Practice Manager

“All that is impossible remains to be accomplished.”Jules Verne

Chris, a former paralegal in the landlord-tenant field, joined Krizman Law to fight the criminal injustice system. He is drawn to the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of criminal law, where he can have a direct impact on people’s lives and help them protect their fundamental rights.

Over his career as a paralegal, Chris built strong legal research and case management skills. As Krizman Law’s Practice Manager, he directs the firm’s paralegal team and coordinates investigations, court filings, and client communications. He helps Casey Krizman keep the firm on its mission to end the vicious cycle of the criminal injustice system.

In addition to his experience in landlord-tenant law, Chris was an English teacher in Spain. He is fluent in Spanish.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in Spanish, from Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

When not managing the Krizman Law team, he enjoys everything to do with the mountains, including snowboarding, fishing, and hiking. He plays drums in a local cover band and is a fan of the Colorado Avalanche and Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs.

Cooper Cary

Cooper Cary

Office Manager

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.”Paulo Coelho

Cooper Cary brings positivity and a strong desire to help those in need to the firm. This is his first job in the world of law, after graduating with a BA in Art and Design from Iowa State University. He is creative and likes to approach issues in all sorts of ways. He will welcome office challenges and clients with a smile.

Cooper was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. He enjoys travel and had enjoyed a handful of trips to the state of Colorado before making the permanent move to Denver. After graduating college Cooper lived and worked at a salmon hatchery on a remote island in Alaska for 8 months. After experiencing a healthy dose of wilderness, he was ready to dig his feet in somewhere and gain some incredible experience in a different setting.

He loves anything outdoors, whether it’s fishing, hiking, swimming, or catching a nap in a hammock. He enjoys spending time with his friends but is never upset about spending some hours alone at water’s edge or on a trail.

Ryan Mahoney

Ryan Mahoney

Paralegal

“Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”Franklin D. Roosevelt

Ryan Mahoney brings to the firm a powerful work ethic and an insatiable desire to learn. He is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with double majors in history and economics. He looks forward to applying his knowledge and skills to the realm of criminal defense.

Ryan participated in mock trial competitions throughout high school and into college. While at Michigan State, he joined the Phi Kappa Psi national fraternity and proudly served as the Community Service chair for his chapter. Following graduation, he started working as a bartender and server in Denver before pivoting into the legal field.

Born and raised in Denver, Ryan enjoys hiking, skiing, and sightseeing Colorado’s gorgeous mountain scenery. He loves to relax by weightlifting, reading, listening to music, and tuning into history podcasts.

Nathan Cox

Nathan Cox

Intake Specialist

Nathan brings a thoughtful, client-first mindset to the firm, shaped by years of experience in fast-paced, people-centered roles. Originally from Palm Bay, Florida, he studied journalism at Kansas State before graduating with a degree in international relations from Appalachian State University—an academic path that sharpened both his communication and critical thinking skills.

Before transitioning into the legal field, he worked in the insurance industry, where he learned how to navigate complex systems and advocate for clients during high-stress situations. That background now helps with his work in legal intake, where he helps clients feel supported from the very first conversation.

Now back in Colorado, he spends his free time skiing, golfing, and getting outdoors as much as possible. At home, he’s usually hanging with his cat, Maisy, and catching up on a good show.

Sean Zoellner

Sean Zoellner

Paralegal

Sean brings to the firm exceptional analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities as both primary paralegal and head of legal strategy. A Northwestern University graduate with expertise in business, marketing, and economics, he is driven by a desire to help others navigate a difficult and often biased justice system.

Sean’s journey with the firm began in 2020 when he worked as an intern for 18 months during COVID before returning full-time after graduation. His connection to criminal defense runs deep. Sean was coached by Casey Krizman in mock trial at Regis Jesuit High School, where he helped lead the team to a state championship and competed at the national level.

While finishing his studies at Northwestern, Sean demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by working as a private chef and running a small business selling vintage clothing and hand-sewn crocheted items. After completing his degree in Chicago, he returned home to Denver to pursue his passion for legal advocacy.

Born and raised in Denver, Sean appreciates the opportunity to use both his analytical and creative sides to craft strong arguments and solve complex problems. He finds fulfillment in making the justice system more accessible and fair for those who need it most.

Steve Krizman

Steve Krizman

Head of Communications

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”Yogi Berra

Steve Krizman brings to the firm extensive experience in media, public relations, and adult learning. He covered cops and courts for several newspapers across the country and is thrilled to now help a team fight the good fight for justice.

In addition to his work as newspaper reporter, photographer, and editor, Mr. Krizman has led media and public relations teams in health care and higher education. He retired in 2022 from Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he was assistant professor of journalism and public relations and the reigning Professor of the Year. In addition to directing Krizman Law’s communications, Mr. Krizman is completing his first novel.

We try to keep Mr. Krizman away from the office so that he can do “retirement things” like volunteer communications work for Metro Caring, playing with his grandson, Atticus, and traveling with his wife.

We’re a family – but functional!

We spend a lot of time together so we do things to keep each other sane: exercise, feed the brain, breathe. We invite our clients to join us. Here’s how:

Seize the day:

Join our Carpe Fin Diem team on Strava, a place for those looking to change their lives and seize every day. Here, you will find camaraderie, support, and accountability. This is one way you can be part of our fight to BREAK THE CRIME DOOM LOOP that leads to lower incomes, poorer health, and shorter lifespans.

Download the free Strava app and search for the Carpe Fin Diem club to join.

Our Favorite Charity

Breast Box Mastectomy Support

Krizman Law Firm
About