Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Recently, in a Jefferson County DUI case, Denver DUI attorney Mr. Martinez negotiated a resolution in which all alcohol-related driving charges were dismissed, and his client was able to enter a plea to Reckless Driving. Mr. Martinez’s client only lost his license for one month, he served no jail or probation, and he was not sentenced to any community service. Most importantly, he was able to avoid having the black mark of what would have been his second impaired driving [...]
Twice in the last year, Denver criminal defense attorney Jacob E. Martinez has had the opportunity and privilege to participate in a local school’s career day as a guest speaker. Strive Preparatory School is a charter school in Denver, serving high-performing yet under-privileged students. The school’s focus is on preparing its students for college while withstanding the unique challenges faced by those in a disadvantaged demographic.
Below is a photograph of Mr. Martinez speaking with students about his career choice [...]
In a Jefferson County DUI case, Denver DUI attorney Jacob E. Martinez achieved a Careless Driving disposition where the client had originally been charged with DUI. In this case, because the client had prior alcohol-related convictions, he was facing a guaranteed jail sentence. However, upon closely analyzing the case, Mr. Martinez identified a significant legal issue.
In Colorado DUI cases, though an individual does not need to be literally driving a vehicle at the time of police contact, they do [...]
In a Summit County DUI case, Denver DUI attorney Jacob E. Martinez successfully argued for the dismissal of the DMV revocation proceeding initiated against his client. In reviewing the documentation the DMV was relying upon in his client’s driver’s license revocation proceeding, Mr. Martinez noticed a discrepancy in the police paperwork. In Colorado, when a breathalyzer is the basis for the BAC result in a DUI case, the defendant needs to be continuously monitored by police for twenty minutes prior [...]
In Larimer County, a client of Mr. Martinez’s was charged with DUI, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, and a minor traffic infraction. After negotiation, Mr. Martinez was able to secure a disposition in which his client pled guilty to only Minor in Possession of Alcohol, and a plea to DWAI was deferred for a period of one year. This resolution will enable the client to avoid the black mark of an alcohol-related driving conviction. Further, the plea avoided the suspension [...]
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 [...]