Understanding Colorado’s Three Strikes Law: Habitual Criminal Penalties
October 25, 2025
In 1994, victim-advocacy groups told the state of Colorado that the current laws on domestic violence did not bring justice to victims. Colorado listened, and enacted some of the harshest domestic violence laws in the country.
The laws, which address everything from the process of arresting someone for domestic violence to mandatory sentencing, have proven to be tough on domestic violence offenders… but are they too tough?
Some criminal justice experts argue that Colorado’s laws are so harsh they end [...]
On June 27, the United States Supreme Court concluded a historic gun rights case by upholding a federal ban on individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning or purchasing firearms. The court voted 6-2 in favor of upholding the ban.
The case, Voisine vs. United States, involved two men from Maine: Stephen Voisine and William E. Armstrong III. Both men were petitioning for their right to own a firearm despite their past domestic violence convictions.
Stephen [...]
Recently, Johnny Manziel, the former Cleveland Browns quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, was indicted on domestic violence charges. Colleen Crowley, one of Manziel’s ex-girlfriends, is accusing him of hitting and threatening her in an assault that took place in February.
This case is getting a lot of coverage in the media due to Manziel’s celebrity and notoriety, but it does bring up a common question concerning domestic violence charges. Although Manziel was formerly indicted by a grand jury for [...]
Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Colorado. Not only will you potentially face harsh penalties and restrictive protective orders, but a domestic violence conviction will also affect all aspects of your life.
A domestic violence conviction greatly limits your ability to find employment and housing. If you have children, a conviction could severely reduce visitation or even take away your parental rights altogether. Not to mention the damage a domestic violence conviction can do to your reputation and [...]
You thought that it was just a little lover’s quarrel. So when the police showed up and arrested you on charges of domestic violence, it was a complete shock. They didn’t even care that your supposed victim said it was a mistake and they had no interest in pressing charges.
How can something like this happen?
Many Coloradans don’t really understand how our state defines and handles criminal acts of domestic violence. Because of this, it is fairly common for [...]
If you’re facing charges as a repeat offender in Denver, understanding Colorado’s three strikes law and habitual criminal penalties could be the difference between years in prison and your freedom. Colorado’s habitual offender statute dramatically increases prison sentences for defendants with prior felony convictions, sometimes resulting in life sentences even for non-violent crimes.
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our experienced Denver habitual criminal defense lawyers represent clients facing three strikes charges and other serious felony offenses across Colorado. [...]
Social media continues to play a central role in people’s daily lives today. Whether it is sharing photos, updating statuses, or engaging in conversations, individuals leave behind a permanent online record. While these platforms may feel casual or private, prosecutors in Denver and across Colorado increasingly use social media evidence to build criminal cases. Posts, messages, images, and even tagged content can be admitted as evidence in court and potentially damage your defense.
If you are facing criminal charges in [...]
At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, our Denver criminal defense attorneys understand that, despite legal cannabis in Colorado, marijuana DUI arrests are increasing. With over 17% of state police DUI arrests involving cannabis use, defending marijuana impairment cases demands careful legal strategy.
Colorado treats cannabis DUI as seriously as alcohol DUI, with strict legal limits and harsh penalties. We have secured numerous dismissals and not-guilty verdicts by thoroughly challenging the evidence and protecting clients’ rights. If you face marijuana [...]