By H. Michael Steinberg, Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer
Understanding The Colorado Heat Of Passion Defense: Definition And Legal Basis
The heat of passion “defense” is a legal defense strategy that seeks to mitigate the culpability of a person accused of certain Colorado crimes of violence. Unlike an affirmative defense, which is a complete defense to a conviction, the heat of passion “defense” mitigates, reduces the statutory penalty for a conviction of the crime charged.