Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Property crimes involve the theft, destruction or unlawful entrance into the property of another. In Colorado, there are many criminal offenses that fall under this category. Some of the most commonly charged property crimes include arson, burglary, and robbery.
If you are currently facing a property crime charge, it is important to consult with an experienced Colorado defense attorney as soon as possible to make sure that your rights are protected, and to start building the best possible defense.
Below [...]
The men and women who serve our country fight many battles overseas, but for a number of veterans, the fighting doesn’t stop when they step off the battlefield. Vets may experience PTSD, injuries from combat, or mental illnesses that follow them home.
Such is the case with Cory Hixson, a Marine veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury while he was serving and received a Purple Heart – as well as other awards – for his service.
In mid-March, Hixson [...]
The Colorado Springs Police Department used to have an Impact Unit that worked to handle property crimes. They were very effective, too. Between January and mid-September of this year, the Impact Unit recovered $1 million worth of stolen vehicles, $52,000 worth of stolen property, and made 1,900 arrests related to property crimes.
There was a problem, however. Dedicating officers to the Impact Unit meant that there weren’t enough police patrolling the streets. Many officers were being put at risk, and [...]
If you steal, you could be charged with theft.
If you steal, you could be charged with burglary.
What’s the difference?
First off, both charges are very serious. Both burglaries and thefts of over $1,000 are considered felony offenses. The two can also be charged together, along with similar crimes like trespassing.
But theft and burglary are not the same action. Below we will define and explore the penalties for both theft and burglary in Colorado.
All about Colorado Theft[...]The term “property crimes” may refer to a broad range of offenses relating to theft or destruction of property, from low-level misdemeanors to more serious felonies.
Under Colorado law, property crimes are penalized harshly, and consequences may become more serious when they involve harm or threat to other people. We’ve included a guide to seven of the most common types of property crimes below.
Arson. You can be charged with arson for intentionally starting a fire or using explosives to [...]
Self-defense is one of the most frequently raised arguments in Colorado criminal cases involving assault, homicide, or weapons charges. When a person believes their safety is threatened, the law allows them to use reasonable force to protect themselves. However, the scope of that right depends on the circumstances. While some states have explicit “stand your ground” statutes, Colorado takes a different approach, blending principles of the Castle Doctrine, the state’s “Make My Day” law, and court rulings that have shaped [...]
If a prosecutor has surveillance footage, you might feel your case is hopeless. The reality is, this powerful evidence is not foolproof. The Law Office of Jacob Martinez, a Denver, CO criminal defense attorney, focuses on challenging the reliability of surveillance footage. We investigate technical flaws like poor image quality and legal issues such as a compromised chain of custody or constitutional violations. By exposing these vulnerabilities, we can work to have the footage excluded or cast significant doubt on [...]
The legal process can be confusing and intimidating, with serious consequences for your future, your freedom, and your reputation. Knowing you have a lawyer who understands the local legal system, knows the judges and prosecutors, and is ready to act on your behalf can make a significant difference. If you are in Denver, having a Denver, CO criminal defense lawyer with this local insight is particularly important.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, we are deeply familiar with Denver’s [...]