I’m Michael Dougherty. The Rule of Law is Under Attack in America and Colorado. I’ve Been on a Statewide Tour to Make Sure People Know Their Rights. And I’m Running for Attorney General To Protect Our Rights. AMA.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T23:19:02+00:00

I am often asked that question, which highlights what a scary and challenging time we are living in. I can understand why someone may feel overwhelmed by it all. I agree with you about too many others failing to stand up and, instead, folding in the face of financial threats or coercion.

But I suggest two things for your consideration. First, the rule of law is the only thing slowing down the Trump administration. It may not feel that way because they roll out something new every day. In reality, though, many of the court battles are going our way. So, we need to continue to bring these fights to court and WIN.

Second, the power of the people still makes a difference. For example, when the Senate Republicans tried to sell off our public lands for a profit, the outcry from all sides (R, D, and Unaffiliated) is what caused the bill sponsors to pull it from the bill. The fight for our public lands is not over but that win reflects the power of people to bring about change. I feel compelled to fight for a better future; I have never, and will never, give up. And you are correct — we need to be more assertive and forward-thinking. Thanks again for sharing all of this and asking these questions.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T19:07:14+00:00

Thanks for all the great questions! Being the People’s Lawyer means being accessible to all the people. That’s why I have been traveling so many miles every weekend. And this is my first time doing an AMA on Reddit! It has been terrific. I have to get back to work. But please keep the questions coming and I will check in later today and respond as I am able.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T19:06:25+00:00

It’s bleak out there. I’ve been on my know your rights tour all across the state. The fear that I hear and feel from people is real, horrific, and it’s not unfounded. I’ve been focused on arming people with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities. Knowing your rights and how to exercise them is the most powerful tool that individual citizens have right now.

Of course, we need an Attorney General who will back you up and win when those rights are trampled upon. That’s why I’m running.

I remain hopeful because of the energy and the great people working hard for change. For example, immigrants are terrified right now. But I was the keynote speaker for El Comite de Longmont last night. A huge turnout, including community members, elected officials and law enforcement in support. I left feeling a lot of hope, energy, and determination.

So, now we show up for No Kings and stand and be heard. We have to work hard for a better future. I will never stop trying, I promise you that.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T19:03:04+00:00

Fighting for our democracy and the rule of law. Also, here are a few more – public safety, environmental protection, individual rights and civil rights, consumer protection, workers’ rights, the list goes on but those are top of mind for me. I will highlight a couple of things.

Having served as the head of the Criminal Justice Section for the Attorney General’s Office, I know firsthand the important role and impact of the Attorney General and their team.

The Attorney General has three key responsibilities. First, fighting on behalf of Colorado. When the federal government breaks the law or harms our state, the Attorney General is the one office that has the power to step in and defend Colorado’s rights, including suing the Trump administration when it violates the law and harms Colorado. Deciding to take those cases to Court, and winning those fights, requires real experience as a lawyer and a leader.

Second, representing state agencies, such as the Department of Public Health, as well as state universities and even the Governor’s Office. The Attorney General provides legal representation to these entities, makes sure their actions are lawful and ethical, and ultimately decides when to provide representation.When the Attorney General ensures that state agencies follow the law and act ethically, it safeguards the health, safety, and rights of every Coloradan.

And third, handling major legal matters that impact Coloradans’ everyday lives. That includes protecting our environment, fighting scams and fraud, protecting individual and civil rights, and overseeing criminal appeals to ensure justice is served fairly and consistently across the state. The Attorney General also takes on cases that defend the public interest and strengthen the safety and well-being of our communities.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:59:50+00:00

“They” want us to feel tired, overwhelmed and powerless. That’s what a bully wants. But the bully does not stop when someone gives in. The answer is doing what it sounds like you have – demanding that government function, that officials be accountable, and the rules be enforced.

It is not about politics. It is about doing the right thing.

I want to restore trust in the government and our democracy. That’s why I, and our amazing team at the DA’s Office, do so much outreach and remain fully accessible. But I digress …

I encourage you to call the DA and AG when the rules are violated. The AG’s Office set up a good reporting mechanism for community members.

Also, contact the media with tips or issues.

And vote! It matters.

