Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
You have the right to protest and in Colorado, you also have the right to bear arms. But what happens when those two rights collide? Can you bring a firearm to a protest?
Recent protests in Denver saw the confiscation of assault rifles from activists. While open carry is not legal in Denver, some protesters had weapons seized from their car after reports were made to police of suspicions the trunk contained military-style weapons.
The Colorado Times Recorder reported that [...]
People around the country are unsure of what to expect from the coronavirus situation. In many parts of the country, panic has set in and led to hoarding supplies.
It isn’t just toilet paper and canned food that people are stocking up on, however. In the state of Colorado, ammunition and firearms have been flying off the shelves.
Despite the extraordinary circumstances, police departments around the state want to remind everyone that the laws surrounding firearms are still in effect.[...]
In Colorado, we love our guns. Fortunately, our state is one of the most reasonable ones out there regarding gun laws. However, any weapons charges resulting from illegal possession or carrying of a firearm are still harshly prosecuted, so it is important to know the law.
Colorado is an open carry state, meaning that people here may carry a non-concealed firearm. However, there are a few important restrictions regarding what kind of firearms can be carried and by whom. Further, [...]
Common sense dictates that bringing a loaded gun into an airport on your person is not a good plan – and indeed, it is illegal. However, what if you are otherwise carrying a gun legally, and accidentally bring it into the airport?
This actually happened recently to a Colorado state representative. She brought a loaded gun in her handbag to a security checkpoint, which was detected in the X-ray machine. She was then arrested on suspicion of introducing a firearm [...]
In 2013, Colorado passed laws restricting the use and purchase of firearms for domestic violence offenders. The measure was created in order to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries from domestic violence in the state.
Five years later, studies on these laws have shown that the measure isn’t exactly working as planned
Unfortunately, domestic violence is still rampant across Colorado, despite these laws being in place. Why aren’t they working? 9News Denver thinks they know.
Over a three-month [...]
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 [...]