We’ve all heard the phrase “make my day,” but in Colorado, it’s more than just a movie quote—it’s part of a real law that gives homeowners and occupants powerful legal protections when it comes to defending themselves inside their own homes.
Whether you’re a concealed carry permit holder or a homeowner looking to understand your rights, Colorado’s “Make My Day” law—found in Colorado Revised Statute § 18-1-704.5—is one of the most important self-defense laws in the state.
🔹 What Is the “Make My Day” Law?
Colorado’s “Make My Day” law gives you the legal right to use deadly force against an intruder in your home—without any duty to retreat—if you reasonably believe they’ve committed a crime and may use physical force against you or another occupant.
You don’t have to wait to see a weapon. You don’t have to warn them. You don’t even have to be 100% sure of their intentions. If someone unlawfully enters your home and you reasonably believe they pose a threat, you’re legally justified in using deadly force.
🔹 The Law in Plain English (C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5)
Here’s what the law says:
A person is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly force, against another person when:
- The other person has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling;
- The occupant has a reasonable belief that the intruder has committed or intends to commit a crime (other than the entry); and
- The occupant reasonably believes the intruder might use physical force, no matter how slight.
If all those conditions are met, you are immune from criminal prosecution and civil liability.
🔹 Key Points You Need to Know
- It only applies inside your home. This law does not apply in your front yard, garage (unless it’s attached), driveway, or place of business.
- You must be a lawful occupant. It doesn’t just apply to homeowners—renters and invited guests are protected too.
- There must be unlawful entry. If someone walks through your open door and you invited them in earlier, this law probably doesn’t apply.
🔹 Real-World Scenario
Let’s say it’s 2 a.m. and you hear someone break a window and climb into your living room. You grab your firearm, confront the intruder, and shoot them. Under Colorado’s Make My Day law, if your belief that they posed a threat was reasonable, you’re protected—even if it turns out later they were unarmed.
You don’t have to retreat. You don’t have to wait to be attacked. You don’t even have to give a warning. This law is designed to protect your right to defend your home and your loved ones.
🔹 Important Caveats
- Don’t assume immunity automatically applies. Prosecutors will still review the case. If the person was invited in, lived there, or didn’t enter unlawfully, you may not be covered.
- Not the same as “stand your ground.” This law only applies inside the home. Colorado has no official “stand your ground” statute for public spaces—but court rulings like People v. Garcia function that way.
- Use good judgment. Just because the law protects you doesn’t mean deadly force is always the best—or only—option.
🔚 Conclusion
Colorado’s “Make My Day” law gives you strong legal protection if you’re forced to defend yourself from an intruder inside your home. But like any self-defense law, it comes with conditions.
Know your rights. Know your limits. And always use deadly force as a last resort, even when the law says you’re allowed to use it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance, please consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
