Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Put simply, as a criminal justice attorney, I help ordinary people navigate the often confusing and intimidating criminal justice system in Denver and surrounding areas.
But what are the specific duties and services a criminal justice attorney like me provides for his or her clients? Here I’ll outline what you should expect from a capable attorney throughout the entire process of a case—before, during, and after a trial.
Why Hire a Defense Attorney?The courts do allow you to represent [...]
Colorado has its share of violent crimes, and some counties see quite a bit more than others. Not surprisingly, law enforcement officials tend to police “known” violent areas more closely. But how do you know where the most violence occurs in our state?
Using the data collection site, Graphiq, we produced a map from violent crime reports in 2013, the most recent FBI statistics available.
The statistics from the FBI include a number of crimes under these terms. Violent crime, [...]
When you hear “crimes against the government,” it may call to mind high-level federal crimes like espionage and terrorism. Because the American government is large and powerful, it may seem very difficult for one individual to commit a crime that directly affects the government in any meaningful way.
The truth is that crimes against the government do include terrorism and espionage, but also cover much lesser crimes that occur on a state level, like resisting arrest or perjury. All charges [...]
Few experiences are more isolating than being charged with a crime.
After being arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you may find that your friends, coworkers, and colleagues pull away, and strangers who hear about the incident interact with you differently. You may lose your job and find it difficult to secure another one due to employers’ reluctance to trust you or potentially place other staff members in harm’s way. Close family members may want to help you, but [...]
You know the drill. “Everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”
Even if you’ve never been arrested, you’ve probably heard the Miranda rights in movies or TV shows. But your words aren’t the only thing that can be used to incriminate you. Your searches, emails, accounts, and other activity onlin could be uncovered and used against you as well.
Under US law, certain government agencies, administrative agencies, and courts are allowed 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 [...]