When someone tries to enter your home or harm you or a family member, split-second decisions can potentially lead to criminal charges. Colorado’s Make My Day law may play a crucial role in protecting your freedom if you used force to defend your home and loved ones. Understanding this law and your self-defense rights can provide valuable insight into your options for contesting criminal charges.
What Does Colorado’s Make My Day Law Allow Homeowners to Do?
Colorado’s Make My Day law allows homeowners and other lawful occupants to use physical force, including deadly force, against intruders under specific circumstances. The law recognizes that residents should be able to protect themselves and others when an intruder threatens their safety by unlawfully entering a dwelling.
Under C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5, the occupant must reasonably believe the intruder has committed or intends to commit another crime and might use physical force against someone inside. When these requirements are satisfied, the law provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for the justified use of force.
When Does the Make My Day Law Not Protect the Use of Force?
Homeowners and renters in River North Art District, Cherry Creek, Virginia Village, and elsewhere in Denver may face serious threats from unlawful intruders. According to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, 8,010 burglaries were reported statewide during the first six months of 2025. Denver alone recorded 1,630 residential burglaries through November 17, 2025, according to Denver Crimes.
However, Colorado’s Make My Day law does not justify every use of force against an intruder. The law provides specific protections when someone unlawfully enters a dwelling, and the occupant reasonably believes the intruder has committed or intends to commit another crime and might use physical force against an occupant. Disputes outside the home or situations that do not meet these requirements may fall outside the law’s protections.
Why Can Police Investigate and Prosecutors File Charges After a Homeowner Uses Force?
Home robberies and intrusions on private property are potential contributors to Colorado’s annual crime rate of 50.86 per 1,000 residents. Even so, using force or deadly force against an intruder can lead to questions by law enforcement or even criminal charges.
Police may investigate to determine whether the circumstances meet the requirements of Colorado’s Make My Day law. Prosecutors may file criminal charges if they believe the homeowner’s actions were not legally justified.
Why You Should Hire a Self-Defense Lawyer
Make My Day cases are governed by state criminal laws. The decision to hire a self-defense lawyer can play a crucial role in protecting your rights and interests. A defense lawyer who understands Colorado self-defense cases can review the evidence and gather new evidence to show that you acted in self-defense when protecting yourself or others from a potentially dangerous intruder.
Secure Legal Representation From an Experienced Self-Defense Attorney
Colorado’s Make My Day law provides important legal protections for homeowners who use force under certain circumstances. However, claiming self-defense does not automatically prevent a criminal investigation or charges. At Blackley & Wingad, our violent crime attorneys bring decades of criminal defense and trial experience to every case.
As former assistant public defenders in Miami-Dade County, our founding attorneys have extensive courtroom experience defending people accused of serious crimes. Facing criminal charges can be highly stressful. We are prepared to help. Contact our office today.
