The Impact of Mental Health Issues on Criminal Defense in Denver
November 19, 2025
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. [...]
If you cause an accident while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you face not only a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge, but also other serious criminal charges that could be punishable by lengthy incarceration and driver’s license revocation.
The exact charges resulting from a DWI accident will depend on whether anyone was injured or killed, and if so, the severity of the injuries. Other circumstances surrounding the offense may also affect sentencing and penalties.
Below, we cover [...]
Enjoying the 4th of July with friends or family at a barbeque? Many Coloradans will be doing just that… and far too many will end up getting DUIs on their way home.
Why?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, up to 40 percent of annual vehicle fatalities occur over this weekend, and almost half of the fatalities involve a driver whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at least twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Law enforcement [...]
If you are facing drugged driving charges in Colorado, certain defenses have a pretty good chance of working… while others really aren’t worth your time.
In this post we’re going to talk about common strategies people try with these types of cases, focusing on which ones are generally good and which ones just plain don’t work.
First, though, a bit about DUID charges.
Understanding Drugged Driving in ColoradoDriving under the influence of any drug is a serious crime in [...]
During certain times of the year, the Colorado Department of Transportation runs the highly publicized Heat is On Campaign in an effort to catch and arrest more drunk drivers.
Typically, CDOT schedules Heat is On Campaigns around common drunk driving occasions such as New Years Eve and other holidays. By adding patrols and checkpoints out on the roads, these campaigns have historically led to increased DUI arrests and convictions. Essentially, law enforcement officers are out in force to catch drunk [...]
Mental health conditions can intersect with criminal justice in complex ways, requiring nuanced handling. In Denver, urban stressors can exacerbate these challenges, making it essential to understand how mental health affects criminal cases.
Consulting a Denver criminal defense lawyer at the Law Office of Jacob Martinez early ensures these factors are addressed properly, potentially leading to treatment-focused resolutions instead of punitive measures.
How Mental Health Influences Criminal BehaviorMental health disorders can shape behavior in ways that lead to criminal [...]
A confession is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in any criminal case. Denver law enforcement officers are trained to use strategic questioning and behavioral tactics to elicit statements. While many interrogations follow lawful standards, some cross the line into coercion. Once a confession is recorded, prosecutors may rely heavily on it, regardless of whether the statement was obtained fairly or accurately reflects the truth.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our criminal defense team understands how [...]
If you’re facing charges as a repeat offender in Denver, understanding Colorado’s three strikes law and habitual criminal penalties could be the difference between years in prison and your freedom. Colorado’s habitual offender statute dramatically increases prison sentences for defendants with prior felony convictions, sometimes resulting in life sentences even for non-violent crimes.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our experienced Denver habitual criminal defense lawyers represent clients facing three strikes charges and other serious felony offenses across Colorado. [...]