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Denver Domestic Violence Lawyer
Serving Clients in Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas & Jefferson Counties & throughout the State
As stated in statute 18-6-800.3, “Domestic violence means an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship (nor does it necessarily need to involve violence). “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.”
Unfortunately, in Colorado, police are required to arrest individuals they believe to have committed a domestic violence offense. This will occur even if the alleged victim changes his or her story or wishes not to press charges. In many cases, accusations of domestic violence are based on falsehoods, half-truths, and exaggerations designed by accusers to gain the upper hand in contested matters such as divorce and child custody or as acts of revenge against perceived wrongs.
Sometimes the accuser or alleged victim recognizes they have provided falsehoods to law enforcement, knows the right thing to do, and has rights, including 5th Amendment rights. Anyone accused of domestic violence and often the accuser needs the services of a proven criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
"I became a lawyer to be a voice for those who feel they are not being heard. Whether it is being charged with a crime, going through a divorce, or dealing with regulatory agencies, people often feel like no one is listening. I have made it my mission to ensure my clients' voices are heard. Every person deserves their day in court and a lawyer who cares about their case just as much as they do."
Types Of Criminal Defense Cases We Win
More About Domestic Violence Crimes in Colorado
Domestic violence is considered an act of violence or a threat of violence committed against the alleged victim. It can not only include assaults against the person but related crimes such as vandalizing their car, destroying other property, or injuring their pets.
However, any crime committed within the domestic, family, or intimate relationship context, can be aggravated and subject to domestic violence enhancement, even crimes such as criminal mischief and trespassing. Domestic violence crimes are fast-tracked, cannot be dismissed by anyone but the court when prosecutors declare their case unprovable, and arrested offenders are taken to jail to remain there until bond can be set.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
If you are arrested for domestic violence, you will be named in a mandatory restraining order (protection order) issued by the court. These orders will prohibit you from making any contact with the alleged victim and may order you to vacate a shared home, stay away from alcohol, bar your possession of firearms, and impose other restrictions and orders. These orders generally stay in place until a formal hearing can be held in which both sides can present evidence to the judge who will decide whether the order should be continued on a more permanent basis or dropped.
Domestic Violence Penalties
Because domestic violence is an “enhancement” of a crime, the penalties will depend on the underlying crime you face. For example, if you are charged with assault in a domestic violence case, your penalties will be those of a standard assault charge with additional court penalties, such as completion of a domestic violence treatment program or other court orders.
If you are convicted of a fourth domestic violence crime, it becomes a separate crime of “habitual domestic violence” which is a Class 5 felony carrying one up to three years in prison and/or a fine of $1,000 up to $100,000.
Your Attorney
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Chris MatzFounding AttorneyI became a lawyer to be a voice for those who feel they are not being heard. Whether it is being charged with a crime, going through a divorce, or dealing with regulatory agencies, people often feel like no one is listening. I have made it my mission to ...
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