Self-Defense in Colorado
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Colorado allows self-defense with reasonable force anywhere you have a legal right to be, with no duty to retreat.
How Colorado treats Self-Defense
You may use force—including deadly force—to protect yourself or others from imminent harm without first attempting to escape. Colorado law recognizes self-defense as a complete justification if you reasonably believed force was necessary. The "castle doctrine" applies to your home, vehicle, and workplace, where you have no obligation to retreat before using force. Courts examine whether your belief in the need for force was objectively reasonable under the circumstances.
The general definition of Self-Defense
The legal right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.
Self-defense is a legal justification for using force against someone who is attacking or about to attack you. The key word is 'reasonable'—the force you use must be proportional to the threat you face. Most states recognize a 'duty to retreat' in some situations, meaning you must try to escape if safely possible before using force. Some states have 'Stand Your Ground' laws that eliminate the duty to retreat and allow you to use force where you have a legal right to be.
Read the full Self-Defense entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.