Understanding Colorado’s Deferred Judgment and Sentence Options for First Offenders
May 1, 2026
Domestic violence is a crime that can happen to anyone at any time. It doesn’t matter what your age is, what your gender is, or even your sexual orientation – anyone can be a victim just like anyone can be a perpetrator. Even financial, social, and educational status make no difference.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to understand what domestic violence is and to understand the signs of it. it may sound strange, but people may not understand [...]
Crimes involving domestic violence are serious for everyone involved, but they can have a huge impact on the lives of those accused of this crime. Domestic violence laws in Colorado are strict and encompass a wide variety of conduct between those who have been or are currently in an intimate relationship.
Domestic violence happens more than many people may realize. The National Domestic Violence Hotline states that almost 10 million people are impacted by domestic violence in the United States [...]
Colorado creates consequences for those who break the laws in the state. While they may not excuse crimes, they do understand that there are often reasons behind why people commit criminal acts.
Many studies have shown that there is a connection between committing certain crimes and the use of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, many people with a drug or alcohol abuse disorder tend to commit certain crimes. You could say that there are definitely some crimes that are caused by [...]
Domestic violence is a concern that is real in Colorado, with people calling for help in domestic violence situations daily.
The state of Colorado takes domestic violence very seriously, as well. Those convicted of it can face prison sentences along with other very serious legal consequences that can follow them around for the rest of their lives.
Unfortunately, some people use the tough domestic violence laws in Colorado for purposes other than real domestic violence charges. It’s not totally uncommon [...]
There are several factors considered by courts when they decide which parent will have custody of a child. In some cases, domestic violence turns an already complex situation into one even more complicated.
Criminal records and pending domestic violence charges can make it difficult for a child custody case if you’re involved in one. Here’s what you need to know about child custody in Colorado and how a domestic violence charge can impact it.
Child Custody in ColoradoIf you [...]
A deferred judgment and sentence allows a first-time offender in Colorado to plead guilty, complete a period of court supervision, and then have the guilty plea withdrawn and the charge dismissed permanently. For someone facing their first criminal charge, this is often the best available outcome.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our Denver criminal defense team has negotiated deferred judgment agreements in Colorado courts since 2014.
How a Deferred Judgment and Sentence Works in ColoradoThe defendant enters [...]
Eyewitness testimony is undeniably a powerful form of evidence in criminal cases. However, there have been studies showing it is also one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions in Denver and across the United States. This suggests that human memory is not perfect and that some situations can lead to errors in identification.
In Denver, cases involving eyewitness misidentification span a wide range of crimes. You must defend against wrongful convictions, which requires a detailed review of the circumstances [...]
Violating a Colorado protection order can trigger a new criminal charge and contempt proceedings in the same court, and any new sentence must be served back-to-back with the sentence you were already facing, not at the same time. That means a single phone call, text message, or chance encounter can double your exposure while you are still on bond or probation. Denver criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Jacob Martinez have defended clients against these charges across Colorado [...]