In this episode of The Bear Roars, Dan Caruso sits down with Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty for a candid conversation about prosecuting serious crime, leading through public crises, and what the Attorney General’s job demands.
Michael reflects on his path from prosecuting homicide and sex crimes in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to leading Boulder County as DA. He shares how that experience shaped his approach to complex cases, including human trafficking, domestic violence, and public corruption, as well as his work launching Colorado’s first human trafficking unit.
The conversation covers Michael’s hands-on role in responding to major events such as the King Soopers mass shooting and the Marshall Fire, and how prosecutors coordinate with law enforcement and federal partners during emergencies. Michael also explains Boulder County’s use of diversion, mental health programs, and risk assessment tools to reduce repeat offenses while improving public safety.
Dan and Michael discuss crime trends in Colorado, why consistent enforcement of the rule of law matters, and the dangers of politicizing the justice system. Michael also explains what the Attorney General’s office does day to day and why experience, independence, and integrity matter when leading Colorado’s largest law office.
Learn more about Michael Dougherty: https://www.michaelforag.com/
Reach out to: hello@michaelforag.com
Order Dan’s Book – Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Dot-Com Boom: dan-caruso.com/book
Listen to Dan's Song Stretch: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dancaruso/stretch
Check out music by Jason Mendelson (Jace Allen): https://www.youtube.com/@jaceallen
To nominate a founder or yourself as a future guest speaker, email: contact@loudbearproductions.com
