Understanding Colorado’s Hate Crime Enhancement Laws and Penalties
January 29, 2026
Posted by: Jacob E. Martinez
Category: Expungement / Criminal Record Sealing
Mistakes of our past should not prevent us from pursuing a constructive future. Unfortunately, a criminal record can make it difficult to find housing, gain employment, and even obtain insurance.
According to an American Academy of Pediatrics publication, nearly one-third of American adults have been arrested by age 23. In Colorado, individuals with prior convictions have the opportunity to expunge or “seal” their criminal record if the situation meets specific eligibility guidelines. If you have been charged with a crime, [...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Arapahoe 1st Degree Assault/Vehicular Assault[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Denver Domestic Violence Assault Case[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Denver D.V. Assault[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Denver Careless Driving Resulting in Death[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County Felony Menacing[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Adams County DUI[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County DUI[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County DUI[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson Vehicular Assault/DUI[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Jefferson County DUI[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Boulder County DUI case[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Arapahoe County DUI case[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Adams County DUI case[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Douglas County DUI case[...]
Jury Trial - Not Guilty
Gilpin County DUI case[...]
Dismissed
Broomfield County Probation Revocation case[...]
Dismissal
Arapahoe County DUI case[...]
Deferred Judgment
Arapahoe County DUI case[...]
Deferred Judgment
Douglas County DUI case[...]
Deferred Judgment
Larimer County DUI case[...]
Deferred Judgment
Arapahoe County DUI Case[...]
Deferred Judgment
Denver Felony Burglary Case[...]
Deferred Judgment
Arapahoe County DUI case[...]
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Protection Order Case[...]
Dismissed
Golden Destruction of Property case[...]
Dismissed
Jefferson County Protection Order case[...]
Dismissed
Jefferson County Domestic Violence case[...]
Dismissed and Sealed
Jefferson County DUI case[...]
Dismissed
Denver Major Traffic Offense case[...]
Dismissed and Sealed
Broomfield County Domestic Violence case[...]
Dismissed
Summit County DUI Revocation[...]
Dismissed
Denver DUI Revocation[...]
Dismissed
Denver DUI Revocation[...]
Dismissed
Denver DUI +.2 Involving Accident and Injury case[...]
Dismissed
Denver DUI/Habitual Traffic Offender case[...]
DISMISSAL
Denver District Aggravated Theft[...]
Dismissed
Greenwood Village Assault case[...]
Dismissal
Elbert County DUI[...]
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Domestic Violence case[...]
Dismissal
Jefferson County DUI[...]
Dismissal
Denver Municipal Assault[...]
Dismissed
Boulder County Domestic Violence Assault case[...]
Dismissed
Wheat Ridge Assault case[...]
Dismissed
Jefferson County DUI case, with 2+ Prior Convictions[...]
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Domestic Violence case[...]
Dismissed
Broomfield County Domestic Violence case[...]
Dismissed with No Charges Filed
Jefferson County Felony Theft case[...]
Dismissed
Arapahoe County Felony Theft case[...]
Dismissed
Boulder County Felony Theft case[...]
Hate crime enhancements allow Colorado prosecutors to increase criminal penalties. A misdemeanor assault could become a felony with years in prison if bias motivation is proven. These enhancements don’t require explicit hatred; prosecutors just need to show that prejudice based on protected characteristics played a role.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our Denver criminal defense attorneys defend clients statewide, challenging subjective or ambiguous evidence. Many alleged “proofs” of bias have reasonable alternative explanations.
What Are Colorado Hate Crime[...]In criminal cases across Denver, CO, DNA evidence is presented as powerful proof linking a defendant to a crime scene, victim, or weapon. While DNA analysis can be highly reliable when performed correctly, it is not infallible. Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Jacob Martinez frequently challenge DNA evidence on multiple grounds to create reasonable doubt or even exclude it entirely from trial. This is especially relevant in Denver, where many cases rely on testing from the Colorado [...]
Police body camera footage has become one of the most influential types of evidence in Colorado criminal cases. What officers’ records can support their account or expose inconsistencies that benefit your defense. Understanding how to obtain and use this footage is essential when facing charges.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our Denver criminal defense attorney team pursues body camera footage in every case where it exists. We know how to analyze video evidence, identify improper police conduct, and [...]
