Constitutional Rights During Traffic Stops and Vehicle Searches
January 27, 2025
Right now, it’s hard to miss that it’s election season. Political signs are everywhere and in such a highly polarized political climate, the urge to do something to your neighbor’s political sign can feel overwhelming.
Take a deep breath!
While it’s not against the law to disagree with someone’s political views, it is against the law to tamper with someone else’s property. So if you mess with your Colorado neighbor’s political signs there could be legal ramifications.
In fact, getting [...]
The holidays are a time full of good tidings, joy, and laughter. Sometimes, these feelings of merriment come as a result of a good old-fashioned holiday prank. Unfortunately, these pranks can result in real trouble if someone believes you’ve taken your practical joke a bit too far.
Here in Colorado, it’s called criminal mischief, and knowing what that means could make the difference between spending the holidays feeling jolly…or in jail.
So how does Colorado law enforcement define criminal mischief?[...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
A traffic stop should never feel like an ambush, but for many, it does. Sometimes, what starts as a routine stop escalates into a search or detention that feels invasive—or worse, illegal. The Fourth Amendment exists to prevent this kind of overreach, but not all officers play by the rules. When law enforcement crosses the line, it’s not just wrong—it’s a violation of your constitutional rights.
At the Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez, we’re committed to protecting your rights [...]
Managing someone else’s property or finances comes with responsibility—but what happens when accusations arise and you’re charged with embezzlement? Often, these cases are far more nuanced than they appear, involving trust, intent, and misunderstandings.
In Colorado, embezzlement falls under theft laws, with harsh penalties that could upend your life. And embezzlement accusations can jeopardize your career, reputation, and freedom. Let Jacob E. Martinez guide you through the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact a Denver Colorado [...]
If yes, you’re likely feeling stressed and unsure about what to do next. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the festivities, the increased consumption of alcohol also raises the risk of impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies anticipate this surge and respond by setting up DUI checkpoints and increasing patrols to catch intoxicated drivers.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, the stakes are high, and you need strong legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. [...]