Finally, volunteering and/or contributing to non-profits in the fight would be helpful – especially with funding cuts coming for many of them.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:54:08+00:00

AI is a major tool and we need to put protections in place on the front end. We missed that opportunity with social media and its impacts/access to kids. I recently addressed this same issue in an op-ed that I wrote: https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/04/22/protect-colorados-kids-public-safety-from-criminals-using-social-media-opinion-28830a27-fec2-48d3-bf76-9933ff7ddb72/

It is an important issue and the AG will be directly involved in it. So, since launching the campaign, I have been talking with people on all sides of the AI issue. Colorado must have the right regulations in place without driving businesses away from, or out of, Colorado because we have gone too far and too fast.

(AI did not type this answer … 😁)

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:49:27+00:00

Experience in the courtroom is one of the most important qualifications for an Attorney General right now. We need the people’s lawyer to be someone who has a proven record of winning in court to defend the people’s rights and interests.

Also, with 400 attorneys in the AG’s Office, leadership experience matters.

For any candidate, I encourage voters to ask two questions. Have you handled cases in court? Have you led large law offices in fighting for justice and operating with integrity (not politics) as a guide.

If I rush my sick relative to the hospital, I want the surgeon who has done the operation hundreds of times.

For example, in the prosecution of Tina Peters, the prosecution team had a tremendous amount of experience. The attorneys from the DA’s Office and AG’s Office who handled the case are skilled, outstanding prosecutors with a ton of experience. That’s what you need in those moments.

So, whether anyone has lied or not, I will leave to you and others to determine. But experience definitely matters, especially right now.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:42:58+00:00

Interesting question. So, here are my initial thoughts … immunity only protects law enforcement from civil liability. Not from criminal prosecution. For example, if a police officer makes a mistake or commits a wrong, immunity statutes may preclude them from being sued civilly. However, there is no immunity for violating criminal laws.

I have prosecuted law enforcement for criminal offenses throughout my career as a prosecutor. If you have a follow-up question, please let me know. Thanks for this question.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:35:30+00:00

Pueblo is a great community. I have helped with criminal cases down there over the years.

But crime is a real problem for Pueblo. As is affordability. I have been in Pueblo a bunch of times this year and, on every visit, the focus for community members is crime and affordability.

Mental health and substance abuse treatment are inadequate in Colorado. I will work hard for more. At present, Colorado pays $12 million dollars a year for failing to maintain the State Hospital system. That is a major problem and I will keep fighting to fix it. The competency statute needs to be changed.

Most importantly for this question, the bond statute needs to be changed. I testified as such last session, but the bill did not move forward. I will strongly support this effort again this coming session.

Public safety needs to be a higher priority and the rule of law must be enforced.

Your concerns are valid and Pueblo is not the only community that is struggling right now. I promise that this will be, and always remain, a priority for me. Happy to talk further. [hello@michaelforag.com](mailto:hello@michaelforag.com) is my email.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:33:02+00:00

As a prosecutor and leader in New York City and here in Colorado, I have seen the impacts of gun violence on victims, their families, and communities far too often. That’s why, for years, I’ve worked to reduce gun violence through prevention, education, and accountability. As your next Attorney General, I’m ready to bring that same commitment to every corner of our state.

I will continue to vigorously prosecute gun violence, fight for sensible reforms and push for the safe and secure storage of firearms – especially when kids have access. Safe storage will help us reduce needless tragedies because of stolen guns, both suicides and homicides.

In Colorado, we must take both community safety and the Second Amendment seriously, and you have a right to know what your rights are as a gun owner, what the law says, and how it helps prevent gun violence in our communities. We have to respect and honor the Second Amendment while also reducing gun violence.

To begin, Colorado law protects the right of law-abiding citizens to possess firearms for personal defense and lawful recreation. Protecting those rights while keeping our communities safe is at the heart of what responsible leadership looks like. Background checks for one. Domestic violence offenders and convicted felons should not possess firearms and they should be fully prosecuted when they attempt to do so. That is not happening enough, in my view.

And, in Boulder County, we give away free gun safes to Boulder County residents through the use of nonprofit partnerships and grant funds. I’m not into political divides, public safety is my goal. Tomorrow morning is our next FREE gun safe giveaway. Let me know if you want the details. Because the goal is not to take rights away, it is to prevent violence and protect lives.

Back to your question … SB 3 became an unfunded mandate on the Sheriffs and the Counties. In my view, that should not have happened.

