Can you legally defend yourself in Colorado even if you were wrong about the threat?
Thanks to People v. Fuller, the answer is yes — as long as your belief was reasonable under the circumstances.
In 1989, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in favor of Fuller, who fired his gun during a chaotic bar fight after he thought he saw someone draw a weapon and fire a shot. Turns out, the other guy didn’t have a weapon — but Fuller’s perception of danger was reasonable.
Under C.R.S. § 18-1-704, Colorado law says you can use physical force — including deadly force — if:
- You’re not the aggressor, and
- You reasonably believe you or someone else is in imminent danger of being hurt or killed.
You don’t have to be right. You just have to be reasonable.
This case gives peace of mind to law-abiding citizens who carry — because in real-life situations, you won’t have time to confirm every threat before reacting. The law recognizes that.
Bottom Line:
Don’t wait to get shot. If you reasonably believe your life is in danger, Colorado law has your back — even if you’re mistaken.
✅ Takeaways for CCW Holders & Armed Professionals:
- You’re protected if your belief was reasonable — even if it wasn’t correct.
- Fuller’s case is a strong legal precedent supporting fast decision-making under stress.
- The standard is what a reasonable person in your shoes would’ve thought at the time — not hindsight.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your rights and obligations under Colorado law.
