Colorado Civil Fraud Attorney — Trial-Ready Representation When You've Been Deliberately Deceived
Fraud doesn't happen by accident. Someone made a calculated decision to mislead you, and the financial and personal damage that followed was the predictable result. At The Fields Group, we represent individuals and businesses throughout Colorado who have been defrauded — and we take these cases seriously enough to take them to trial when that's what it takes to reach a just outcome.
What Counts as Civil Fraud Under Colorado Law?
Civil fraud in Colorado requires more than a broken promise or a bad deal. To succeed on a fraud claim, your attorney must establish that another party made a false statement of material fact, knew it was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth, intended you to rely on that statement, and that your reasonable reliance caused you actual damages. Each element must be proven — and the evidence that supports them is often buried in contracts, communications, and financial records that require experienced legal analysis to surface.
Colorado also recognizes related claims that frequently accompany fraud, including fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, and negligent misrepresentation. The right legal theory for your case depends on what was said, what was hidden, and what the other party knew at the time.
Common Civil Fraud Scenarios We Handle
Fraud takes many forms, and the circumstances that bring clients to us vary widely. We represent clients in cases involving:
- Business acquisition fraud, where a buyer or seller misrepresented the financial condition, assets, or liabilities of a company
- Real estate fraud, including misrepresentation of property condition, title defects, or undisclosed encumbrances
- Investment and securities fraud, where individuals were induced to invest based on false promises or concealed risks
- Contractor and construction fraud, where payment was taken for work that was never performed or materials that were substituted
- Insurance fraud schemes that targeted policyholders or claimants
- Consumer fraud involving deceptive sales practices, false advertising, or misrepresentation of goods and services
- Fraud in the inducement of contracts, where one party was deceived into signing an agreement they would not have entered had they known the truth
If the circumstances of your situation don't appear on this list, that doesn't mean you don't have a claim. Contact us and we'll give you a direct assessment.
What Damages Are Available in a Colorado Fraud Case?
A successful civil fraud claim can result in more than the return of what you lost. Colorado courts may award:
- Compensatory damages covering your actual financial losses
- Consequential damages for losses that flowed directly from the fraud, including lost profits or business opportunities
- Punitive damages in cases involving willful and wanton conduct, which Colorado courts have discretion to award when the defendant's behavior was particularly egregious
- Attorney fees and costs in certain fraud-related claims
Punitive damages are not available in every case, but when the facts support them, they can substantially increase the value of a judgment. We evaluate this possibility at the outset of every fraud case we take.
Why Fraud Cases Require Genuine Trial Experience
Many civil fraud cases settle before trial — but the ones that don't require an attorney who has actually tried cases before a jury. Fraud defendants and their insurers know the difference between a firm that litigates and a firm that settles, and that difference affects how they respond to your claim from the very first demand letter.
Doug Fields has 36 years of litigation and trial experience in Colorado courts, including cases tried at the Jefferson County Courthouse. That depth of experience doesn't just matter if your case goes to verdict — it shapes every negotiation, every motion, and every strategic decision along the way. When opposing counsel knows your attorney will take a case to trial, the dynamics of settlement change.
How The Fields Group Approaches Civil Fraud Litigation
Our approach to fraud litigation follows a deliberate sequence: we begin by identifying and preserving the evidence that supports each element of your claim, then build a theory of the case that holds together under the scrutiny of discovery and, if necessary, trial. Fraud cases often involve document-intensive discovery, expert witnesses, and complex financial analysis. We have the experience to manage that complexity and the willingness to see the case through.
Common FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Fraud in Colorado
What is the difference between civil fraud and criminal fraud in Colorado?
Criminal fraud is prosecuted by the state and can result in fines or imprisonment. Civil fraud is a lawsuit brought by the person who was harmed, seeking financial compensation. The two can arise from the same conduct, but they proceed independently. A criminal conviction is not required before you can file a civil fraud claim.How long do I have to file a civil fraud lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado's statute of limitations for fraud is generally three years from the date you discovered — or reasonably should have discovered — the fraud. Because this deadline can be affected by concealment and other factors, it's important to consult an attorney as soon as you suspect a problem rather than waiting to be certain.Can I sue for fraud if I signed a contract?
Yes. Fraud in the inducement of a contract is a recognized claim in Colorado. If you were deceived into signing an agreement based on false information, the existence of a contract does not bar your fraud claim. In many cases, a successful fraud claim can void the contract entirely.What evidence do I need to prove civil fraud?
Fraud claims are typically proven through documents — contracts, emails, text messages, financial records, and marketing materials — along with witness testimony. Expert witnesses are often used in cases involving financial analysis or industry standards. The strength of a fraud case depends heavily on what was said or written and when, which is why preserving records early is critical.Do you handle fraud cases on contingency?
It depends on the nature of the case. Personal injury cases at The Fields Group are handled on contingency. Civil fraud and commercial litigation cases are evaluated individually. We discuss fee arrangements during the initial consultation so you have a clear picture before making any decisions.What should I do if I think I've been defrauded?
Stop communicating with the party you believe defrauded you and preserve every document, message, and record related to the transaction. Do not delete anything. Then contact an attorney as soon as possible. Early involvement allows us to help preserve evidence, assess your claim, and advise you on next steps before the situation deteriorates further.
