In Denver, Colorado, Domestic Violence charges can be added onto virtually any other crime, such as Sexual Assault, Harassment, or Unlawful Sexual Contact. Not charged on its own, it is considered a “sentence enhancer”, making the charges against you and the penalty if you are convicted, all the more severe. According to an article by The Coloradoan, one in ten criminal cases in Larimer County are related to Domestic Violence. Its broad definition makes it easy for you to be charged with Domestic Violence in Denver and throughout Colorado.

Definition of Domestic Violence in Arapahoe County

In Arapahoe County, Douglas County, and throughout Colorado, the definition of Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 – is this:

“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. “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.

What is Considered an Intimate Relationship in Adams County?

Even if you are not currently in a relationship with someone in Adams County, a police officer can still charge you will Domestic Violence based on the broad definition of an intimate relationship. C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 states that an Intimate relationship means “a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.”

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Jefferson County

If you are found guilty of any crime with “the underlying factual basis of which has been found by the court on the record to include an act of Domestic Violence” in Jefferson County, you will be ordered to complete a treatment program and a treatment evaluation designed by the domestic violence offender management board, unless deemed inappropriate after an intake evaluation (C.R.S. 18-6-801). If a treatment evaluation is ordered by the court, you will be required to pay for it yourself. If you have been convicted of Domestic Violence three or more times in the past, any misdemeanor offense that includes an act of Domestic Violence becomes a class 5 felony. Additionally, your rights to purchase or possess a firearm or ammunition will be affected after a DV conviction.

Denver Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you are facing charges for Domestic Violence in Denver, Colorado, be smart. Politely exercise your right to remain silent and contact the experience criminal defense lawyers at O'Malley and Sawyer. Contact us 24/7 at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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