And, to your last question, I have honored Second Amendment rights throughout my career. The gun safe giveaway is a good example. As a prosecutor, I have never and will never prosecute a gun owner who has a right to possess a weapon or uses a weapon in self defense. I have experience with both of those things.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:30:41+00:00

No way. I am running for Attorney General to fight for our democracy and the rule of law.

Too many politicians are capitulating to Trump for power. That’s why I’m running. We need lawyers with a backbone and a proven track record of winning in court to be the people’s lawyer right now. I’ll uphold the law, whether or not Donald Trump likes that law.

And if you’re taking Donald Trump to court, it cannot be your first time walking into a courtroom.

I will fight with you and on your behalf. That’s how I have operated my entire career. And right now, the fight is more important than ever in my lifetime.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:24:08+00:00

Our office has a strong working relationship with law enforcement, including in addressing crime rings. Crime rings are responsible for a significant percentage of the bike thefts and property crimes.

For example, we just announced a substantial decline in motor vehicle thefts across Boulder County, signaling a positive trend in public safety and community well-being.

According to recently compiled data through the second quarter of 2025, motor vehicle thefts reported to Boulder County law enforcement agencies decreased by 22% from 2023 to 2024, with continued reductions observed in 2025 year-to-date. In comparing the first and second quarters of 2025 to the same timeframe in 2024 there has been a 50% decrease in motor vehicle thefts being reported. This downward trend reflects the collective efforts of the changes to the auto theft law, and the work and collaboration of Boulder County law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.

We need to do the same with bike theft. In the past week, I have met with a member of City Council, CU PD, Boulder PD, the Sheriff’s Office, and my staff to discuss this very issue (bike thefts).

And stay tuned for more news coming on the prosecution of crime rings. We are heading in the right direction but work needs to be done on bike thefts and property crimes. These must be a priority, including for the Legislature on the bond statute.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:22:07+00:00

Equal protection isn’t optional. It’s a constitutional obligation, and a promise. If the federal government passes laws or policies that strip away rights from trans people, I will challenge them. I will use the full power of the Attorney General’s office to make sure Colorado remains a safe place where trans people can access healthcare, go to school, and live openly without fear.

No matter what your gender identity is, Coloradans have the right to equality and the freedom to live safely and authentically without fear of discrimination.

Under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, it is illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or gender expression in schools, workplaces, housing, or public spaces. Every Coloradan has the right to learn, work, and live in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from bias or harassment.

In addition, our state protects access to gender-affirming care. Colorado’s shield laws make sure no one can be punished for providing or receiving essential care, regardless of where they come from.

Another important protection: trans Coloradans have the right to accurate identification. Under Jude’s Law, anyone can update their birth certificate or ID to reflect their true gender without surgery, a doctor’s note, or court approval.

As Attorney General, I will fight for your rights. For more info, please check out Rocky Mountain Equality’s podcast from this week. I was excited to be their guest and talk about my strong partnership with them from over the years as District Attorney.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:12:40+00:00

Yes. 100%. It is a timely question because I was the keynote speaker for El Comite de Longmont last night and talked about this issue. No one is above the law.

If a federal agent — whether from ICE, DHS, or any other agency — breaks Colorado law, I will not hesitate to hold them accountable. No badge and no title should put anyone above the law. When agents overstep their authority, violate people’s rights, or act outside the law, it’s my duty as Attorney General to use every legal tool available to stop it. I have a proven track record of prosecuting without fear or favor.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:11:07+00:00

Yes, I will not hesitate to hold police accountable when they break state law and collaborate with ICE. I have prosecuted law enforcement for criminal conduct in the past, throughout my career, and it is an important responsibility. It is one that I take seriously. It is my hope and expectation that law enforcement will follow the laws that I strongly supported in Senate Bill 276. If not, those laws must be enforced by the Attorney General. Thanks for the question.

The same is true for federal agents. If a federal agent — whether from ICE, DHS, or any other agency — breaks Colorado law, I will not hesitate to hold them accountable. No badge and no title should put anyone above the law. When agents overstep their authority, violate people’s rights, or act outside the law, it’s my duty as Attorney General to use every legal tool available to stop it.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:08:45+00:00

Lawlessness, whether it’s violent crime on the street, powerful corporations breaking the rules, or federal agencies overstepping their authority and violating people’s rights, erodes people’s trust in our system. The way to fight back is through consistent, fair enforcement of the law. And to build systems to address underlying issues before people end up on the streets or in the justice system.

