Harvey Steinberg is a prominent American criminal defense attorney who has spent nearly five decades representing clients in some of Colorado’s most challenging legal cases. From defending professional athletes facing serious criminal accusations to arguing complicated matters before federal courts, his career has made him a familiar name in Denver’s legal community. His work with NFL players has attracted particular attention because criminal proceedings can affect an athlete’s freedom, professional reputation, and ability to continue playing.
As a founding partner of Springer & Steinberg, P.C., he has represented well-known sports figures, including Perrish Cox, Jerry Jeudy, Elvis Dumervil, and Ty Lawson. His professional experience includes courtroom trials, negotiations with prosecutors, criminal appeals, and matters involving NFL disciplinary rules. Behind this legal career is a personal history that influenced his understanding of justice and government authority.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harvey Abe Steinberg |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1953 |
| Age | 72 years (October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Criminal Defense Attorney |
| Parents | Aaron and Doris Steinberg |
| Education | University of Colorado |
| Law Degree | Juris Doctor with Distinction, 1978 |
| Career Beginning | 1978 |
| Law Firm | Springer & Steinberg, P.C. |
| Specialization | Criminal Defense, White-Collar Crime, Appeals |
| Professional Recognition | AV Preeminent, Best Lawyers |
Harvey Steinberg’s Early Life and Family Background
Harvey Abe Steinberg was born on October 29, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, into a family whose history would strongly influence his understanding of fairness and justice. His parents, Aaron and Doris Steinberg, were Holocaust survivors who immigrated to America after World War II. Aaron survived imprisonment at Buchenwald, while Doris survived Auschwitz, two concentration camps associated with some of the darkest events of the twentieth century.
After the war, Aaron and Doris met in New York, married, and eventually moved to Memphis, Tennessee. While living there in 1947, Aaron was arrested after sitting with Black passengers at the back of a segregated bus rather than following the city’s racial seating restrictions. Having experienced persecution in Europe, he refused to accept discrimination against people who had helped liberate concentration camp prisoners.
The couple later traveled west with plans to settle in Los Angeles. Financial difficulties brought their journey to an end in Denver, where Aaron found employment in a luggage factory and Doris worked in a hospital cafeteria. They established their home in Colorado and raised their two sons, including Harvey. Growing up with parents who had experienced extreme injustice helped shape Steinberg’s willingness to question government authority.
How His Parents Influenced His Legal Philosophy
Steinberg’s family history became an important foundation for his professional beliefs. His father’s refusal to cooperate with segregation rules demonstrated that challenging authority could sometimes be a moral responsibility. Those experiences encouraged Steinberg to view legal institutions critically rather than assume that every decision made by government officials was automatically correct.
As he developed his career in criminal law, this outlook became increasingly visible in his courtroom approach. He believed that prosecutors and investigators should be required to explain and support their actions through evidence and established legal procedures. His commitment to defending accused individuals reflects a broader concern for constitutional protections and the fair treatment of people within the justice system.
Education and the Beginning of His Legal Career
Harvey Steinberg began his higher education at the University of Arizona before completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975 and continued his legal education at the same university. In 1978, he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree with distinction, marking the beginning of his professional journey in Colorado’s legal system.
Rather than immediately entering private practice, Steinberg joined Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office as a deputy district attorney. His responsibilities included prosecuting criminal cases in Arapahoe and Douglas counties, where he gained practical experience with investigations, witness testimony, and courtroom procedures. During his prosecutorial career, he developed an understanding of how criminal cases are evaluated, prepared, and presented before judges and juries.
Working as a prosecutor provided experience that later became valuable when Steinberg moved into criminal defense. He understood the decisions prosecutors make when considering charges and how evidence is examined before trial. His familiarity with the prosecution’s perspective helped him identify legal issues that could be challenged when representing defendants.
From Prosecutor to Founding Springer & Steinberg, P.C.
