Gard & Bond L.L.C.


                       Attorneys at Law

2541 Spruce Street
Boulder, Colorado 80302
303-499-3040
email: gardlawfirm@att.net



Areas of Practice


Business Law & Corporate Law

Gard & Bond represents business people throughout the state of Colorado. In addition to basic corporate formation and consultation, Gard & Bond also acts as an Escrow Agent in the purchase and sales of businesses. 

Further, when a dispute arises, Gard & Bond has the skill and experience necessary to resolve the issue. We have successfully litigated hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts. In each case, we make every effort to find a reasonable solution to any legal problem. However, when a reasonable solution cannot be found, we have the skills necessary to take the case to trial.

Some examples of our work:

· We successfully tried a breach of contract case in which the defendants misrepresented the value of a business they sold to our clients;

· We helped an established business start a new venture, issue stock, negotiate a complex lease and advise regarding all aspects of corporate law;

· We litigated a dissolution of a business where the partners accused each other of wrongdoing;

· We acted as escrow agents in the sale of a small business;

· We helped a business sell a division of its business to a prospective buyer;

· We created the articles of incorporation and operating agreement for a multi-million dollar real estate investment company;

· We successfully sued a general contractor for breach of contract in a real estate development; and

· We successfully negotiated a settlement of an unjust enrichment claim in a real estate investment case.

What our clients say about us:

On several occasions I have availed myself of the services of Gard & Bond in cases ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary. In one memorable instance, Jeff went out of his way to assist me in a manner that was above and beyond the call of duty. My experiences with his colleagues reveal them to be insightful and efficient; all have been beyond reproach in matters ethical. In short, I owe Jeff an enduring debt of gratitude. It pleases me to recommend him and his colleagues without reservation. Read S. (click here to read other client testimonials).

Criminal Law & Criminal Defense

Gard & Bond is dedicated to defending people charged with crimes.  In our experience, many cases are exaggerated and the facts misstated.  Sometimes the accusation is patently false.  We have successfully defended people from all walks of life who stand accused of all levels of crimes, including marijuana and other drug cases, theft, DUI, DWAI, assault, domestic violence, harassment, etc.  We have successfully tried numerous cases throughout the state and negotiated thousands of plea agreements, most of which helped the client avoid jail and get on with their life.

Some examples of our efforts to help people accused of crimes:

· We convinced a district attorney’s office to drop false sexual assault cases against two separate clients.  As you would expect, such a result is rare - particularly repeating the feat twice!  Fortunately truth prevailed and both clients are able to resume their lives without the stigma of such heinous and false allegations;

· negotiated a deferred sentence for a client charged with felony cultivation of marijuana;

· reduced DUI charge to careless driving;

· acquitted a client at trial of criminal mischief;

· reduced a driving under the influence of drugs case to careless driving;

· obtained a deferred sentence to a domestic violence charge for a client accused of assaulting her boyfriend;

· secured dismissal of a menacing with a deadly weapon case;

· acquitted a client at trial of 3rd degree assault;

· negotiated a deferred sentence in a multi-thousand dollar felony forgery case;

· secured dismissal of charges of DUI and third degree assault/domestic violence on the eve of jury trial.


What our clients say about us:

There are no words to adequately express my appreciation for your nearly miraculous legal guidance and court-related work on my DUI case.   The relief I felt when learning of the court’s decision can only be described as the weight of the world being lifted off my shoulders. You did a tremendous job, Jeff, and I can’t thank you enough. I will spread the word regarding your exceptional competence and professionalism.  Thank you for all you have done in simplifying and improving my life. Noah R.W. Saunders (click here to read other client testimonials).



Civil Rights and Housing Discrimination

Gard & Bond has a tradition of litigating important civil rights cases. Our trial successes have advanced the rights of disabled persons and have helped make new law protecting the rights of disabled persons and have established a national reputation in the area of fair housing discrimination. 

For example:

· Roe v. Housing Authority of the City of Boulder, 909 F.Supp. 814 (D.Colo. 1995). "In Roe, Sanderson and Gard argued successfully that the ADA, the Fair Housing Amendment Act and the Rehabilitation Act require that a public housing provider attempt to reasonably accommodate a disabled tenant before proceeding with eviction." (National Disability Law Reporter).

· Saville v. Boulder Meadows, 2 P.3d 131 (Colo. App. 2000), which applied the Roe standard to private housing providers. "The woman in this case was fortunate to have strong legal assistance from David Sanderson and Jeffrey Gard." (Boulder Daily Camera).

What our clients say about us:

My wife and I first became aware of Jeff when he won a precedent setting case in a famous fair housing case. I knew then, that if we ever needed a lawyer, Jeff would be my choice. Since that time, we have had occasion to hire Jeff to protect our interests in a variety of matters, all with extremely favorable results. Over time, Jeff has become our family attorney. Having been in court with Jeff, we can tell you that it is very reassuring to have the best lawyer in the room sitting next to you. My wife once called Jeff “her knight in shining armor” and I wholeheartedly agree with her assessment.  Norm and Leslie Pinkham (click here to read other client testimonials).



