Colorado legal term
Affirmative defense in Colorado Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Colorado legislative session
In Colorado criminal law, “Affirmative defense” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Colorado criminal code.
What does “Affirmative defense” mean in Colorado criminal law?
"Affirmative defense" means that unless the state's evidence raises the issue involving the alleged defense, the defendant, to raise the issue, shall present some credible evidence on that issue. (C.R.S. § 18-1-407)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal attempt
- Child abuse
- Disclosure, possession, or exchange of a private intimate image or intimate digital depiction by a juvenile
- Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon
- Bait advertising
- Bigamy
- Compounding
- Criminal use of a noxious substance
- Designation of supplier prohibited
- Disobedience of public safety orders under riot conditions
- Engaging in criminal usury
- Equity skimming of real property
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.