Steinberg left the district attorney’s office in October 1984 and entered private legal practice. His transition from prosecution to criminal defense soon became the subject of a Colorado Supreme Court proceeding involving professional responsibility. The case examined whether an attorney’s previous government employment could prevent that lawyer from representing a defendant in a matter handled by the same prosecutor’s office.
In Cleary v. District Court, 704 P.2d 866 (Colo. 1985), the court determined that Steinberg had not personally participated in investigating or prosecuting the defendant’s case. His earlier employment in the district attorney’s office was therefore insufficient to prevent him from serving as defense counsel. The decision became an early example of his involvement in significant legal questions concerning attorney conflicts of interest.
During 1985, Steinberg joined forces with attorney Jeffrey A. Springer to establish Springer & Steinberg, P.C. Their professional relationship began when they worked on opposing sides of a criminal matter, eventually developing mutual respect for each other’s legal abilities. The partnership grew into a Denver law firm handling criminal defense, personal injury, business litigation, and family law.
Growth of Springer & Steinberg, P.C.
Over the following decades, the firm expanded its services while maintaining a strong presence in Colorado’s legal community. Steinberg concentrated on criminal defense matters involving serious felony accusations, white-collar investigations, and appeals. His work often required examining complicated evidence, challenging procedural decisions, and representing clients facing substantial legal consequences.
The firm’s headquarters is located at 1400 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado. Its longstanding history reflects the professional partnership created by Steinberg and Springer. Although the firm represents clients across several practice areas, Steinberg remains particularly recognized for criminal defense work involving professional athletes and other prominent individuals.
How Harvey Steinberg Became a Go-To Lawyer for NFL Players
Harvey Steinberg’s connection with professional sports began in 1990, when he represented Denver Broncos tight end Clarence Kay following an arrest involving domestic violence allegations. One immediate challenge concerned Kay’s ability to accompany the Broncos on a preseason trip to Tokyo. Steinberg persuaded a judge to permit the player to travel, demonstrating how criminal proceedings could create immediate complications for professional athletes.
As more athletes became familiar with his work, Steinberg developed relationships throughout Denver’s professional sports community. Over the years, his clients have included Brandon Marshall, Bill Romanowski, Travis Henry, Rolando McClain, and Elvis Dumervil. His legal representation extended beyond football players to basketball personalities and individuals connected with professional sports organizations.
This professional reputation developed through years of experience handling cases in which legal proceedings attracted public attention. Professional athletes often face additional challenges involving their employment contracts, league investigations, and team responsibilities. Steinberg’s familiarity with these circumstances helped establish his position as an experienced criminal defense attorney for sports figures.
Why Criminal Cases Can Affect an Athlete’s Career
Legal problems involving NFL players often create consequences beyond the criminal courtroom. The NFL Personal Conduct Policy allows the league to investigate alleged misconduct independently of criminal proceedings. Consequently, players may face restrictions on professional participation even when their criminal cases have not reached a final decision.
Several issues can become important when athletes are involved in criminal investigations:
- Criminal charges: Serious allegations may lead to court appearances, trials, and potential penalties.
- League investigations: The NFL may examine alleged misconduct separately from criminal proceedings.
- Travel restrictions: Bail conditions can affect an athlete’s ability to attend training camps or games.
- Professional contracts: Legal complications may affect employment arrangements and team decisions.
- Public reputation: High-profile accusations can attract attention before the legal process concludes.
Handling these overlapping concerns requires familiarity with criminal procedure and professional sports regulations. For Steinberg, this combination has become an important part of his work representing NFL players. His involvement frequently includes immediate legal questions, such as release conditions and court scheduling, alongside longer criminal proceedings.
Major Cases That Built Harvey Steinberg’s Reputation
Throughout his career, Harvey Steinberg has represented clients facing serious criminal allegations, including cases involving sexual assault, impaired driving, domestic disputes, and other offenses. Some proceedings ended in acquittals, while others involved dismissed charges, negotiated sentences, or decisions by prosecutors not to proceed.
