# C.R.S. § 18-1-702: 18-1-702. Choice of evils

> Colorado · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-702

## Section

- **Citation:** C.R.S. § 18-1-702
- **Heading:** 18-1-702. Choice of evils
- **Jurisdiction:** Colorado
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** CO Code / Title 18 / Article 1 / Part 7 / Section 18-1-702

## Text

18-1-702. Choice of evils. (1) Unless inconsistent with other provisions of sections 18-1-703 to 18-1-707, defining justifiable use of physical force, or with some other provision of law, conduct which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal when it is necessary as an emergency measure to avoid an imminent public or private injury which is about to occur by reason of a situation occasioned or developed through no conduct of the actor, and which is of sufficient gravity that, according to ordinary standards of intelligence and morality, the desirability and urgency of avoiding the injury clearly outweigh the desirability of avoiding the injury sought to be prevented by the statute defining the offense in issue.

(2) The necessity and justifiability of conduct under subsection (1) of this section shall not rest upon considerations pertaining only to the morality and advisability of the statute, either in its general application or with respect to its application to a particular class of cases arising thereunder. When evidence relating to the defense of justification under this section is offered by the defendant, before it is submitted for the consideration of the jury, the court shall first rule as a matter of law whether the claimed facts and circumstances would, if established, constitute a justification.

## Nearby sections

- [C.R.S. § 18-1-701 18-1-701. Execution of public duty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-701.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-702 18-1-702. Choice of evils](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-702.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-703 18-1-703. Use of physical force - special relationships](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-703.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-704 18-1-704. Use of physical force in defense of a person - definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-704.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-704.5 18-1-704.5. Use of deadly physical force against an intruder](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-704.5.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-705 18-1-705. Use of physical force in defense of premises](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-705.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-706 18-1-706. Use of physical force in defense of property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-706.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-706.5 18-1-706.5. Justification and exemption from liability when rendering emergency assistance t](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-706.5.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-707 18-1-707. Use of force by peace officers - definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-707.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-708 18-1-708. Duress](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-708.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-709 18-1-709. Entrapment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-709.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-710 18-1-710. Affirmative defense](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-710.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-711 18-1-711. Immunity for persons who suffer or report an emergency drug or alcohol overdose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-711.md)
- [C.R.S. § 18-1-712 18-1-712. Immunity for a person who administers an opioid antagonist during an opioid-rela](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-712.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_CO_T18_A1_P7_S18-1-702. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.