Family Law - Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Visitation

For many people divorce is one of the biggest decisions and changes in their lives.  We understand how difficult it can be and can help.  Our practice is dedicated to helping clients during and after their divorce.  We listen to your needs and help you achieve your goals as your life enters its next phase.  We endeavor make every effort to find a reasonable solution to any legal problem. However, when a reasonable solution cannot be found, we have honed the skills necessary to take the case to trial.

Anna Bond is the head of the family law department and has successfully litigated numerous cases throughout the state. In each case, Anna makes every effort to find a reasonable solution. However, when a reasonable solution cannot be found, Anna has the skills necessary to take the case to trial.  Based on her courtroom presence, judges praise Anna for her professionalism and diligent preparation.

Some examples of our work:

· We successfully resolved a protracted and contentious divorce with marital assets exceeding 10 million dollars;

· We litigated a case in which an abused wife was awarded sole custody of her child;

· We helped a couple obtain custody of the children in a case in which the biological mother was deemed unfit to parent;

· We helped a woman achieve a fair property settlement and she was awarded maintenance, where the husband made every effort to leave the woman penniless;

· We successfully achieved joint custody for a father who was accused by his wife of abuse and that he was an unfit parent;

· We blocked an ex-wife’s plan to prevent our client from having any visitation rights with his children;

· We helped a man who was precluded from seeing his son reunite with his child.  The client now has regular parenting time and the relationship between father and son has been restored. 


What our clients say about us:

After years of frustration and being told to "give up" on gaining custody of my stepchildren, my husband and I turned to Anna Bond.  She not only fought for us, but she fought for our children.  She was the calm voice leading us through the storm.  She listened to us and believed in us when other attorneys did not.  There were many times we felt like it was a losing battle, and that we had no hope.  Anna was always there to push us through and to remind us that it could be done.  Being able to know my children are in a safe environment has completely changed all of our lives.  I can't imagine anyone I would recommend higher, and I think of what she has done for us on a daily basis.  THANK YOU! Carrie A (click here to read other client testimonials).

Frequently asked questions:

Many clients first and only experience with the law is in a divorce.  We recognize that you have questions and encourage you to contact is to discuss any questions you may have. 

HOW LONG DOES A DIVORCE TAKE?
Colorado law does not allow you to get a divorce in less than 90 days. Most cases take between six months and a year.  It is our goal to resolve your divorce as quickly as possible, including by agreement if appropriate.

WHAT DO I DO UNTIL THE DIVORCE IS OVER?
After filing for divorce, a hearing can be requested to decide who lives where, who uses what property, payment of debts, amount of child support, child custody, etc. These "temporary" orders will be in effect until your divorce is final. 

WHAT IF MY SPOUSE TRIES TO HIDE ASSETS OR SPEND ALL OUR MONEY?
All Colorado divorce cases have automatic restraining orders that prohibit a spouse from hiding or disposing of property, disturbing the other spouse, or removing the children from Colorado.

HOW WILL THE JUDGE DECIDE WHERE THE CHILDREN WILL LIVE, AMOUNT OF CHILD SUPPORT, HOLIDAYS, ETC.?
The general rule of law is that Judge must decide what is in the "best interests of the child." In general, unless there are good reasons not to, both parents will have significant parenting time and will make decisions about what is best for the child.
Child support is based upon the gross income of each parent. The child support includes childcare, medical costs and other necessary expenses. Both parents must pay their share based on each of their gross income.

WHAT IS MARITAL PROPERTY AND WHAT IS NOT?
All property is considered marital property unless it was acquired before the marriage, by inheritance or by separate gift.  However, any increase in the value of separate property during the marriage is considered marital property. 

WHEN DOES A SPOUSE GET MAINTENANCE (also called Alimony)?
To receive maintenance/alimony, the Judge must find that you do not have enough property or income to provide for reasonable needs; you cannot support yourself through employment; or you are responsible for a child whose condition prevents you from seeking employment.

HOW IS THE DIVORCE FINALIZED?
Most divorces are resolved by settlement.  If we are unable to reach a settlement, a hearing is held and Judge will decide all of the issues in your case.

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD LAWYER FEES?
If there is a large difference between you and your spouse’s income, the Judge can order one spouse to pay all or a portion of the other spouse's legal fees.  This is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Civil Law & Personal Injury

Gard & Bond has a reputation for being hard-nosed litigators and our tenacity earns us the respect of attorneys, judges and clients.  Based on our reputation for meticulous preparation and well-honed trial skills, we are hired by fellow attorneys to help where settlement has failed and the case must be taken before a jury.

