Understanding Colorado’s Deferred Judgment and Sentence Options for First Offenders
May 1, 2026
Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious responsibility—and in Colorado, the laws around it can be more complicated than they seem. If you carry a firearm or are thinking about getting a permit, it’s essential to understand your rights and obligations under state law. Because when things go wrong, they can go very wrong.
Even a simple mistake—like carrying in a restricted area or letting your permit lapse—can lead to criminal charges. That’s why knowing the law and calling a [...]
Facing a weapons charge in Denver can feel like the odds are stacked against you. Colorado’s strict weapons laws mean even a minor infraction can result in severe consequences, from hefty fines to jail time. But being accused doesn’t mean you’re guilty. At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, we know that every case has two sides, and we’re here to ensure your voice is heard. If you’re dealing with weapons charges, don’t wait—contact our weapons crime attorney today to [...]
Carrying a firearm legally in Denver comes with a certain level of responsibility—and that includes knowing how to handle encounters with the police. Whether you’re driving through the city with a concealed weapon or openly carrying in another part of Colorado, a routine stop can quickly turn into a stressful situation. Understanding the proper steps to take can help prevent unnecessary escalation and keep both you and the officer safe.
Understanding Firearm Laws in DenverIn Colorado, open carry is [...]
Colorado’s laws regarding weapons offenses are designed to maintain public safety and prevent criminal activities involving firearms and other weapons. However, several misconceptions surrounding these laws can lead to confusion and potential legal issues.
In this blog post, we will address some of the common misunderstandings associated with Colorado weapons offenses, clarify legal definitions, highlight situations that may lead to wrongful accusations, and emphasize the importance of building a strong defense with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Misconception: Open Carry[...]In the realm of criminal law, the intersection of mental health and weapon possession cases presents a multifaceted challenge for both defendants and legal professionals. Denver, like many other cities, grapples with the delicate task of addressing mental health issues within the context of criminal charges, particularly those related to the possession of weapons.
This blog aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between mental health and weapon possession cases, exploring how mental health can be a pivotal factor [...]
A deferred judgment and sentence allows a first-time offender in Colorado to plead guilty, complete a period of court supervision, and then have the guilty plea withdrawn and the charge dismissed permanently. For someone facing their first criminal charge, this is often the best available outcome.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our Denver criminal defense team has negotiated deferred judgment agreements in Colorado courts since 2014.
How a Deferred Judgment and Sentence Works in ColoradoThe defendant enters [...]
Eyewitness testimony is undeniably a powerful form of evidence in criminal cases. However, there have been studies showing it is also one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions in Denver and across the United States. This suggests that human memory is not perfect and that some situations can lead to errors in identification.
In Denver, cases involving eyewitness misidentification span a wide range of crimes. You must defend against wrongful convictions, which requires a detailed review of the circumstances [...]
Violating a Colorado protection order can trigger a new criminal charge and contempt proceedings in the same court, and any new sentence must be served back-to-back with the sentence you were already facing, not at the same time. That means a single phone call, text message, or chance encounter can double your exposure while you are still on bond or probation. Denver criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Jacob Martinez have defended clients against these charges across Colorado [...]