Colorado’s Entrapment Defense: When Police Cross the Line in Drug Stings
March 7, 2026
See if this sounds familiar: “If cops don’t have to worry about arresting people for marijuana, they can pay attention to crimes that actually matter.”
Most of us have heard numerous variations of this argument over the years, but until 2012, it was just theoretical. Then Colorado and Washington legalized recreational marijuana, and researchers and statisticians started chomping at the bit.
Well, a few weeks ago a study was published in Police Quarterly that seems to possibly validate those types [...]
A Colorado Springs man recently arrived home to find his home being burglarized. When he confronted the burglar, the burglar pulled a firearm on the homeowner and pointed it at him as he ran away.
That wasn’t the end, though.
According to police, the homeowner then got into his car and chased the suspect, and came into contact with two more alleged accomplices. All of the suspects were able to flee the crime scene, so the investigation is ongoing.
This [...]
Burglary is typically depicted as someone sneaking in to someone’s house late at night through a window and tiptoeing around to commit theft. However, while this certainly is a form of burglary, it is not the only way that you can receive a burglary charge in our state.
In fact, Colorado’s legal definition of burglary includes many other types of crimes and types of actions. Case-in-point: burglary doesn’t have to involve someone’s home – or even a building.
All told, [...]
Property crimes are taken very seriously in Colorado, as they often have devastating consequences for the victim(s) and/or property owner.
Fortunately, Denver has recently enjoyed a decrease in property crimes. As of this writing, the city has averaged 1917 property crimes per month in 2018, a substantial decrease from last year’s average of 2131 property crimes per month.
Local law enforcement often pays special attention to crimes that are widespread or on the rise, which might lead you to believe [...]
Getting arrested for burglary – or any alleged crime – can be a stressful, confusing, and frightening experience. Regardless of the reason why, though, if you find yourself under arrest, it’s important that you keep a few things in mind.
Actions to Avoid When You Are Put Under ArrestResisting. First, even if you believe you haven’t done anything wrong or unlawful, don’t try to fight back or argue. Not only does this not help your situation, it can aggravate [...]
Drug sting operations are a common law enforcement tactic in Colorado, particularly in undercover drug investigations. These operations are designed to identify individuals involved in drug distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing. However, there are legal boundaries governing how police conduct these stings. If officers or confidential informants induced you to commit a crime you would not have committed, the issue of entrapment arises.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, Denver criminal defense attorney Jacob Martinez represents individuals charged in complex [...]
A home search in Denver can go from a knock at the door to criminal charges in minutes. Police may claim they have permission, cite an emergency, or present paperwork that appears official, even when the scope exceeds legal limits.
The Law Office of Jacob Martinez helps people push back when officers cross the line during residential searches. A Denver criminal defense attorney helps you understand what police must have before they enter, what exceptions they rely on, and why [...]
Road rage and aggressive driving offenses in Colorado can carry serious legal consequences. These cases often arise from incidents on busy streets or highways. If you are facing charges for road rage and aggressive driving in Denver, having legal guidance can make a significant difference. The Law Office of Jacob Martinez can assist you in handling the ins and outs of your aggressive driving and road rage case. A Colorado defense lawyer will explain your rights and apply possible defenses [...]