Colorado’s “Make My Day” Law: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Defense

In Colorado, the right to protect one’s home is codified in the state’s “Make My Day” law, known as CRS 18-1-704.5. This law, often conflated with the broader castle doctrine, has specific provisions that allow homeowners to use physical force, including deadly force, in defense against intruders under certain circumstances. Understanding the fine print of this law is crucial for Colorado residents to ensure they stay within legal boundaries while protecting their homes and families.

Understanding the “Make My Day” Law

The “Make My Day” law is unique to Colorado and is distinct from CRS 18-1-704, which covers the use of physical force in defense of a person. The key elements of the “Make My Day” law can be summarized as follows:

Unlawful and Uninvited Entry

The core of the law is that the intruder must have made an unlawful and uninvited entry into the dwelling. This condition is straightforward but crucial; the entry must be both uninvited and unlawful for the law’s protections to apply.

Belief of Criminal Activity

The occupant must have a reasonable belief that the intruder has committed, is committing, or intends to commit a crime in the dwelling, in addition to the uninvited entry. This belief must be reasonable, meaning it would be shared by a typical person in the same situation.

Use of Force by the Intruder

The law applies if the homeowner reasonably believes the intruder might use any physical force, no matter how slight, against an occupant. This does not require the intruder to be violent or armed; the possibility of any physical force is sufficient.

Location Constraints

The “Make My Day” law specifically applies to a dwelling, which includes houses, apartments, condos, and habitable inside areas. However, it does not extend to outdoor areas such as lawns, driveways, patios, sheds, gardens, balconies, porches, motorhomes or camping trailers on property and garages (attached or not), nor to vehicles.

When the Law Does Not Apply

Understanding when the “Make My Day” law does not apply is as important as knowing when it does. Several scenarios illustrate the limitations of the law:

Non-Threatening Intruder

If an intruder, such as a drunk individual who unknowingly enters a dwelling without posing a threat, is present, the use of deadly force is not justified. A notable example of this was the case of former Bronco backup Quarterback Chad Kelly in 2018, when he entered a home drunk uninvited.

Invited Guests

Conflicts with invited guests, even those that turn violent, do not fall under the protections of this law. For instance, a mutual fistfight with a guest during a social event, regardless of the outcome, would not justify the use of deadly force.

Gray Areas and Silent Aspects

The law is silent on these areas and has its limitations and does not explicitly cover several scenarios:

• Alternative Accommodations: Hotel rooms, Airbnb rentals, motorhomes, camping trailers, tents, or staying at a friend’s or relative’s house are not clearly defined under this statute.

Legal Considerations and Implications

The “Make My Day” law provides immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability for homeowners who lawfully use force under its provisions. However, this immunity is not absolute and is subject to the specific conditions of the law. It is essential to understand that:

• Immunity is Conditional: The immunity from prosecution and liability only applies if the homeowner’s actions strictly conform to the conditions set forth in the law.
• Legal Complexity: Each case is unique, and minor variations in the circumstances can significantly affect the legal outcome. Homeowners should be cautious and seek legal advice in ambiguous situations.

Enhancing Home Security Legally and Effectively

Beyond understanding the legal right to use force, homeowners should consider preventive measures to enhance security and reduce the likelihood of confrontations:

Fencing and Signage

• Fences: Erecting a robust fence can deter intruders from entering the property.
• Signage: Displaying “No Trespassing” signs can serve as a warning. However, avoid signs with aggressive or threatening language that could be used against you in court.

Surveillance and Security Measures

• Security Systems: Installing surveillance systems like Ring, Nest, or CCTV can provide evidence in case of an intrusion and deter potential intruders.
• Securing Entry Points: Strengthening doors, locks, and securing windows are essential steps in fortifying a home.

Communication and Emergency Preparedness

• Landlines: Maintaining a landline ensures communication during power outages or internet disruptions.
• Emergency Phones: Keeping old cell phones charged for emergency 911 calls can be lifesaving.

Examples Of When Deadly Force Can Be Used

Scenario 1: Home Invasion

Late one night, Jane hears the sound of glass breaking downstairs in her home. She retrieves her legally owned handgun and cautiously investigates. She encounters an intruder in her living room who has broken through a window. The intruder, holding a crowbar, advances towards her threateningly. Jane, fearing for her life and believing the intruder intends to harm her, uses her firearm to defend herself, shooting the intruder. Under the “Make My Day” law, Jane’s use of deadly force is justified as she was in her dwelling, faced an unlawful and uninvited entry, and had a reasonable belief that the intruder intended to commit a crime and potentially use physical force against her.

Scenario 2: Late-Night Burglary

Tom is awakened at 2 AM by noises in his kitchen. He finds an unknown individual rummaging through his cabinets. The intruder, upon seeing Tom, charges at him with a knife. Tom, a martial arts enthusiast, is able to disarm and incapacitate the intruder using hand-to-hand combat. Tom’s actions are covered under the “Make My Day” law as he was defending himself inside his dwelling against an intruder who unlawfully entered and posed a physical threat.

Scenario 3: Confrontation in a Condo

Sarah, living in a condo, hears her front door being forced open late at night. She confronts a stranger entering her living room. The intruder, upon being confronted, threatens Sarah with physical harm while moving closer to her. Sarah, who has taken self-defense classes, uses physical force to subdue the intruder until the police arrive. Under the “Make My Day” law, her use of force is justified since the intruder unlawfully entered her dwelling and posed a credible threat to her safety.

In each of these scenarios, the key components of the “Make My Day” law are met: the presence of an intruder who has made an unlawful entry into a dwelling, a reasonable belief by the occupant that the intruder intends to commit a crime or use physical force, and the incident occurring within the confines of the dwelling. The use of force, including deadly force, is considered justified under these specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Colorado’s “Make My Day” law is a powerful tool for homeowners, providing the right to defend oneself within specific parameters. Understanding these nuances is critical to ensure actions are legally justified

Homeowners should balance this knowledge with proactive security measures to protect their homes. In complex or uncertain scenarios, consulting with a legal expert is always advisable to navigate the intricate landscape of self-defense laws.

Legal Disclaimer: This article, titled “Colorado’s ‘Make My Day’ Law: A Comprehensive Guide to Home Defense,” is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The content is based on the current understanding of Colorado’s “Make My Day” law (CRS 18-1-704.5) and may not reflect recent legal changes. The application of law varies with specific circumstances, and readers are advised not to rely solely on this information for legal decisions. Readers should consult a licensed attorney for personalized legal advice regarding self-defense and the use of force. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for loss or risk incurred directly or indirectly due to the use of this article’s content.