In Colorado, the law permits self-defense, but only under specific conditions. What begins as a self-protection claim can easily spiral into a criminal charge if the facts are misread or misrepresented. That’s why understanding how self-defense is treated under Colorado law can be the key to protecting your freedom.

At the Law Office of Kimberly Diego, we’ve represented clients in cases where force was used for one reason only: survival. If you’re facing charges related to a self-defense claim, our Denver, CO criminal defense attorney will build a defense rooted in the reality of what happened, not just how the story has been spun.

What Colorado Law Says About Using Force

Colorado recognizes your right to use force in response to unlawful threats. Under C.R.S. § 18-1-704, physical force is allowed when you reasonably believe it’s necessary to protect yourself or someone else from what you believe is the use or imminent use of unlawful force.

But the law goes further when someone forcibly enters your home. Under the state’s “Make My Day” law, you’re legally allowed to use deadly force against an intruder if you believe their intention is to commit a crime, and you believe they plan to use force against you or someone else.

What people often miss is how quickly the question of reasonableness becomes a battleground. Prosecutors and police may focus more on the severity of the injury or the weapon used than on what you faced in the moment. That’s where our lawyer will step in. We’ll draw a clear line between what the law allows and how your actions were legally justified, based on the threat you perceived at the time.

Why Self-Defense Cases Demand a Tailored Legal Strategy

Self-defense cases don’t follow a script. They can involve domestic violence allegations, bar fights, road confrontations, or unexpected threats on private property. That variability demands a legal strategy that’s both deliberate and creative. Prosecutors often rely on simple narratives: who got hurt, what weapon was used, and how serious the injury was. But those surface-level details never tell the whole story.

Our Denver criminal defense attorney won’t accept the prosecution’s framing at face value. We’ll ask harder questions. What did you see? Did the other person say something threatening or make a move that forced your hand? Were there witnesses who left out key facts, or surveillance footage that contradicts the charges? These are the elements that shift a case from vulnerable to defensible.

We’ll also present key legal arguments, such as the doctrine of initial aggressor or the presence of mutual combat, to dismantle weak charges from the inside out. If there’s a viable pretrial motion that can be used to dismiss or reduce the charges, we’ll file it. We’ll prepare a strong, evidence-based defense that puts you in the strongest possible position.

We Fight for You from Start to Finish

At the Law Office of Kimberly Diego, we don’t wait to react. We build a plan of attack. From the first consultation to the resolution of your case, your Denver, CO criminal defense lawyer will remain by your side, challenging the charges and advocating for your constitutional rights.

We’ve achieved favorable results for clients in cases where others might have given up. We know how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and we’re not afraid to push when the stakes are high. Request a free case review by calling (720) 257-5346 or contacting us online.