Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is taken very seriously by the state here in Denver. Conviction carries severe penalties that can have a substantial negative impact on your life, including heavy fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time.
However, with the right defense strategy based on the specifics of your situation, it is possible to challenge DUI charges and potentially reduce or even have them ultimately dismissed. This blog will explore some of the effective DUI [...]
Colorado sees a lot of car thefts in a year – and the numbers continue to climb.
This has led lawmakers to reconsider how car theft is penalized here. Currently, how much a car is worth will inform the penalty for the crime upon conviction.
However, lawmakers are now fighting to change the sentencing structure for this crime. They want to enhance the penalties related to car theft that don’t take the vehicle’s value into account. Their reasoning? This property [...]
Child custody in Colorado and around the United States is a complicated matter. If a domestic violence charge enters the picture against one parent, then that can make things even more complex. However, in every case involving child custody, the judge will overwhelmingly evaluate one factor: What is in the best interest of the child involved?
The truth is that any history of domestic violence or pending charges can make things a lot more difficult for the accused in a [...]
Violent crimes are some of the most harshly punished crimes in Colorado. However, sometimes the crime doesn’t even have to be fully completed in order for a person to be charged – the intent of the crime is often enough for a conviction, especially when it comes to attempting murder.
In Greeley, Colorado, a man wanted for attempted murder in El Paso County was recently spotted. He is on the run, and the public has been warned that he is [...]
If a police officer pulls you over for a traffic violation, they might ask to search your vehicle. You have the right to say no, which you can and should exercise, even when feel you have nothing to hide.
What about traveling on public transit, though? What are your rights in then?
Because public transit is paid for by tax dollars, it is considered public property. However, you still have the right to refuse a search of your person unless [...]
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 [...]