Heather Sutton-Lewis

Heather Sutton-Lewis is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), within the College of Public Service. With 24 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, she holds licenses in Florida and Illinois and specializes in appellate advocacy, mental health law, juvenile justice, and alternative sentencing. Her career includes roles as a public defender in Florida, focusing on drug court, mental health court, and early resolution court, and as an appellate public defender in Illinois. She also worked as a law librarian at a London law school.

Education: BA in Political Science from Kalamazoo College (Michigan) and JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Michigan). Office: ACAD 317, UCCS campus in Colorado Springs. Contact: (719) 255-8144. Office hours by appointment.

Research interests emphasize improving justice system outcomes through alternative court models and addressing systemic challenges in criminal defense. No specific scientific awards or grants are listed, though her professional experience reflects extensive practical contributions to legal education and reform.