Some of notable examples of our work include:

· We successfully concluded an 8 day jury trial for a woman who suffered traumatic brain injuries in two successive automobile collisions;

· We obtained a $550,000 for a client who endured spinal and neck injuries in a serious fall;

· We negotiated a $350,000 settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury caused by carbon monoxide exposure;

· We obtained the insurance policy limits for a client hit by a drunk driver while commuting home on his motorcycle;

· We negotiated a $225,000 settlement for a victim of discrimination

· We negotiated an $88,000 settlement for a client who sustained arm injuries when a negligent contractor working on the T-Rex project drove into a light pole, causing it to crash through the client’s windshield;

· We settled a case for $85,000 on behalf of a client who sustained neck and back injuries in a rear-end automobile collision.

What our clients say about us:

In a bizarre accident I was rear ended repeatedly (at high speed) by a schizophrenic woman. The back injuries caused me to be out of work for several months and saddled me with a lifetime of intermittent lower back pain. I wanted to work with a law firm who was ethical, realistic and above all, responsive to me.  Fortunately, a friend of a friend suggested I call Jeff Gard. Wow! What a difference! Jeff and Anna listened to me, came back with a reasonable approach and actually worked to get me about 3 times the amount I would have expected. Most of all, my experience was that they provided an outstanding level of service and integrity.  I would recommend this firm to anyone and feel confident that they would receive the same consideration I did.  Donna Borden (click here to read other client testimonials).



Government Security Clearance

Gard & Bond is an experienced law helping people who have been denied a security clearance.  We successfully litigated a Department of Defense denial of security clearance based on a prior criminal conviction.  Using our well-honed trial skills, we overcame the initial denial of security clearance, which allowed our client to obtain clearance and advance his career.

What our clients say about us:

On several occasions I have availed myself of the services of Gard & Bond in cases ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary. In one memorable instance, Jeff went out of his way to assist me in a manner that was above and beyond the call of duty. My experiences with his colleagues reveal them to be insightful and efficient; all have been beyond reproach in matters ethical. In short, I owe Jeff an enduring debt of gratitude. It pleases me to recommend him and his colleagues without reservation. Read S. (click here to read other client testimonials).


Information regarding security clearances:

The Defense Security Service (DSS) is the provider of personnel and industrial security services, i.e., security clearances for the Department of Defense.  

Individuals cannot apply for a personnel security clearance application. The company they work for determine whether an employee will require access to classified information in performance of his job.  Once the company makes this determination, the employee may be processed for a security clearance at the company’s request.

The security clearance process examines a substantial period of a person's life to make a determination whether the person is an acceptable security risk. To achieve security clearance the individual must meet several security guidelines. The evaluation process weighs a number of factors known as the “whole-person concept.” DSS gathers and evaluates all available, reliable information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, in reaching a security clearance determination. When an individual’s history shows evidence of unreliability or untrustworthiness, a security clearance may be denied.

An individual whose security clearance has been denied or revoked has the opportunity to appeal the decision. The individual may request a hearing before an administrative judge in order to provide additional information and has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses who testify against granting a security clearance. The administrative judge will render a decision and, if the decision is to deny or revoke the security clearance, the individual can appeal the decision to the Appeal Board. The Appeal Board will review the case file and render a final decision.

For further information contact:

The Department of Defense Security Services Center, 1-888-282-7682, or via the internet at:

https://www.dss.mil/GW/ShowBinary/DSS/psco/ps_faqs.html#1.

Sealing Criminal Records - Record Seal

Over the last several years and, with the proliferation of information over the Internet, numerous companies engage in the business of accumulating and selling personal information, including arrest and criminal records.  It is critical that you take every step to ensure that you seal your criminal record is not made available to the public.  

Gard & Bond is an experienced law firm providing effective legal representation throughout the state of Colorado. We enjoy a reputation for providing excellent legal work and are fortunate to claim that all of our work comes by "word of mouth.”  We have successfully sealed the criminal records in numerous cases and are confident that we can help you or someone you care about.
Not all cases can be sealed.

You may only seal arrest or criminal records if you meet one of the following requirements:

· All charges were dismissed or you were acquitted of all charges.  This includes any cases where you successfully completed a deferred sentence or deferred prosecution;  

· There is only an arrest record and no charges were filed;

· You had a case that was dismissed due to a plea agreement in another case and more than 10 years have passed since the case was concluded and you have had no additional criminal charges.

You may not petition to seal arrest or criminal records if:

· You have been convicted of a sexual offense as defined by C.R.S. §16-22-102(9); or

· You still owe restitution, fines, court costs, late fees, or other fees ordered by the Court;

· The offense pertains to a class 1 or class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, or to a class A or class B traffic infraction, or a conviction for a violation of DUI or DWAI.

