Domestic Violence

Being charged with domestic violence in Colorado is a very serious matter, and therefore you need serious representation. Each criminal case is unique, and you deserve a defense specifically tailored to your case. Peter Loyd Weber & Associates has experience representing clients charged with domestic violence. Whether you need to go to trial to defend your innocence, or you need to plea bargain your way down for a better consequence, we here at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates can help you in this endeavor.

Domestic Violence Overview

Domestic violence is not, in and of itself, a criminal charge. Rather, domestic violence is a sentence enhancer. It is something the District Attorney will add to a “regular” criminal charge, such as harassment. Finally, even if the “victim” does not want to go forward with the charges, that decision is not up to them – it is up to the District Attorney who will most likely go forward even without the “victim.”

Who can be charged with Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a charge that can only be applied to certain situations. Domestic violence is defined in the criminal code as: “an act or threatened act of violence against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.” This means anyone who is in or was in, an intimate relationship could be charged with domestic violence if an issue arises between the two. Therefore, individuals who can be charged with Domestic Violence typically include, but are not limited to: a spouse, ex-spouses, same sex couples, parents of a child whom are living together or are not living together.

Possible consequences of a domestic violence charge:

A Domestic Violence charge can carry more consequences than a typical criminal charge. First, being convicted of, or pleading guilty to, domestic violence will most likely prevent the “aggressor” from buying a gun. Even though the underlying charge is not a felony, a domestic violence conviction can result in such a consequence. Second, being convicted of, or pleading guilty to, a domestic violence charge will most likely mean the individual will have to attend domestic violence classes. These classes would be required in addition to any other probation or parole requirements.

Mandatory Protection Orders

In all Domestic Violence cases, a judge will automatically impose a protection order. This is technically called a “mandatory protection order.” This protection order can possibly be in effect until the end of the entire period in which the defendant is under supervision. That means that there could be a protection order during the defendant’s time under probation for the original crime – which can around two years. This means the defendant could be prevented from contacting the “victim” in any shape or form for two years or more.

Types of Domestic Violence Cases we Defend

Assault
Criminal Mischief
False Imprisonment
Harassment
Menacing
Prevention of Phone Services
Stalking
Violation of a Protection Order