What Should I Know If I Am Facing Domestic Violence Charges?

Being accused of any type of violent crime can be distressing, especially when you know that criminal charges could have severe repercussions for your job, your family life, and in some cases may impact your civil rights and freedoms depending on the specific charges in your case. Whether you believe you have been falsely accused of domestic violence or a related crime of violence, or you know you made a mistake and need help, you deserve to have a strong defense.

The experienced Denver domestic violence defense lawyers at our firm are here to help, and we can speak with you today about the particular details of your case. In the meantime, the following are some of the important things you should know when you have been arrested for domestic violence or you are facing domestic violence charges in Colorado.

Understand What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Colorado 

First, it is important to know how domestic violence is defined under Colorado law in order to understand why you are facing the specific charges you are facing or why you were arrested. Under Colorado law, domestic violence means:

“[A]n act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.” Domestic violence is also understood to mean “any other crime against a person or against property, 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.”

As you can see, the statutory language is broad, and domestic violence-related charges can be brought against a person in a wide range of circumstances when a crime is alleged against another person with whom the alleged defendant has been involved in an intimate relationship (either in the past or present).

Know How Additional Charges Can Be Brought 

Domestic violence charges can range widely and may include, for example, any of the following charges with a domestic violence enhancement:

• Assault;
• Harassment;
• Criminal Mischief;
• Menacing; and/or
• Stalking.

Domestic violence-related charges can also relate to the alleged violation of a protective order, as well as certain crimes against children.

Learn About Penalties for Domestic Violence Convictions 

Penalties for domestic violence can range widely, and they can be severe. The penalties you can face will depend on whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges and whether it is an aggravated offense. In general, penalties can range from monetary fines to up to years in prison.

Beyond criminal penalties, you can also face other consequences, such as child custody consequences and job consequences depending on your profession and any licensing requirements. Additionally, the current state of the law prohibits purchase and possession of firearms with a domestic violence conviction.

Work With a Defense Lawyer to Tailor a Defense Strategy to the Facts of Your Case

 Last, but certainly not of least importance, it is essential to build a strong defense that is based on the facts of your case by working with a defense attorney in Colorado.

Contact Our Denver Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers 

Are you facing domestic violence allegations, or have you been charged with a domestic violence-related offense? It is essential to seek legal help as soon as possible. One of the experienced Denver domestic violence defense attorneys at DeChant Law can speak with you today about your case and can begin working with you on defense strategies.

Source:

leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/1995a_sl_152.pdf