Colorado Domestic Violence: What Happens After a “DV Charge” in CO?

Colorado Domestic Violence is a serious charge. If you are in danger or have been falsely accused, it is important to seek legal help immediately.

In 2018, a total of 43 people in Colorado died due to domestic violence. More than half of those who were killed were the primary victims of abuse. Taking a stand against your abuser can be a frightening, stressful situation, but a Colorado domestic violence lawyer can help.

We will take all the steps permitted by law to protect you and your family.

Domestic violence is no laughing matter. The State of Colorado takes accusations of abuse very seriously. However, false accusations are not uncommon. In the heat of an argument, an angry spouse may call the police making claims of abuse that never happened.

When a false accusation leads to a conviction, the consequences can follow you for the rest of your life. You could lose your job, your right to vote, and, most importantly, your freedom.

Whether you’re the victim of domestic violence or have been accused of committing domestic violence, it is crucial to understand your rights and get the help of a Colorado domestic violence lawyer.

Colorado Domestic Violence Laws

According to the State of Colorado, domestic violence is a threat of or act of violence against a person the perpetrator had or has an intimate relationship.

What is Considered an “Intimate Relationship”?

Colorado defines intimate relationships as relationships between:

• Current or former spouses
• Current or former couples (unmarried)
• Parents of a child, regardless of whether they were married or lived together

Domestic violence laws in Colorado also include crimes or ordinance violations against property or another party for the purpose of controlling, punishing, coercing or intimidating the person the aggressor had an intimate relationship with.

What Happens if You’re Accused of Domestic Violence in Colorado?

Because Colorado is a mandatory arrest state, alleged offenders will be arrested immediately if police believe domestic violence has occurred.

When determining whether domestic violence has taken place, police must consider:

• Whether the alleged offender was acting in self-defense.
• The extent of the injuries inflicted on each person (if any).
• Previous complaints of domestic violence.
• Risk of future injuries to all parties.

Alleged victims of domestic violence cannot press or drop charges against the alleged abuser. The government decides whether or not to prosecute a case.

Protective Orders for Victims of Abuse

When a person is arrested for domestic violence, a mandatory restraining order is issued to protect the alleged victim(s) and prevent any contact between the two parties.

The court may also issue other protective orders to protect alleged victims, such as:

• Granting temporary care and control of children.
• Keeping the alleged offender away from the family home.
• Preventing the alleged offender from entering the home can provide alleged victims with a haven.

“Most domestic violence happens in the home, proven through research; it doesn’t happen outside of the home,” says Barbara Paradiso, director at the University of Colorado Denver’s Center on Domestic Violence.

Colorado also has a unique restraining order called an “extreme risk protection order,” which forces alleged offenders to give up their firearms if they are believed to be at risk of committing gun violence.

Colorado Domestic Violence Penalties

In Colorado, domestic violence itself is not a standalone crime. It is a description or label, that enhances the sentence of those who are convicted of the related act.

The criminal act itself, such as assault, will determine whether the crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Violations of protective orders are treated as misdemeanor offenses.

Along with jail time and possible probation, anyone who is convicted of a crime involving domestic violence must:

• Attend a domestic violence (DV) treatment program
• Undergo a treatment evaluation

The only exception is if the defendant is sentenced to prison. In this case, a treatment program is not required.

Repeat Offenders Face Harsher Penalties

Penalties are increased for anyone who has three prior convictions for crimes of domestic violence.

• The prosecution may call for the offender to be labeled a habitual violence offender.
• The new offense will be punished as a Class 5 felony, and the offender will face up to four years in prison.

Help with Domestic Violence

If you are the victim of domestic violence:

• Call 911 to report the incident. Write down the report or incident number to keep in your records.
• Seek medical attention for injuries. Document and photograph your injuries.
• Get to a safe place or a domestic violence shelter.
• Call a domestic violence lawyer.

A lawyer will serve as your advocate, representing your rights and interests. A lawyer will also determine what evidence to present to the court and who should testify in court on your behalf.

If you are a victim of domestic violence in Colorado, call us today or schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.

If you have been accused of a crime involving domestic violence:

• Stay calm and cooperate with police.
• Do not answer any questions without a lawyer present.
• Call a lawyer with experience handling Colorado domestic violence cases.

If you have been accused of domestic violence in Colorado, get in touch with us right away for a free case evaluation.