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If you’re facing assault charges but only acted to defend yourself, it can feel confusing and unfair. Proving self-defense isn’t always easy because the law looks closely at whether your response was reasonable.

At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our experienced Denver, CO assault defense lawyers have helped over a thousand people in situations just like yours. You tried to protect yourself—or someone else—and now you’re caught in a legal system that doesn’t always see the full picture.

We’re here to help set the record straight and protect your future.

What Self-Defense Means in Colorado

In Colorado, you can protect yourself if you truly believe you’re in danger. This is called self-defense. It also applies if you’re protecting someone else.

But your actions have to match the situation. The law checks how serious the threat was and if your response was fair. For example, if someone hits you at a bar and you push them away, that might be self-defense.

Every case is different. That’s why it’s important to talk to a Denver criminal defense lawyer who knows these laws and can help tell your side.

Legal Elements of Self-Defense in Colorado

To claim self-defense in Colorado, a few key things must be true:

• You honestly thought you or someone else was in danger right away.
• That belief makes sense based on what was happening.
• You used only the force needed to protect yourself, not more.
• The threat was illegal—meaning the other person was doing something wrong.

These points help decide if your actions were allowed by law. Since every case is different, it’s important to work with a Denver assault lawyer who can help tell your side and protect your rights.

How to Tell If Self-Defense Applies to Your Case

Self-defense might be a strong legal defense if you were not the one who started the fight, you believed you or someone else was in danger, and you used only the amount of force needed to stop the threat. You don’t need to prove everything beyond doubt, but your story must show that you acted out of fear, not aggression.

If you’re facing charges, it’s important to work with a trusted Colorado criminal defense attorney to build a strong self-defense case.

Common Arguments Against Self-Defense in Court

Even if you acted in self-defense, prosecutors may try to say:

• You overreacted
• You could’ve walked away
• You used too much force
• You were the aggressor

A good Denver self-defense attorney can make a big difference. At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, we go beyond police reports by talking to witnesses, reviewing videos, and gathering messages to tell your full story and protect your rights.

Why You Need a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

Assault cases are serious, and trying to handle them alone can backfire. Having the right defense means having someone who knows how to explain your side—and fight for your rights.

Our team at the Law Office of Jacob Martinez understands how self-defense works in Colorado. We’ve represented clients all over Denver who’ve been in tough, emotional situations where they had no choice but to protect themselves.

We don’t judge. We don’t make assumptions. We listen, investigate, and fiercely protect our clients with an aggressive defense when their future is on the line.

Steps to Take If You’re Facing Assault Charges

If you believe you acted in self-defense, here’s what you can do right now:

• Don’t talk to police without a lawyer: It’s safer to stay quiet until a lawyer is with you.
• Write down everything you remember: Make notes about what happened, who was there, and what was said.
• Save any photos, messages, or videos: Evidence from before or after the incident might help your case.
• Don’t delete anything: Even things that seem unimportant could be useful later.
• Call a Denver assault attorney now: The sooner you reach out, the more we can do to help you.

Timing matters. The sooner we get involved, the better your chances of building a strong defense.

Talk to a Colorado Defense Lawyer Today

Being charged with assault doesn’t make you a bad person—especially if you were protecting yourself. You deserve to tell your side, and our experienced Denver criminal defense attorneys are here to help.

At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, we’ve helped thousands across Colorado face serious charges with support and confidence. We’ll listen, guide, and fight for the best outcome.

Visit us at 720 S. Colorado Blvd in Denver, call (720) 246-6700, or contact us online—let’s talk about your case and take the next step together.