If you’re passionate about criminal law and driven to make a difference in the justice system, The 2025 Colorado Criminal Defense Scholarship, offered by Petrash Law, is your chance to earn $1000 toward your education! This scholarship is designed to support students who show a strong commitment to justice and the positive impact they wish to have in their communities. Candidates are encouraged to delve into new legislative changes, significant court rulings, or advancements in forensic science and discuss how these factors affect defense strategies. The student demonstrating outstanding commitment and impact will be chosen as the recipient of this scholarship, assisting them in furthering their education. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025.

Award Amount: $1000

Eligibility

• The scholarship is open to current high school seniors, vocational students, college students or graduate students who are legal residents of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a vocational program or two-to-four-year post-secondary institution.
• Employees of Petrash Law, their immediate family members (including parents, children, siblings, and spouses), and individuals living in the same household (whether related or not) are not eligible to apply. 
• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and maintain good academic standing.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
• The candidate must submit a 750 – 1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Investigate emerging trends in criminal defense law in Colorado, such as changes in legislation, landmark court decisions, or advancements in forensic science. Discuss how these developments impact defense strategies and advocate for justice.
  • Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. The application will be denied if AI writing is deemed present in the essay.
• The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their professional and academic experience.
• The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school and the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
• Preference will be given to students either from or attending school in the state.

The recipient of the 2025 Colorado Criminal Defense Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline. 

We will not be available to answer scholarship-related questions by phone. Please send any scholarship questions to legaldirectorylinks+pe**********************@gm***.com with the subject line “2025 Colorado Criminal Defense Scholarship”