Domestic Violence and sex crimes can often go hand-in-hand in Aurora and throughout Colorado. Many believe that domestic violence is a stand alone criminal charge. In actuality, it is a sentence enhancer that can be tacked on to many other offenses in Colorado. For example, we often see domestic violence charges added to crimes such as Harassment, Unlawful Sexual Contact, or Sexual Assault. Because domestic violence can be added to other criminal offenses, council from an experienced defense attorney is vital to a defendant's future.
What is Domestic Violence in Aurora, CO?
C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 defines the behaviors that apply to Domestic Violence in Aurora, CO. For domestic violence to apply to a sex offense there must be:
- an act or threatened act of violence
- upon a person with whom the actor is / was in an intimate relationship
Domestic violence may also involve threatened acts upon another person, property, or animal if used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge against someone with whom the actor is / has an intimate relationship. Intimate relationships also include those between:
- spouses
- former spouses
- past / present unmarried couples
- parents of the same child (regardless of whether the parents have been married or lived together)
Essentially, if you are facing an accusation of a crime against a current / prior partner (sexual relationship, dating, etc), then it is also a possibility that you can be charged with the sentence enhancer of domestic violence.
Sex Offenses and Domestic Violence in Aurora, CO
Unfortunately, a situation that has become more and more frequent involves former partners making accusations of sexual assault after the fact. A couple might part ways with one party feeling vengeful or filled with regret. He / she might process the relationship post-breakup and decide that they were too drunk to give consent or felt manipulated into participating in behavior that made them particularly uncomfortable. Furthermore, if law enforcement is notified and a district attorney decides to file charges, the sex offense alongside domestic violence can be charged. Conviction can include the especially harsh sentence for the sex offense plus a mandatory protection order, domestic violence treatment requirements, and prohibited firearm ownership.
Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes | Expert Criminal Defense
Arapahoe County is unforgiving when it comes to sex offenses and domestic violence. An expert criminal defense attorney is particularly essential if you're facing charges. If police or investigators attempt to make contact with you, exercise your right to remain silent. Any statements or information you provide can be made into damaging evidence. Instead, contact the experienced domestic violence and sex crimes attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group for a free consultation. We will discuss your unique situation with you and also lay the framework for your best possible outcome. Don't face these serious charges alone. Help is phone call away.
If you or someone you know is facing a sex crime charge, be smart. Contact the unmatched defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo Credit: Pexels – Pixabay
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