Marcus Blackwood

From the Prosecution to the Defense Table

Marcus Blackwood spent the first seven years of his legal career as a prosecutor in the Denver District Attorney’s Office, where he handled everything from misdemeanor assaults to complex federal conspiracy cases. During that time, he tried over 80 cases to verdict and developed an intimate understanding of how the state builds its cases, where investigations fall short, and how prosecutors decide what charges to bring.

That insider perspective became the foundation of his defense practice. In 2017, Marcus left the DA’s office after a wrongful conviction case forced him to reckon with the systemic imbalances in the criminal justice system. He founded Blackwood Defense with a single guiding principle: every person accused of a crime deserves a defense as thorough and aggressive as the prosecution mounted against them.

Trial Philosophy

Marcus believes that winning cases starts long before the courtroom. His approach centers on exhaustive pretrial preparation — challenging the legality of searches and seizures, scrutinizing witness credibility, and retaining expert witnesses who can dismantle the prosecution’s forensic evidence. When a case does go to trial, he is known for pointed cross-examinations that expose inconsistencies in law enforcement testimony and prosecutorial overreach.

His background in prosecution gives him a distinct tactical advantage. He knows which arguments resonate with juries, how to anticipate the state’s strategy, and when to press for a dismissal versus when to negotiate. That balance of aggression and strategic patience has produced consistent results for his clients.

Notable Achievements

Over the course of his defense career, Marcus has secured acquittals and dismissals in numerous felony cases, including multiple assault and federal fraud matters. He has successfully argued suppression motions that led to the dismissal of charges in cases involving unlawful traffic stops and warrantless searches. He is a frequent speaker at Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association events and has been recognized by his peers for excellence in trial advocacy.

Marcus remains deeply involved in criminal justice reform efforts across Colorado. He volunteers with organizations that provide legal resources to indigent defendants and advocates for policy changes that promote fairness and accountability within the court system. When he is not in the courtroom, he can be found mentoring young attorneys who share his commitment to vigorous, principled defense work.