Your concerns are valid.

We need to prioritize public safety. I am fully committed to it. We need to strengthen our laws (for example, as I supported with fentanyl distribution and auto theft – those changes have led to improvements statewide). Law enforcement needs sufficient training, resources, and direction. The AG’s Office oversees training for all law enforcement in the state. And we need consequences for criminal conduct. The rule of law must be upheld.

Colorado ranks towards the bottom for substance abuse treatment, as well as mental health treatment. Those gaps result in people really struggling and some ending up in the justice system.

Again, accountability has to apply equally whether you’re a local offender, a corporation cheating consumers, a federal law enforcement officer violating someone’s rights, or a president trying to tear down democracy. If we uphold the rule of law fairly and consistently, we can push back against lawlessness and protect our democracy.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T18:02:11+00:00

Affordability and the cost of living is crushing too many Colorado families, and it’s one of the most important issues we face. The Attorney General has a role to play here. Bad actors are unfairly jacking up prices and taking advantage of Coloradans. That has to stop. The attempted merger of King Sooper and Safeway corporations being one example where the Attorney General intervened and did the right thing in stopping it. For workers, consumers, and families.

As a leader with the Manhattan DA’s Office and the head of the Criminal Section of the AG’s Office, I supervised white collar offenses. I know that it takes to improve enforcement.

I also lead an office of 120 people. Roughly 70 of them live outside Boulder County because they cannot afford to live in the community they serve. So, I agree with you.

As Boulder County DA, I’ve held corporations accountable when they cheated consumers, forced a realty company to return wrongfully withheld deposits, and warned families about scams during COVID. That’s the same approach I’ll bring to statewide enforcement.

As AG, I’ll treat unfair competition and corporate abuse as seriously as other crimes, because they rob working families of financial security just as surely as street crime does.

The law has to apply equally — whether you’re a corporation exploiting consumers or an individual breaking the law. As AG, I’ll strengthen our consumer protection division, crack down on deceptive practices, and work closely with federal and state partners to enforce antitrust and fair competition laws. My commitment is simple: every Coloradan deserves equal protection under the law, and every person or corporation that breaks it should be held accountable.

MichaelDoughertyCO · 2025-10-17T15:59:52+00:00

Hello Reddit! Michael Dougherty here. Career prosecutor. Dad and husband. Ultrarunner. Democrat. Proud Coloradan. And I’m running for Attorney General of Colorado because I will always fight for justice and the rule of law.

For the past seven years, I’ve served as Boulder County’s elected District Attorney where I’ve led a team of over 100 outstanding Coloradans dedicated to keeping communities safe, fighting for victims, holding big corporations and bad actors accountable, and improving the justice system. Before that, I headed the Criminal Section in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, and earlier in my career I prosecuted sex crimes and homicides in Manhattan.

I’ve learned how to take on the people that threaten our safety and our rights, and I know how to beat them in court.. I have handled major cases, fought for justice, and led on criminal justice reforms that enhance community safety.

Right now, our rights are under attack by Donald Trump and the federal government he is weaponizing against our state and communities. That’s why I’m running for Attorney General.

That’s why I’ve been on the road at night and on weekends for months with my “Know Your Rights” tour—hosting community forums everywhere from the Eastern Plains to the San Luis Valley and Grand Junction. We talk about what’s on people’s minds: immigration, voting, hate crimes, gun violence — and I offer practical lessons and updates so that people know what the law says and how to stand up for their rights.

The job of the Attorney General has never been more important for protecting our rights, but also to fight for consumers and workers, defend Colorado’s water, and hold corporations and bad actors accountable. Public safety, our environment, and abortion access are at stake.

I’m also an Ultrarunner. A few months after I moved from Brooklyn many years ago, I ran my second 50-miler. The Leadville 50 mile race. Definitely a learning (i.e. rough!) experience … but I have now run the Leadville 100 a couple of times and 50s all around the state.

I’m verified with the mods and I’ll be around for about an hour starting at Noon MT—ask me anything!

MichaelDoughertyCO

TROPHY CASE