Domestic violence is a serious crime in Colorado. However, this is also a complex topic, and cases are not always cut and dry. Anyone can be charged with domestic violence. This crime can be complicated and may impact your career, criminal record, family, and more. Your case requires skilled legal representation. If you have been charged with an act of domestic violence in Denver or anywhere else in the area, we recommend calling our team for assistance right away.
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Colorado, call Koziel & Lehr Law LLC at (720) 314-8750. Our skilled, compassionate criminal defense attorneys can review your domestic violence case and help you determine what to do next. We are here to listen to your side of the story and help you defend your rights, freedom, family, and reputation!
About Domestic Violence in Colorado
Domestic violence charges can be complicated and are often accompanied by other serious charges. If you are convicted of domestic violence, your future employment opportunities, child custody arrangements, and career plans could be negatively impacted. Not to mention, your criminal record will be harmed, fines are possible, and you could face jail or prison time.
Not all domestic violence cases are the same. This crime is often misunderstood by those who are outside of the situation. In many cases, these charges can occur during a fight between spouses, couples, and family members.
Is domestic violence a misdemeanor or a felony in Colorado?
In Colorado, domestic violence is not a separate crime. Instead, it is a sentencing enhancer that can be applied to a misdemeanor, municipal or a felony offense. Misdemeanor domestic violence charges often involve pushes, slaps, or threats. Felony domestic violence charges are more severe. Felony domestic violence may involve assault with serious bodily injury, kidnapping, menacing, and strangulation.
What are the penalties for domestic violence convictions?
Charges of this nature can be accompanied by severe consequences. Convictions can be accompanied by penalties, fines, and jail or prison time.
If you are a teacher, child care worker, or have a job that requires you to carry a firearm, convictions of domestic violence could potentially impact these career paths. Convictions could also negatively affect your family for years to come. For this reason, it is very important to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney right away!
What happens if the police get involved during a domestic dispute?
Once the police get involved with a domestic violence situation, several problematic issues could arise. You are likely to be arrested at the scene. From there, a restraining order with a no-contact provision could be put in place between you and any victims or family members until your case is resolved.
If a restraining order is put in place that prohibits contact with the victim, you will not be able to go home if the alleged victim lives there. This could cause you to become temporarily homeless.
If you are arrested, do not resist arrest and remain silent until you have called a lawyer. The sooner you retain skilled legal defense, the better the outcome of your domestic violence case is likely to be.
What is mandatory arrest?
Colorado is a state that has mandatory arrest laws in place for allegations of domestic violence. If domestic violence allegations occur, the responding police officers are obligated to authorize an immediate arrest of anyone they believe has perpetuated the crime. If you try to resist arrest, you may receive additional charges.
What if the alleged victim does not wish to pursue legal action?
Some people are under the impression that if an alleged victim of domestic violence does not wish to pursue criminal action against a defendant, the case will be dropped. In Colorado, domestic violence allegations may be pursued in court whether the alleged victim wants to press charges or not.
Are You Facing Allegations of Domestic Violence? Call our Skilled Family and Criminal Defense Attorneys Immediately!
Have you or a loved one been charged with domestic violence? If so, we encourage you to contact our skilled criminal defense and family attorneys right away. Our attorneys are experienced in many areas of criminal defense and family law. At Koziel & Lehr Law LLC, we can help you in and around the Denver area!
Contact us today for a consultation.
Call us at (720) 314-8750.