Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Even though most of us use them every single day, motor vehicles are one of the most dangerous creations that humanity has ever designed. We take thousands of pounds of machinery and send it hurtling down roads at high speeds. Because of this, serious accidents – even deadly ones – are not a matter of if, but when. It’s the reason why people have to take classes and pass tests in order to get behind the wheel. Driving is a [...]
Vehicular assault is a serious offense in Colorado, and the consequences can be severe. A recent news story that illustrates this is the case of a Colorado Springs man charged with vehicular assault after a crash that injured two people. According to reports, the man was driving under the influence when he crashed into a vehicle, causing severe injuries to the driver and passenger. The man was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular assault, DUI, and other related [...]
Accidents, especially involving vehicles, happen. It’s a part of the risk everyone accepts when they get behind the wheel. But when someone in a vehicle strikes and harms another, or kills them, then it’s more than just a simple accident in the eyes of the law.
In certain situations, injuring or killing another person in an accident may be a crime. In Colorado, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide may come into play.
Below, we’ll cover what you need to know [...]
Accidents happen. But when someone strikes and hurts – or even kills – another person with a car, it can be more than just an accident.
You find examples of these tragedies almost anywhere. For example, this year a man in Lakewood got behind the wheel while intoxicated. He was charged with vehicular homicide after he hit and killed a cyclist.
Still, when does an incident turn from an accident into something more, like vehicular assault or homicide? Read on [...]
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 [...]