Under Colorado Law, domestic violence is defined as an act of violence or threat of violence against a person with whom the aggressor has or had an intimate relationship. “Intimate relationship” means a relationship where the parties were or are spouses, current or former unmarried couples and parents of the same child, among other things.
So, if you are charged with a crime and you have had an intimate relationship with the person that is the subject of the allegation, you will likely also be facing an act of domestic violence in Colorado. It is important to understand that domestic violence is not a charge in and of itself. It is a “tag” that accompanies a criminal charge. So for instance, if you are arrested for harassing a former boyfriend, you would be charged with the crime of harassment and that crime could also be “tagged” as an act of domestic violence.
Domestic violence cases are handled much differently by the law and by the district attorney’s offices in El Paso, Pueblo and Fremont counties. There are more severe implications and restrictions of freedom for a defendant when the domestic violence “tag” is in play. These collateral consequences begin from the moment you are arrested. It is important that you contact an attorney immediately so that you can understand what those new restrictions are and what your obligations are under the case.
If you or someone you know has been in an argument with a spouse or partner and the cops have been called, it’s very likely one or both of them will be charged with domestic violence. In domestic violence cases, it is very important to get a knowledgeable attorney on your side from the outset because there are additional layers of complexity involved.
You need to know your rights as well how you can effective defend yourself against the criminal charges brought against you. Under Colorado law, ANY domestic violence case is a mandatory arrest. This means you will not simply be handed a summons with a court date but you will be arrested, booked, and have to see a judge before you are able to bond out. Call the attorneys at At Maher & Maher Law today to help you walk this complicated area of law. We have handled hundreds of domestic violence allegations and can quickly and accurately advise you as to the best way to go forward with the facts in your case. We can help you get the outcome you deserve. Call us today at 719-301-7500 for a free one-hour consultation on your case.