Several of these matters attracted national attention because they involved recognizable professional athletes. Examining the circumstances behind the cases provides a clearer understanding of Steinberg’s courtroom experience and the different legal outcomes his clients have received.
Perrish Cox and the 2012 Sexual Assault Acquittal
One of Steinberg’s most prominent cases involved former Denver Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox, who faced two felony sexual assault charges arising from an alleged incident in September 2010. Prosecutors presented DNA evidence indicating that Cox was the father of a child conceived around the time of the alleged assault. The woman involved testified about gaps in her memory, while Cox maintained that he had not engaged in sexual activity with her.
During the trial, Steinberg challenged the reliability of aspects of the forensic evidence and raised questions about possible DNA contamination. The proceedings also included testimony from former Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who described events surrounding the gathering. The defense examined the testimony and evidence while questioning whether prosecutors had established the charged offenses beyond a reasonable doubt.
On March 2, 2012, a Colorado jury acquitted Cox of both felony sexual assault charges. The verdict became one of Steinberg’s most recognizable courtroom results. The case illustrated the importance of evaluating forensic evidence alongside witness testimony and the specific legal requirements prosecutors must establish to secure a conviction.
Jerry Jeudy’s Criminal Tampering Case in 2022
In May 2022, Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was arrested following a disagreement with the mother of his infant child. The incident involved personal belongings placed inside Jeudy’s vehicle, including a wallet and items belonging to their child. Authorities charged him with second-degree criminal tampering with a domestic violence enhancer, drawing public attention to the dispute.
Steinberg challenged the legal basis for the accusation, focusing on whether the alleged conduct satisfied Colorado’s criminal tampering statute. The law required prosecutors to establish the necessary intent associated with the offense. The woman involved also indicated that she had not felt threatened and requested that the criminal charges be dismissed.
After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the charge. An Arapahoe County judge granted that request on May 31, 2022, bringing the criminal proceedings to an end. The dismissal demonstrated why the legal definition of an offense matters and how prosecutors must evaluate whether available evidence supports the specific elements of a criminal charge.
Ty Lawson, Elvis Dumervil, and Other Sports Clients
Steinberg represented former Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson during impaired-driving proceedings in Colorado. At Lawson’s sentencing in 2016, prosecutors requested incarceration, while Steinberg argued that a less restrictive penalty would be appropriate. The court ultimately imposed one year of supervised probation, allowing Lawson to avoid the jail sentence requested by prosecutors.
Another notable client was former Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil, whom Steinberg represented during an investigation connected to a confrontation between motorists in Florida. The matter ended without formal criminal charges. Steinberg also assisted NFL kicker Matt Prater with an alcohol-related disciplinary matter in which a proposed yearlong suspension was reduced to a substantially shorter period.
His experience additionally includes representing former NFL player Kellen Winslow II during the early stages of serious criminal proceedings in 2018. Winslow was later convicted of sexual offenses. These matters demonstrate the range of Steinberg’s legal work and the importance of distinguishing between court verdicts, prosecutorial decisions, sentencing outcomes, and sports disciplinary proceedings.
Harvey Steinberg’s Criminal Defense Strategy and Philosophy
Steinberg’s legal approach places considerable importance on examining the government’s evidence and ensuring that criminal allegations are supported by legally sufficient proof. Having previously worked as a prosecutor, he understands how criminal cases are developed and how investigators prepare evidence. This experience helps explain his attention to witness accounts, forensic findings, and the procedural requirements involved in criminal trials.
He has summarized his philosophy through the statement, “It’s not the client that’s on trial in my world, it’s the system.” The remark reflects his belief that defending an accused person requires careful examination of the government’s actions. His professional work has involved challenging evidence, questioning investigative procedures, and arguing that criminal allegations must be established through the standards required by law.
His representation of professional athletes has brought widespread recognition, but criminal defense remains his central professional focus. Steinberg has also discussed undertaking pro bono representation, allowing people outside professional sports to receive legal assistance. His broader career reflects a commitment to protecting legal rights regardless of a client’s public profile.
