People v. Trujillo
Colorado Court of Appeals
682 P.2d 499 (1984)
- Written by Kelli Lanski, JD
Facts
Megual Mariano Trujillo (defendant) broke into a mobile home one night after his car slid off a road while he was driving in a rainstorm. He slept in the home overnight and was later arrested for criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Trujillo admitted to damaging the home’s doors and entering it but argued that his conduct was justified by the choice-of-evils doctrine, or necessity defense. The trial court found that the damage Trujillo caused by breaking into the mobile home did not outweigh any injury Trujillo might have suffered had he stayed with his car. In addition, the court found that Trujillo contributed to the situation by driving his car at an excessive speed around a sharp turn, losing control as a result and sliding off the road. For these reasons, the trial court rejected Trujillo’s defense. He was found guilty and appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Berman, J.)
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