Do your attorneys handle wrongful termination suits? I was recently let go from my job for a critical violation at work that happened after hours, not on company time.

Thank you for reaching out about your recent termination. Yes, our attorneys handle wrongful termination lawsuits within Colorado. Your question raises important issues under Colorado employment law. 

Colorado is generally an at-will employment state, meaning employers may terminate employees for any reason as long as it is not prohibited by law. Some reasons for termination may be prohibited by law, including whistleblower retaliation, discrimination, and certain circumstances that violate Colorado’s public policy. 

Another reason for termination that may be prohibited by law is an employee engaging in lawful activity off of the employer's premises during nonworking hours. Certain exceptions apply to this rule, however, such as where the activity either: 

1. “Relates to a bona fide occupational requirement or is reasonably and rationally related to the employment activities and responsibilities of a particular employee or a particular group of employees, rather than to all employees of the employer; or

2. Is necessary to avoid a conflict of interest with any responsibilities to the employer or the appearance of such a conflict of interest.” 

See C.R.S. 24-34-402.5(1)(a)(b)

Based on the limited information you've provided—that you were terminated for a "critical violation at work that happened after hours, not on company time"—your termination may implicate Colorado's off-duty conduct protections. However, you would need to talk to an employment law attorney about your circumstances before knowing for sure, including:

1. Your job title, duties, and responsibilities,

2. The nature of the alleged violation and whether the conduct was lawful,

3. Whether your employer gave reasons for the termination that satisfy any statutory exception,

4. The timing and circumstances surrounding your termination,

5. Your employment agreement, handbook, or other governing policies, and

6. Any communications with your employer regarding the incident and termination.

Under Colorado law, you have limited time to file a wrongful termination claim. The sooner you act, the better. If you’d like to meet with a member of our team, you can use our online scheduler to book an appointment or call 303-688-0944.