Federal Appeals and White-Collar Criminal Defense
Although Steinberg is widely associated with NFL-related legal matters, his experience also includes federal criminal defense, white-collar investigations, and appellate litigation. He was admitted to the Colorado bar and the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in 1978. His admission to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit followed in 1985, demonstrating his involvement in legal proceedings beyond state trial courts.
One important appellate matter was United States v. Garcia-Zambrano, 530 F.3d 1249 (10th Cir. 2008). The case concerned allegedly false statements in an affidavit used to obtain a search warrant during a federal drug investigation. The defense challenged the affidavit, and a district court initially suppressed evidence after concluding that portions of the document contained statements made with reckless disregard for the truth.
The Tenth Circuit later reversed the suppression ruling after determining that the remaining accurate information still established probable cause. The decision explained an important principle of criminal procedure: even when an affidavit includes false statements, a court must determine whether the remaining information independently supports the warrant. Steinberg’s involvement in the case demonstrated his experience with complicated constitutional and evidentiary disputes.
Other Significant Appellate Proceedings
Another important case was People v. Guatney, 214 P.3d 1049 (Colo. 2009), which reached the Colorado Supreme Court. The proceedings involved a probation-related decision and whether prosecutors could appeal a lower court’s refusal to revoke probation. The court ultimately determined that the particular ruling did not qualify as a final judgment permitting the prosecution’s appeal.
Alongside Cleary and Garcia-Zambrano, the decision highlights the breadth of legal questions associated with Steinberg’s professional record. These proceedings involved attorney responsibility, search warrants, and appellate jurisdiction rather than the sports-related criminal allegations for which he is most widely recognized.
Harvey Steinberg’s Recent Legal Work in 2026
Steinberg continued representing professional football players during 2026, with two matters attracting particular attention. His clients included Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper and Terrion Arnold, a former Detroit Lions first-round draft selection. Both proceedings demonstrated how serious criminal allegations can develop alongside decisions affecting an athlete’s professional eligibility.
The legal circumstances were different in each case, but both required attention to criminal procedure and NFL rules. Court dates, release conditions, and the league’s disciplinary processes all became important considerations. These cases also showed how an athlete’s employment situation can change while criminal allegations remain unresolved.
Jonathon Cooper’s Criminal Proceedings
Jonathon Cooper faced criminal charges arising from incidents involving his former girlfriend in June 2026. The allegations included second-degree assault involving alleged strangulation, together with misdemeanor charges. Cooper pleaded not guilty, and Steinberg represented him during proceedings in Douglas County, Colorado.
At an October 12, 2026 hearing, Cooper’s trial was scheduled for March 2–4, 2027. He had previously been placed on the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List, preventing him from participating in regular-season games while the league reviewed his situation. On October 16, 2026, the NFL announced that Cooper would be removed from the list and become eligible to return to football activities in Week 7.
The change in Cooper’s professional eligibility did not resolve his criminal charges. The NFL continued reviewing the matter under its Personal Conduct Policy while the court proceedings remained active. His situation demonstrated the separation between decisions made by a sports league and the legal process responsible for determining criminal liability.
Terrion Arnold’s Robbery and Kidnapping Case
Another significant 2026 case involved Terrion Arnold, a cornerback selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Arnold faced felony accusations connected to an alleged robbery and kidnapping operation in Florida. Prosecutors claimed that several individuals were involved in abducting and assaulting three men following a theft involving luxury goods and cash.
Steinberg joined Arnold’s defense team and challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of his client’s involvement. One important issue concerned whether Arnold should remain detained while the criminal proceedings continued. On June 29, 2026, a Florida judge granted him release on $1 million bond, subject to restrictions involving his movements and contact with other people connected to the case.
The Detroit Lions released Arnold on the same day as the bond decision. He later signed with the Seattle Seahawks in August 2026, although his professional participation remained affected by the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List. His case illustrated how pretrial detention, travel restrictions, and league decisions can have immediate consequences for an athlete’s career before the courts reach a final verdict.
