Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
When Colorado authorities uncovered a relationship between a 34-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl, they charged him with child molestation.
Even though the relationship was reportedly consensual, it has been considered a felony offense. This is because in Colorado to have sex with a victim who is less than 15 years of age if you are more than four years older than them.
There is one exception to this rule — state law includes a spousal exemption from sexual assault [...]
While there are a number of specific offenses defined within Colorado sex crime laws, two of the most common offenses committed across this state are sexual assault and illegal sexual contact.
We want to focus on these two crimes today because they are not only some of the most common offenses prosecuted, they are also commonly mixed up.
Yes, sexual assault involves illegal sexual contact. However, Colorado law outlines it as a completely separate charge all on its own. Learn [...]
In December of 2018, Colorado Springs police arrested a 67-year-old man on charges of aggravated sexual assault on a child, sexual assault on a child under 15 by a person in a position of trust, and other child pornography charges.
These four felony charges encompass a period of more than 10 years. However, police believe that he may have been engaged in sexual abuse for at least 35 years.
The charges stem from an affidavit by a boy who was [...]
A Colorado man was convicted of sexual assault of a child and sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust in 2016.
Why?
Because he ordered his 4-year-old foster child to approach him, removed his clothes, and ejaculated into her hands. He then forced the girl to swallow his semen, telling her it was his “milk.” He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison plus one year in jail.
It’s a horrible, horrible [...]
Our country needs a lesson on sexual assault.
College campuses around the nation are awash in controversy over allegations, accusations, and a “rape culture.” Regardless of whether the incidents actually occurred, our President-elect has openly bragged about committing sexual assault, and has been accused by multiple women.
As a response to all the media coverage, we are starting to hold universities accountable for how they handle sexual assault cases, and moving forward with ways to prevent and safely report it. [...]
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 [...]