Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Operating a motor vehicle in Colorado under the influence of, while impaired from, or with an excessive internal alcoholic content all fall under the umbrella of “Driving Under the Influence,” or DUI.
There are a number of penalties in place for violation of DUI law in our state, including the requirement to pay a fine, report to a probation officer, complete counseling, and perform community service. However, under certain circumstances you may be granted a deferred judgement.
What does this [...]
As a parent, St. Paddy’s Day doesn’t necessarily bring the same excitement that it used to. Teens and college kids throughout the country use the day as an excuse to wear green, drink loads of beer, and try to feel the “Luck of the Irish.” Parents, in contrast, get to worry about their kids making stupid decisions.
For most kids, the holiday passes largely without incident. Unfortunately, some underage kids in Colorado see their luck run out when the police [...]
Everyone deserves a second chance after a DUI.
After all, your first DUI may have been a simple mistake. People are less forgiving, however, after a second DUI arrest.
If you thought you had to fight hard after your first DUI charge, you are going to need to fight twice as hard to avoid the heavy penalties that come with a second DUI conviction.
In this post, we’re going to detail how consequences increase with second DUI offenses.
Penalties for[...]CODOT has tallied nearly 146k arrests since the inception of The Heat Is On, Colorado’s DUI enforcement period program. Three hundred and fifty of those arrests were made during New Year’s 2017 alone.
Needless to say, our state takes drinking and driving seriously, and so should you. If you’re reading this post, chances are good you still have time to plan this year’s celebration – and you haven’t finished planning until you’ve confirmed a safe and sober way home.[...]
Wondering if you should take a field sobriety test if you get pulled over? In this post, we’ll explain what the tests are like and why you should not take them. Ever.
Then we’re cover what you can do to fight back if you are charged with a DUI.
Field Sobriety Tests in ColoradoIf an officer suspects you’ve had too much to drink, he or she will pull you over and ask you for your driver’s license and registration. [...]
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 [...]