Finally, in certain circumstances, you may petition the Court to seal a criminal conviction record if you meet the two requirements listed below:

· Ten or more years have passed from the final disposition of all criminal proceedings, including any period of probation;

---AND---

· You have not been charged or convicted for a criminal offense in the ten or more years since the date of the final disposition of all criminal proceedings, including any period of probation.

Only people convicted of the following offenses are eligible to petition to seal the conviction:

· Any petty offense;

· Any misdemeanor in violation of article 18 of title 18;

· Any class 5 or class 6 felony in violation of article 18 of title 18 EXCEPT if the conviction was for the sale, manufacturing or dispensing of a controlled substance as defined at §18-18-102(5), C.R.S. or attempt of those offenses or for possession with intent to manufacture, dispense or sell a controlled substance.

In cases involving a criminal conviction, you must obtain the permission of the prosecuting district attorney before you can petition to seal a conviction record.

For additional information, please review C.R.S. §24-72-308.

The procedure for sealing the record:

A petition requesting that the record be sealed must be filed in the District Court, in the county where the records are located. All of the agencies who maintain the record must be provided with notice and an opportunity to object to the petition to seal.

If the petition to seal is granted by the Judge you would not be obligated to disclose any information contained in the sealed records to any employer, educational institution, state or local government agency, officials, and employees in any application or interview.  Further, if an interviewer or application inquires about any criminal records that may have been sealed you may legally claim that no such action ever occurred and that no such record exists.

Moreover, upon any inquiry, all criminal justice agencies are required to state that no such records exist.  With certain limited exceptions, once the record is sealed, the documents legally could be examined only if you or the prosecuting attorney petitions the Judge and the Judge grants the examination.  However, please be advised that the arresting agency is permitted to share information contained in a sealed record when an inquiry is made by another criminal justice agency.

Finally, if you are not eligible to seal your arrest and criminal record, we have developed a method to help you explain your legal situation.  We find that by being honest about your criminal history, combined with emphasizing all that you did to complete your sentence and any “life lessons” you learned in the process, can help you obtain and advance in your employment, education or other endeavors.  Honesty is the best policy and you can help a prospective employer understand your side of the story.  This approach has helped many people convince the employer to take a chance.  

What our clients say about us:

Mr. Jeff Gard is a humble attorney that I had the privilege to represent me. This man was one of many I interviewed to take my case and he was the only one truly looking for my best interests. I will and have recommended G&A for friends and people I love, in their time of need.  Anyone who is in that situation should feel confident that this team will deliver success and peace of mind. Thank you Jeff for being there in my life when I needed you. Ash N. (click here to read other client testimonials).



Carbon Monoxide

Gard & Bond is an experienced law firm providing effective legal representation. We enjoy a reputation for providing excellent legal work and are fortunate to claim that all of our work comes by "word of mouth.”  We have successfully litigated hundreds of cases in both state and federal courts. In each case, we make every effort to find a reasonable solution to any legal problem. However, when a reasonable solution cannot be found, we have the skills necessary to take the case to trial.

Jeffrey S. Gard is a nationally recognized lawyer and lecturer on the subject of carbon monoxide induced brain injury.  In recognition for his efforts to help victims of carbon monoxide poisoning, Jeff joined forces with prominent carbon monoxide researcher, professor and author Dr. David Penney, and respected neuropsychologist, Dr. Dennis Helffenstein, to teach lawyers and medical professionals how to successfully litigate carbon monoxide induced brain injury cases.

Some of examples of our work:

· We were contacted by a Texas woman who stayed in a hotel while on business.  During the night her carbon monoxide detector went off and she was taken to the emergency room.  Unfortunately, the damage was done and the woman suffered brain damage.  Once she came to Gard & Bond, we sent her to a carbon monoxide brain injury specialist and eventually filed a lawsuit against the hotel.  On the eve of trial, the hotel settled the case for a substantial sum of money, which provided the means for the client to get back on her feet;

· In another case, our client passed out from carbon monoxide exposure in a rented apartment.  A faulty hot water heater was the culprit.  Again, the client suffered a brain injury and we were forced to take the matter to trial.  The client now dedicates herself to helping other victims of carbon monoxide share their experiences and get the tools necessary to help them through it.


What our clients say about us:

Mr. Jeff Gard is a humble attorney that I had the privilege to represent me. This man was one of many I interviewed to take my case and he was the only one truly looking for my best interests. I will and have recommended G&A for friends and people I love, in their time of need.  Anyone who is in that situation should feel confident that this team will deliver success and peace of mind. Thank you Jeff for being there in my life when I needed you.  Ash N. (click here to read other client testimonials).


We enjoy a nationwide reputation for representing victims of carbon monoxide and have taught both lawyers and doctors how to successfully handle such cases.  




Please Note

All of the cases, set forth above are for purposes of example, and are not and should not be construed as a guarantee or predictor of future result.