Stand Your Ground in Colorado
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Colorado recognizes a duty to retreat in public spaces; stand-your-ground protections apply mainly in your home.
How Colorado treats Stand Your Ground
Colorado law does not provide a blanket stand-your-ground right in public. However, you have no duty to retreat when in your own home, vehicle, or workplace under the Castle Doctrine. Self-defense is permitted when you reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent imminent harm, but retreating when safely possible may strengthen your legal position in public confrontations. Colorado courts examine whether you exercised reasonable judgment before using force.
The general definition of Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Stand your ground laws permit a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against a threat without first trying to escape or avoid the danger. These laws eliminate the traditional legal duty to retreat before using force. They apply in places where a person has a legal right to be, such as their home, workplace, or public spaces. Stand your ground laws are controversial because they expand when people can legally use deadly force, and they vary significantly by state.
Read the full Stand Your Ground 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.