A Denver lawyer has been disbarred and ordered to repay nearly $600,000 after state regulators concluded he forged a client’s settlement agreement and diverted the funds for his own use, according to a disciplinary agreement filed this week.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved the agreement, which permanently revokes the attorney’s license to practice law in Colorado. The disbarment is scheduled to take effect July 20. The discipline follows a separate civil judgment tied to the same conduct.
Disciplinary Findings
The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel opened an investigation after determining that the attorney forged his client’s signature on a settlement document, affixed a fraudulent notary seal, and directed the settlement proceeds to himself.
According to reporting by BusinessDen, Presiding Disciplinary Judge Bryon Large approved the sanction, which includes full disbarment and an order requiring the attorney to repay roughly $600,000 connected to the forged settlement.
How Attorney Discipline Works
In Colorado, complaints against attorneys are reviewed by the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. If investigators find evidence of serious misconduct, the office can file formal charges that are reviewed by the Presiding Disciplinary Judge.
Possible outcomes range from private admonitions and suspensions to permanent disbarment. Disciplinary decisions can be appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court. Regulators have said sanctions are meant to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct and the harm caused to clients.
Client Case at Center of Matter
The client involved, Dewayne Mascarenas, was injured during an assault outside a Capitol Hill nightclub in August 2019. Years later, Mascarenas learned that his attorney had entered into a settlement on his behalf without his knowledge or consent.
According to BusinessDen, the settlement was dated 2022 and included a forged signature and false notary information. Mascarenas discovered the issue during unrelated bankruptcy proceedings and later filed a civil lawsuit.
In May 2026, a court awarded Mascarenas a civil judgment of approximately $590,000. The outlet also reported that the attorney had previously handled a smaller $6,500 payout related to the case while retaining larger settlement funds that were never provided to the client.
Options for Affected Clients
Clients who believe their attorney has acted dishonestly can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. In certain cases, they may also seek compensation through the Attorneys’ Fund for Client Protection, a state program that can reimburse losses caused by attorney theft or dishonesty, subject to eligibility rules and limits.
Information about filing complaints and claims is available through Colorado’s attorney regulation system.
Potential Criminal Implications
Professional discipline is separate from criminal prosecution. Forging legal documents and submitting false records may violate Colorado’s criminal forgery statute, which classifies forgery as a felony offense.
Any criminal investigation or charges would be handled by prosecutors and would proceed independently of the bar discipline process.
With the disciplinary order now finalized, the attorney will be removed from the Colorado legal profession, while civil enforcement and any possible criminal review remain separate avenues tied to the case.
FAQs
Why was the Denver lawyer disbarred?
He forged a client settlement and took the money.
How much money was involved?
About $600,000 in settlement funds.
When does the disbarment take effect?
July 20, under the disciplinary order.
Can clients recover stolen funds?
Some may qualify through the Attorneys’ Fund for Client Protection.
Could criminal charges still be filed?
Yes, discipline and criminal cases are separate.
