Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Domestic violence charges in Colorado hold an interesting position under the laws as written.
Although the acts that constitute domestic violence come with a number of civil and criminal consequences – many of them quite far-reaching – technically, there is no actual “charge” for domestic violence. Rather, it is considered an “enhancement” to other charges.
So, what does it mean when someone is charged with “aggravated” domestic violence?
For most charges, there are a list of factors deemed to be [...]
A recent report from the United Nations said that the most dangerous place for women to be was their homes – largely due to domestic partner violence. This doesn’t just apply to faraway countries, either. According to reports, one in three women in the United States has experienced some sort of intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.
Women, however, are not the only victims of domestic violence. Men’s rights groups throughout the country want to get the word out about [...]
Domestic violence cases are not always easy to prove. Outside witnesses or surveillance may not be present, the victim’s perspective of the incident may be skewed by their relationship to the abuser, and not all violence leaves physical scars or marks.
Often, these cases are left to a “he-said, she-said” account of the relationship and alleged violence. The victim of domestic violence may even be the one charged!
This puts a lot of pressure on the alleged victim. Their testimony [...]
Domestic violence in Colorado is not an actual charge, but rather an “enhancement” to other, existing charges. Because of this, it is something that covers quite a bit of ground and can be attached to a number of different criminal offenses.
In this post, we’re going to detail the offenses most commonly associated with domestic violence and tell you how to get help if you are facing any of these charges.
Defining Domestic Violence in ColoradoColorado law defines domestic [...]
The Denver police have a new chief, and he has already promised to use a new approach to tackle domestic violence cases in Colorado.
What might this mean for those charged? Probably not a whole lot.
Below, we’re going to tell you more about his proposed changes and what’s likely to stay the same.
New Denver Police Chief, New Policies… Sort OfDistrict 1 Commander Paul Pazen is now the Chief of Police for Denver. He is a Denver native [...]
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 [...]