Domestic violence cases are emotionally charged for all those involved. Our criminal defense lawyers aggressively defend the rights of the accused. Depending on the case and factors involved, our team of attorneys conducts its own investigation of the alleged crime, hires forensic specialists and lab technicians, pursues alternative leads, and thoroughly reviews police reports and law enforcement conduct.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence (18-16-800.3) is not a crime in itself, but it is a label used to enhance the sentence of the actual charge, i.e. third degree assault or harassment. Domestic Violence under Colorado Law means:
(1) An act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. "Domestic violence" also includes any other crime against a person, or against property, including an animal, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.
(2) "Intimate relationship" means a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.
What Penalties Could I Face?
Domestic violence offense enhances the sentence of the underlying charge. In addition to penalties for the crime committed, if you are convicted or receive a deferred sentence for a crime involving domestic violence, you will be required to complete at least thirty-six (36) one-hour session of domestic violence education and treatment.
Additionally, conviction for a domestic violence offense could have serious consequences on your professional career. A conviction for domestic violence offense will show up in a criminal background check by your employer.
What Defenses Could I Make For A Charge Of Domestic Violence?
In a domestic violence case, self-defense and false accusation are potential defenses. Our attorneys must look to the facts of each case to determine whether any defenses are available to a domestic violence offense. |
