Constitutional Rights During Traffic Stops and Vehicle Searches
January 27, 2025
A bank robbery over the holiday in Colorado Springs took an unexpected twist when the suspect, an older man with a white beard, allegedly put a Christmas spin on the offense.
The defendant allegedly entered the bank and robbed it using a weapon to threaten tellers. He then proceeded to leave the bank, throw the money on the sidewalk, and yell “Merry Christmas!”
Yes, you read that right.
Robbery’s Still a Crime in CO, Even When…Your Heart’s in the Right[...]When people think about crimes that involve stealing, some immediate types of thefts tend to come to mind. Grand theft auto, perhaps. Shoplifting. Breaking and entering. Mugging. Maybe identity theft.
All of these are commonly listed kinds of theft crime charges. However, there are lots of different ways that people can commit theft, and Colorado has quite a few crimes on the books that are less well-known… but can still cause problems for you if you end up being charged.[...]
The short answer to this question: yes.
Every criminal offense on the books has a corresponding statute of limitations. That is — there is a limit to how long prosecutors have to file charges against someone they believe has committed a crime.
In most cases, this is defined as a certain amount of time from the point a crime occurs. In today’s post, however, we specifically explore the sentencing and penalties for Colorado theft crimes, and the statutes of limitations [...]
When someone is arrested for theft in Colorado, the charge can be classified as a petty theft, a misdemeanor, or a felony. What determines the seriousness of the charge? In most cases it’s pretty simple: the value of the items that were taken.
There are multiple classes of misdemeanor theft charges, but at a certain point these switch over and become felonies. That point is called the “felony theft threshold.” Basically, it’s the point at which the value of the [...]
Denver residents may love the story of the Grinch, but right now they are fighting back against real-life grinches who go around stealing presents and packages from their neighbors.
Denver7 has recently encouraged residents to speak up and hit record when they see “porch pirates” stealing packages. The station is committed to sharing and playing the videos they receive until thieves are caught.
It’s an important reminder: in this era of smartphones and doorbell cameras, it is easier than ever [...]
A traffic stop should never feel like an ambush, but for many, it does. Sometimes, what starts as a routine stop escalates into a search or detention that feels invasive—or worse, illegal. The Fourth Amendment exists to prevent this kind of overreach, but not all officers play by the rules. When law enforcement crosses the line, it’s not just wrong—it’s a violation of your constitutional rights.
At the Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez, we’re committed to protecting your rights [...]
Managing someone else’s property or finances comes with responsibility—but what happens when accusations arise and you’re charged with embezzlement? Often, these cases are far more nuanced than they appear, involving trust, intent, and misunderstandings.
In Colorado, embezzlement falls under theft laws, with harsh penalties that could upend your life. And embezzlement accusations can jeopardize your career, reputation, and freedom. Let Jacob E. Martinez guide you through the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact a Denver Colorado [...]
If yes, you’re likely feeling stressed and unsure about what to do next. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the festivities, the increased consumption of alcohol also raises the risk of impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies anticipate this surge and respond by setting up DUI checkpoints and increasing patrols to catch intoxicated drivers.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI, the stakes are high, and you need strong legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. [...]