Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
After watching this video, contact Denver DUI Lawyer Jacob E. Martinez today to discuss your Colorado DUI case.[...]
Recently, in Douglas County court, Denver DUI attorney Jacob E. Martinez secured a non-alcohol-related plea in a DUI case where the client had a BAC of .11. Normally, in a case with such a BAC, the Douglas County District Attorney extends a Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) offer. Such an offer carries with it an eight point driver’s license assessment and county court consequences such as probation and community service. However, Mr. Martinez identified a vulnerability in the prosecution’s case. [...]
Recently, in Wheat Ridge Municipal Court, Mr. Martinez achieved dismissal of all counts in a case involving a physical altercation. Through investigation, it was revealed that the client was in fact the victim in the altercation – not the perpetrator. Mr. Martinez presented the fruits of the investigation to the prosecutor, who in turn dismissed the case. Because Mr. Martinez’s client’s case was completely dismissed, the client is eligible to seal all records associated with the case, as if it [...]
Recently, in Golden Municipal Court, Mr. Martinez achieved dismissal of all counts in a case where the client was charged with destruction of property and trespass. Mr. Martinez successfully argued that the destruction of property count was invalid because the client’s conduct did not satisfy the legal standard of complicity – which, when validly implemented, allows an individual to be convicted for an act another commits when the individual helps plan, execute, or conceal the offense. Mr. Martinez also successfully [...]
In Jefferson County, Denver DUI attorney Jacob E. Martinez achieved a dismissal of all counts against a local doctor in a DUI case. Mr. Martinez identified and utilized the defense of involuntary intoxication to achieve dismissal. Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1-804(3),(4), “[a] person is not criminally responsible for his conduct if, by reason of intoxication that is not self-induced at the time he acts, he lacks capacity to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law.” Because [...]
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 [...]