Domestic Violence and sex crimes are closely connected in Colorado. In this blog, I'll discuss how they're connected, and why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight on your behalf if you have been charged with a Domestic Violence sex crime in Denver, Adams, or Douglas County.

Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes: Coercion, Control, and Revenge

In order to completely understand how Domestic Violence and sex crimes are connected, you need to know that Domestic Violence (DV) – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is not a crime in and of itself in Jefferson, El Paso, and Arapahoe County. Rather, it is a sentence-enhancer which is attached to a crime when “an act or threatened act of violence” occurred between two people who are in (or have been in) an “intimate relationship.” It is also added when a crime included “coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge.” As you can see, these terms are broad. District Attorneys in Colorado overcharge DV because it can easily be attached to any crime. Unlawful Sexual Contact Domestic Violence could be charged if a man drinks too much and touches a former girlfriend without her permission one night at a bar. The DA could say the man touched her in order “control” her and try to win her back. There are many scenarios throughout Colorado, in Denver, Littleton and Aurora, where people are charged with Domestic Violence and sex crimes.

[pullquote align=”center” textalign=”center” width=”100%”]Both sex crimes and Domestic Violence require treatment upon conviction.[/pullquote]

Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes: Both Require Treatment

Domestic Violence and sex crimes are closely connected, because they both require treatment upon conviction. Domestic Violence treatment is overseen by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB), while sex offender treatment is overseen by the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB). Both are “one size fits all” treatment plans. A man who threw his ex-girlfriend's keys across the street will be in the same program as a man who physically harms his wife. Sex offender treatment is the same way: A defendant will receive the same treatment for a second conviction of Public Indecency as the man who was convicted of Incest.

Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes: Why You Need a Lawyer

Because both Domestic Violence and sex crimes require treatment and are easily charged, it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been charged. The consequences of a conviction can be life-changing – you could be facing a permanent protection order, and DV and sex offender treatment. There is hope if you have been charged with a DV sex crime, however. The criminal defense attorneys at our office have over 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of our clients in the Denver metro area. We have cases dismissed or greatly reduced in severity on a regular basis. So, don't lose heart – contact us for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.

Request a Free Consultation

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

Image Courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net