Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Imagine you are in a fight with your spouse. Things get out of hand, and he or she threatens you with a knife. After unsuccessfully trying to defend yourself with words, you may feel you have no choice but to use physical force to prevent yourself from being injured or killed. You assume you are justified in your actions because you are acting in self-defense, so it comes as a nasty shock when police officers arrive on the scene and [...]
It’s common to hear that someone has been “charged” with domestic violence, and even those in the legal profession (this lawyer included) tend to use this shorthand to refer to a situation where someone has been accused of a crime where domestic violence is allegedly involved. However, if you are being accused of domestic violence, it is important to understand that there is no actual domestic violence charge in Denver or anywhere else in Colorado. When we say that people [...]
Domestic violence charges are some of the most serious accusations that a person can face. Because domestic violence charges are so severe, they are also some of the most complex—as are the accompanying protection orders that generally come with them.
In a domestic violence case, it is relatively common for the victim to serve the alleged abusive partner with a protection order. A domestic violence protection order, also known as a restraining order in Colorado, establishes certain parameters that will [...]
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 [...]