Understanding Colorado’s Hate Crime Enhancement Laws and Penalties
January 29, 2026
Posting a private image to harass another person is often referred to as revenge porn in Colorado – and it’s against the law.
This is a crime that the state takes very seriously, as it often causes great emotional distress to the person portrayed in the picture and is considered a sex crime. That means that anyone convicted of posting a private image for harassment can be in serious legal jeopardy. The charge is more than just a slap on [...]
The internet poses a risk to kids. That is just fact. All over the country, states are taking measures to help protect kids from the dangers present online – including Colorado.
The changes made to laws in Colorado have taken it from the 22nd safest state for kids to the number one place. What is responsible for this change? Primarily, the state has put more laws in place for sexting, including 11 laws that seek to protect kids from [...]
Many people have access to computers in Colorado – including kids.
If you are ever in contact with a child online and make plans to meet up for sex, then that is itself a crime in Colorado – even if sex acts never take place.
With the way computers and the internet are used in the lives of everyday people in this day and age, it’s pivotal to understand what is against the law and what potential penalties can be [...]
Members of the Cherry Creek School District have read unsettling headlines in the past few weeks. A bus driver in the community was charged with internet luring of a child. The man is currently on administrative leave.
An undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl connected with the bus driver on the Whisper app. In addition to sending sexual messages to the supposed teenager, he agreed to pick her up from school and “see where it goes from there.” He [...]
If you wanted to fly under the radar and commit computer crimes, you’d think you wouldn’t use the crazy Wingdings font. However, that’s exactly what a Denver Sheriff Department Deputy did — and now he’s facing felony charges.
Back in December 2017, the deputy allegedly forged orders in order to get paid time off from work. The forgery went on for about a year, until a staff member noticed the use of the Wingdings font and other irregularities in the [...]
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 [...]