Understanding Colorado’s Stand Your Ground Laws in Self-Defense Claims
August 26, 2025
Colorado is a very popular state to visit, so it’s common for people to drive on Colorado roads with an out-of-state license. But what happens when you commit a crime with that out-of-state license – like a DUI?
Colorado state laws apply to everyone, not just those who reside there. That’s why if you get a DUI in Colorado while visiting, it’s essential to understand what is in store for you. Here is what you need to know.
DUI for[...]Sometimes, driving under the influence in Colorado isn’t as simple as you were operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit in the state. Sometimes, you can illegally operate a vehicle under the influence and hurt another person. And if that person is considered a vulnerable road user, you can face serious legal consequences.
DUIs on their own in Colorado can land you in plenty of legal hot water, but it’s also important to know [...]
Being pulled over under the suspicion of a DUI is never fun, but the chances of that happening increase during certain times of the year in Colorado – including Labor Day.
Law enforcement made a commitment in Colorado this year to crack down on impaired driving. They publicly stated that law enforcement agencies would crack down on impaired driving between August 17 and September 8.
If you got caught up in the DUI crackdown, you may have questions. Here are [...]
In the United States, the laws governing the crime of driving under the influence – also called a DUI – are typically very harsh. Colorado is no exception to this, as even first-time DUI offenders can face time in jail, fines, and the loss of their driver’s license.
As serious as a DUI is, not many understand the true implications of the crime and the impact it can have on your life. There are many reasons to avoid a DUI [...]
No one wants to get pulled over by the police when driving, but several things can turn a routine traffic stop into a serious incident – including driving while intoxicated.
However, if the police observe you driving under the influence in Colorado and you have a firearm in the car, things can get much more complicated.
If you’re a firearm owner, it’s vital to understand what the law says about keeping a firearm in your vehicle. There are possible consequences [...]
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 [...]