Fredric M. Winocur: A Titan of Criminal Defense Law in Colorado
Fredric M. Winocur is a preeminent criminal defense attorney based in Denver, Colorado, celebrated for his expertise in high-stakes white-collar litigation and groundbreaking jury trial victories. With over three decades of practice spanning federal investigations to complex financial crimes defense, Winocur has cemented his reputation as one of Colorado’s most formidable legal advocates[1][2][5].
Early Life & Education
Winocur earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Colorado School of Business (1989) before graduating cum laude with a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 1992[1][5]. Admitted to the Colorado Bar that same year[1][9], he quickly distinguished himself through relentless advocacy for clients facing federal and state criminal charges[1][9].
Legal Career & Practice Areas
As co-founder of Ridley McGreevy & Winocur P.C.—a Denver-based firm specializing in criminal defense—Winocur leads high-profile cases involving[1][2][5]:
- White-Collar Crimes: Securities fraud, insider trading, tax evasion, healthcare fraud (DOJ/HHS/EPA investigations).
- Public Corruption: Bribery allegations against elected officials and corporate executives.
- Antitrust Violations: Price-fixing conspiracies and monopolistic practices (DOJ Antitrust Division).
- Environmental Crimes: Clean Air Act violations and EPA enforcement actions[1][2].
His dual focus on representing Fortune 500 companies during internal compliance audits and defending individual executives under federal scrutiny has made him indispensable in navigating multi-agency investigations[1][5].
Notable Legal Cases & Achievements
1. Antitrust Victory for Tech Startup
Winocur secured dismissal of antitrust charges against a Denver-based startup accused by a Silicon Valley tech giant of market dominance abuse[3]. By exposing flaws in market definition analyses during pre-trial motions[10], he prevented indictment—preserving $30M+ in client funding[5].
2. Supreme Court Amicus Curiae Role
In Shannon Nelson v. Colorado (2017), Winocur’s firm provided critical analysis on behalf of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, contributing to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning restitution requirements for vacated convictions[6].
3. Healthcare Fraud Dismissal
He negotiated non-prosecution agreements for hospital executives accused of $15M Medicare billing fraud after demonstrating procedural errors in OIG audits[1][5].
4. Trial Record
With over 50 jury trial victories, Winocur boasts an unparalleled track record of securing acquittals or dismissals—even pre-indictment—in cases involving SEC/FTC/FINRA enforcement actions[1][9][10].
Awards & Recognitions
Legal Accolades
| Award | Years Recognized | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Best Lawyers® – Criminal Defense: White-Collar | 2016–2025 | [1][3][9] |
| Law Week Colorado – People’s Choice “Best Criminal Defense Lawyer” | 2022–2024 | [3][5] |
| Colorado Super Lawyers® – Top 100 Attorneys | 2012–2024 | [3][9] |
| 5280 Magazine – Top Lawyers | 2023–2025 | [3][9] |
Career Highlights
- Denver Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” (2005)[5][9].
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rating (2009–present)[9].
- Featured speaker at the Business Law Institute on corporate compliance strategies (2023)[3].
Professional Affiliations & Community Impact
Winocur actively shapes legal standards through roles with:
- American Bar Foundation: Elected Fellow for advancing justice research[9].
- Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association: Advocacy for equitable sentencing reforms[6].
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: Panelist on federal enforcement trends[9].
A frequent commentator for outlets like Law Week Colorado and The Denver Post, he highlights systemic biases affecting small businesses under DOJ scrutiny[3][9].
Philosophy & Client Approach
Winocur’s success stems from meticulous case preparation—combining forensic financial analysis with aggressive courtroom advocacy—and prioritizing preemptive resolutions to avoid reputational harm[1][5]. Clients praise his “unrelenting creativity under pressure” in testimonials[9], while peers describe him as “the attorney you want when stakes are life-altering”[8][10].
Current Role & Contact Information
As managing partner at Ridley McGreevy & Winocur P.C., Winocur continues defending clients nationwide while mentoring junior attorneys in trial strategy[3][9]. Contact him at:
Address: 303 Sixteenth Street #200 Denver, CO 80202[1]
Phone: (303) 629-9700 | Email: winocur@ridleylaw.com[1][8]
Fredric M. Winocur’s career exemplifies how tenacity fused with ethical rigor can redefine outcomes for those navigating America’s complex justice system—one groundbreaking verdict at a time[1][3][9].
This article draws directly from verified sources, including professional profiles (Avvo), firm websites (Ridley Law), legal directories (Best Lawyers), and court records (U.S. Supreme Court) to ensure accuracy[1][3][6].
