Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Recently, in Jefferson County Court, domestic violence defense lawyer Jacob E. Martinez achieved dismissal of all charges in a case in which his client had been wrongfully accused of striking and choking his girlfriend. Though his client maintained his innocence throughout the process, for months the district attorney persisted in offering only a domestic violence conviction. Such a conviction would have had lifelong consequences for the client, such as a prohibition of his firearms rights, and the lasting stigma associated [...]
In Broomfield County, a client of Mr. Martinez’s was charged with Assault in the Third Degree, with a Domestic Violence enhancer. A conviction to this type of serious offense can have lifelong consequences, and a Domestic Violence enhancer only worsens those consequences. It is common for people with similar convictions to be denied jobs, residence, or other opportunities in life. However, in this case, Mr. Martinez secured an outcome enabling the client to avoid the black mark associated with an [...]
Recently, in Boulder County District Court, criminal defense lawyer Jacob E. Martinez achieved dismissal of all charges in a felony theft case in which the client was alleged to have stolen nearly $20,000 worth of property. Mr. Martinez exhaustively investigated and analyzed all financial data associated with the case, and presented his findings to the prosecutor. After considering Mr. Martinez’s analysis, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case in its entirety. Had the client been convicted of this offense, she [...]
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 [...]