If you’re a concealed carry permit holder, armed citizen, or security professional in Colorado, you’ve likely asked yourself: Can I legally defend someone else if they’re being attacked? The answer is yes — but only under certain circumstances.
Colorado law allows the use of force in defense of others, but just like with self-defense, there are limits. You can’t step in just because something “feels wrong.” You need to meet specific legal requirements — or you risk facing criminal charges, even if your intentions were good.
Colorado’s Legal Standard: Defense of Others
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1-704, you are justified in using physical force or deadly force on behalf of another person if that person would have been legally justified in using that force to protect themselves.
In plain English:
You must “stand in their shoes.” If they had the right to use force, you can act on their behalf — but no more than they legally could have.
The AOJ Triangle: Ability, Opportunity, Jeopardy
Before intervening, use the AOJ framework — the same used in courtrooms and law enforcement:
- Ability – Does the attacker have the physical power or weapon to cause serious harm?
- Opportunity – Are they close enough or positioned to carry out that threat?
- Jeopardy – Is the victim in imminent danger right now?
If all three are present, defensive action may be justified.
When It’s Not Justified
You are not justified if:
- The person you’re defending was the initial aggressor
- You use more force than the situation calls for
- You step in without understanding what actually happened
- The threat has already ended (retreating attacker, person is safe, etc.)
Real-World Example: People v. Guenther
In People v. Guenther, the defendant intervened in a domestic dispute, believing a woman was in danger. He used deadly force — but the court ruled it wasn’t justified, because the threat had ended. Timing and perception matter. Even if your heart is in the right place, you can’t legally escalate a situation that’s already de-escalated.
What to Do Instead of Jumping In
- Call 911 immediately
- Gather information – Who’s the aggressor? What’s happening?
- Give verbal commands (if safe): “Back away!” “I’m calling the police!”
- Use force only if someone is in imminent danger and you are trained to do so
Final Thoughts: Train for Reality
Defending others is one of the most serious decisions you can make with a firearm. It requires training, good judgment, and a deep understanding of the law. That’s why we cover these real-life scenarios and legal frameworks in every concealed carry class we teach.
The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Concealed Carry Classes of Denver LLC, its instructors, owners, and affiliates are not attorneys and do not provide legal representation. Laws may change and vary by jurisdiction, and interpretations can depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal guidance regarding use-of-force, self-defense, or firearms-related incidents in your area.
