About Tanner J.
Tanner J. Spracklen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish literature from the University of South Dakota in 2009. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Law, receiving his J.D. in 2013. His academic path combined language and behavioral studies with formal legal training.
He began his career in public defense. In 2013 he joined the Douglas County Public Defender’s office as a deputy public defender. That role put him in court on a steady stream of criminal matters. He tried cases, interviewed witnesses and worked directly with clients at every stage of representation.
In 2017 he moved into private practice as a senior associate at The Bagley Law Office. The shift gave him experience managing a broader docket and supervising aspects of case strategy. A year later he joined Colorado Legal Defense Group as an associate lawyer. His title at the firm evolved; by 2021 he was again listed as an associate lawyer with the same group. Over the years he has practiced in both Colorado and Nebraska courts.
Spracklen’s work is concentrated in criminal defense. He has experience in trial preparation, plea negotiations and motion practice. He has defended clients on a range of charges, from misdemeanors to more serious felony allegations. The early years in a public defender’s office shaped much of his approach. Those years taught him to work quickly and to prioritize courtroom readiness.
Colleagues describe him as methodical in case preparation. He combines courtroom time with client interviews and document review. He has handled evidentiary hearings and arraignments, and he continues to appear regularly in state courts. His bilingual background in Spanish literature informs parts of his client communication when needed. He is admitted to practice in both Colorado and Nebraska.
Today he is based at Colorado Legal Defense Group. He splits time between the firm’s Greeley and Colorado Springs offices. He continues to represent people charged with criminal offenses, offering representation that spans initial arraignment through trial or negotiated resolution. His current practice concentrates on criminal defense in state courts.
