Extremely Loud And Close

The Colorado Presiding Disciplinary Judge approved a stipulated year and a day suspension for two incidents unrelated to the practice of law

On the night of February 20, 2021, Braden and his girlfriend drank heavily before returning to Braden’s apartment. Once there, Braden pulled out a pistol. When Braden’s girlfriend went to the bathroom to get ready for bed, she heard a gunshot, which was extremely loud and made her ears ring. A bullet hole was later found two feet from where she had been standing.

Braden walked toward his girlfriend holding the gun. Scared and crying, she asked him why he discharged the firearm in her direction. Braden threatened to blame her for firing the gun. Because she did not feel safe in the apartment, she packed her belongings and called Denver police. While waiting for officers to arrive, Braden texted her with the message, “just kill me.” Based on that text and Braden’s extreme intoxication, officers transported Braden to a medical detox center. In early April 2021, Braden signed an extreme risk protection order, relinquishing his firearms and his concealed carry permit for 364 days.

Later, on April 29, 2021, Braden was arrested after he harassed female patrons at a Denver bar and physically assaulted other patrons. He punched one person in the face and gouged another person’s eye. When a security guard demanded that Braden leave the bar, Braden struck him in the throat and fled. Braden later returned to the bar wearing a different shirt, and officers were able to apprehend him. Following a jury trial, Braden was convicted of assault, disturbing the peace, and interference with a police officer. He was sentenced to five days in jail with credit for two days served and a one-year period of probation.

(Mike Frisch)