Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
When facing criminal charges in Colorado, one option that defendants may consider is accepting a plea deal. A plea deal is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a criminal charge in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecution, such as a reduced sentence or dismissal of some charges. While a plea deal can have some benefits, there are also potential drawbacks. This post will explore the [...]
In Colorado, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how the bail process works. Bail is a payment made to the court in exchange for release from jail before trial. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the Colorado bail process and what you need to know if you’ve been arrested.
Types of Bail in ColoradoColorado has three types of bail: personal recognizance, cash bail, and surety bond.
Personal recognizance (PR) bail is a promise to appear [...]
Choosing your criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. If you find yourself in a position where you’re being charged with a crime, then your choice of a lawyer may literally be the difference between imprisonment and freedom.
What should you look for in a Colorado criminal defense team? Here are some of the most important attributes you should look for to understand if the attorney you’re considering is the right one for you [...]
The current economic climate is causing experts to predict a variety of things – one of which is crime.
The impact of COVID-19 is far-reaching, and Denver police are preparing for an uptick in crime related to the economic downturn. In fact, they’re studying data from the last major recessions for clues as to what can be expected. However, this time they have something new to contend with: policing reforms.
No matter the reforms on the table, one thing is [...]
It’s nearly spring, and for plenty of college students, that means it’s time for spring break. Colorado is a popular spring break destination for many students, and tourism picks up quite a bit during this season. More people means more potential problems, so local law enforcement ramps up their community presence.
In fact, Spring Break is listed as one of 16 “The Heat Is on” DUI enforcement effort periods Colorado has each year. That means patrol cars are out more [...]
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 [...]