Harvey Steinberg’s Awards and Professional Recognition
Throughout his career, Harvey Steinberg has received professional recognition for his criminal defense and litigation work. He holds an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, the highest category in the Martindale-Hubbell peer-review system. This designation reflects evaluations of professional ethics and legal ability by members of the legal community rather than outcomes in individual criminal proceedings.
Steinberg has also been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, including distinctions involving criminal defense and white-collar criminal defense. His Best Lawyers recognition dates back to 2001, and his professional profile includes recognition in the 2027 edition for both general criminal defense and white-collar criminal defense.
Additional honors include selections in Colorado Super Lawyers and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. These professional distinctions complement a career involving numerous criminal trials, appellate proceedings, and representation of clients facing serious allegations. His longstanding involvement with Springer & Steinberg, P.C. also reflects his continued connection with Denver’s legal community.
Harvey Steinberg’s Wife, Children, and Personal Life
Harvey Steinberg’s wife, Stephanie Steinberg, is identified alongside him in a 2005 family record. The Denver criminal defense attorney has generally kept his personal life separate from his professional career. His family includes Aaron Steinberg (Steiny), who has developed a recognizable public presence in digital entertainment.
Harvey Steinberg’s Children and Son Aaron Steinberg (Steiny)
Aaron Marc Steinberg, popularly known as Steiny, is Harvey Steinberg’s son and an internet personality associated with the NELK Boys and Full Send Podcast. He also hosts One Night with Steiny, featuring interviews with celebrities, athletes, and online personalities.
Steiny has a twin brother, Eric, and a sister. Unlike Aaron, who pursued a career in digital entertainment, his siblings maintain a more private public profile. While Harvey built his reputation in criminal defense law, his son Aaron followed a different professional path in podcasting and entertainment.
Interesting Facts About Harvey Steinberg
- He started as a prosecutor. Before becoming a recognized criminal defense lawyer, Steinberg worked in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
- His parents survived the Holocaust. Aaron and Doris Steinberg survived Nazi concentration camps before building a new life in the United States.
- His first professional-athlete client was Clarence Kay. Steinberg represented the Denver Broncos tight end in a legal matter in 1990.
- He founded his firm with a former courtroom opponent. Steinberg and Jeffrey Springer initially worked on opposite sides of a criminal case before becoming partners.
- His career includes significant appellate litigation. Beyond defending NFL players, Steinberg has participated in federal and Colorado Supreme Court proceedings.
Conclusion
Harvey Steinberg has established a lengthy career as a Denver criminal defense attorney through decades of courtroom advocacy, complex litigation, and representation of prominent professional athletes. His work includes the Perrish Cox acquittal, the Jerry Jeudy dismissal, and involvement in significant federal appellate proceedings. His experience with NFL players has made him a recognizable figure where criminal law and professional sports intersect.
Beyond his most recognizable cases, Steinberg’s professional identity reflects the influence of his family’s history and his experience working on both sides of criminal proceedings. His longstanding connection with Springer & Steinberg, P.C. and continued legal work demonstrate his place within Colorado’s criminal defense community.
FAQs
Who is Harvey Steinberg?
Harvey Steinberg is an American criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Springer & Steinberg, P.C., based in Denver, Colorado.
How old is Harvey Steinberg?
Harvey Steinberg is 72 years old as of October 2026. He was born on October 29, 1953, in Denver, Colorado.
Which NFL players has Harvey Steinberg represented?
His clients include Perrish Cox, Jerry Jeudy, Elvis Dumervil, Brandon Marshall, Jonathon Cooper, and Terrion Arnold.
What happened in the Perrish Cox case?
In March 2012, a Colorado jury acquitted Perrish Cox of two felony sexual assault charges following a trial defended by Steinberg.
What is Harvey Steinberg’s law firm?
Springer & Steinberg, P.C. is a Denver-based law firm co-founded in 1985, handling criminal defense and various civil litigation matters.
