Domestic Violence is a sentence enhancer in Colorado. In today's blog, we'll use a fictional example of what it might be like to face charges of Domestic Violence in Colorado:

Jeff lives in Arapahoe County, Colorado. He is 18 years of age, while his girlfriend is under 15 years of age. The two have had a sexual relationship for a while that wasn't always consensual.  The relationship came to a quick hault when Jeff's girlfriend's parents found out. Her parents immediately called the police, who then charged Jeff with Sexual Assault on a Child. Unfortunately, Jeff could also face charges of Domestic Violence because he and his girlfriend were considered to be in an “intimate relationship” with each other when the assault occurred.

What is Domestic Violence? A Sentence Enhancer in Colorado

In Douglas and Adams County, the definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S 18-6-800.3 is:

“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.”

As you can see, this definition is broad. It would be difficult to know right away whether all of Jeff's sexual contacts with his girlfriend can be classified as Domestic Violence.  Since there are some allegations that sex was not always consensual, this will be a Domestic Violence case. Perhaps because the girlfriend was underage, it could be easy for police to assume Jeff was acting with coercion, control and intimidation over his young girlfriend. Only the best criminal defense attorneys who know criminal law well could navigate through this situation to uncover the truth.

Why You Need the Best Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers

As a sentence enhancer, Domestic violence charges act to enhance people's sentences and make them harsher in Jefferson and Douglas County, and across Colorado. The problem is that the domestic violence definition is so broad that people end up with lengthier jail or prison sentences than necessary. Involving an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in sex crimes is priceless if facing a Domestic Violence enhancer. Your future is worth protecting. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation in Denver.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Domestic Violence and a sex crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced Domestic Violence criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.