Colorado Supreme Court Suspended Attorney's License
The state high court issued an 18-month suspension for a lawyer who failed to return client property.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The Colorado Supreme Court has suspended attorney Fredrick Callaway from practicing law for 18 months. The disciplinary action follows allegations that Callaway abandoned two clients and failed to return thousands of dollars in cash.
Why it matters
The disciplinary action addresses serious ethical breaches in the legal profession, specifically regarding the mishandling of client funds and abandonment of legal duties. Protecting the integrity of client-attorney relationships is central to maintaining trust in the Colorado judicial system.
The Colorado Supreme Court imposed an 18-month suspension for professional misconduct involving $5,250 in missing client funds. The ruling marks a definitive disciplinary outcome for the attorney following the abandonment of criminal defendants.
The players
Fredrick Callaway
He is a licensed attorney who practiced at the firm Criminal Law Matters in Cherry Creek.
Henry Woode
He is a criminal defendant who was represented by Callaway during probation violation proceedings in Centennial.
Colorado Supreme Court
This is the highest judicial body in the state of Colorado responsible for attorney discipline and the regulation of legal practice.
The details
Fredrick Callaway, who has been a member of the bar since 1980, worked at the firm Criminal Law Matters in Cherry Creek. The disciplinary proceedings stemmed from his representation of Henry Woode, who faced probation violation charges in Centennial, and involved the failure to return cash and personal effects entrusted to him.
Timeline
Fredrick Callaway passed the bar exam in 1980.
Callaway provided legal representation to Henry Woode in early 2023.
The suspension of Callaway's law license took effect on Sept. 22, 2026.
Legal Context
This disciplinary ruling aligns with the enforcement patterns set by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct regarding the handling of client property. Such suspensions are part of the state's broader oversight mechanism designed to maintain professional standards for practicing attorneys.
Clients in the area can look up the standing of their legal counsel through state regulatory databases to ensure their assets are handled according to professional standards. The suspension serves as a formal reminder of the fiduciary requirements attorneys must meet when handling client funds and property.
The takeaway
Maintaining clear records and transparent communication is vital for any client entrusting sensitive items or cash to legal representation. Individuals should always request receipts for funds or property provided to their counsel to ensure proper documentation is maintained throughout the legal process.
Further reading
For more on legal accountability, visit Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BusinessDen.
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