Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
No one wakes up expecting to be charged with vehicular homicide. One moment you’re driving—then everything changes. Lights, sirens, questions you don’t know how to answer. And just like that, you’re being treated like a criminal.
This isn’t something you prepared for. You may be grieving, confused, or still trying to understand what actually happened. Meanwhile, the legal system is already moving forward without waiting for you to catch up.
This guide is here to walk you through what this [...]
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 [...]
Facing accusations of vehicular homicide is an incredibly serious and distressing situation for anyone involved. Imagine the haunting feeling of knowing that your actions behind the wheel have resulted in the loss of another person’s life. As the weight of the situation settles in, questions about the consequences of such an offense and the impact it will have on your future start to consume your thoughts.
Vehicular homicide, a term dreaded by both drivers and pedestrians alike, has far-reaching implications [...]
In Colorado, vehicular homicide is defined as causing another person’s death while driving a vehicle, whether intentionally or through reckless behavior. It can devastate families and communities, leaving lasting emotional and financial scars. Moreover, this serious criminal offense carries severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and steep fines.
Unfortunately, vehicular homicides have been rising throughout Colorado recently, leaving many people wondering why this frightening trend is happening. According to a report by the Denver Post, there were 57 fatal [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]