- Fax: 720-918-2906
- 11990 Grant Street, Suite 550, Northglenn, CO 80233
Denver Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
Compassionate Defense for Complex Cases
Free Consultation Call 24/7
720-209-1469
We Provide Strong Defense and Protect Your Future
Important: Colorado has mandatory arrest policies and fast-track procedures for domestic violence cases. Protective orders are automatically issued, and violations can result in additional charges even if the original case is dismissed.
Domestic Violence Charges Can Destroy Your Life
If you’re facing domestic violence charges, you’re probably feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and scared. These charges can lead to life-altering consequences that affect your freedom, your family relationships, and your future. Even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges, the state will likely prosecute you anyway.
At Beck Law Office, we understand that domestic violence cases are often complex situations involving family dynamics, relationship conflicts, and emotional circumstances. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Attorney Lori Beck knows how these cases are prosecuted and what defenses work best. We provide compassionate representation while building an aggressive defense to protect your rights and your future.
— Understanding Domestic Violence Law in Colorado —
Professional Expertise
Colorado's Legal Definition
Domestic Violence is "an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship."
What Constitutes an "Intimate Relationship"
Colorado's definition is extremely broad and includes:
- Spouses and former spouses
- Past or present unmarried couples (including dating relationships)
- Persons who are both parents of the same child (regardless of whether they were married or lived together)
Types of Conduct That Qualify
Domestic violence includes:
- Physical violence and threats of physical harm
- Emotional and verbal abuse used for control
- Sexual violence or coercion
- Threats against property or animals when used as methods of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge
Common Criminal Charges Associated with Domestic Violence
When domestic violence is alleged, you’ll face underlying criminal charges that carry the domestic violence enhancer. The domestic violence designation can significantly increase penalties and create additional consequences beyond the underlying criminal charge.
Violent Offenses
- Assault (first, second, or third degree)
- Menacing (creating fear of imminent harm)
- Sexual assault or sexual contact
Property and Family Offenses
- Destruction of property (damaging belongings)
- False imprisonment (restraining someone against their will)
- Child abuse or elder abuse
- Violation of protection orders
- Abuse of animals/pets
Non-Violent Control Behaviors
- Harassment (verbal threats or unwanted contact)
- Stalking (following, threatening, or intimidating behavior)
- Disorderly conduct (fighting, threats, or unreasonable noise)
Colorado’s Electronic Protective Order Registry
- Once a protection order is issued, you’re entered into a statewide database accessible to all police
- Any contact with the protected person can result in immediate arrest
- Police are authorized to take whatever action necessary to enforce the order
- The order remains active until modified or dismissed by a judge
Protection Orders
Automatic and Mandatory
Types of Protection Orders in Colorado
Criminal Protection Orders
- Automatically issued when you're arrested for domestic violence
- Mandatory if police or judges suspect domestic violence
- Enforceable immediately upon issuance
Civil Protection Orders
- Initiated by the alleged victim through civil court
- Can be temporary or permanent
- May include additional restrictions beyond criminal orders
Mandatory Arrest and Protection Order Policy
Colorado law requires law enforcement to:
- Arrest you if they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred
- Issue a criminal protection order in all domestic violence cases
This happens even if:
- The alleged victim doesn't want to press charges
- The alleged victim changes their mind
- The alleged victim admits they made false accusations
- There's minimal evidence of actual violence
Protection Order Consequences
Immediate Effects
- No contact with the alleged victim
- Removal from shared residence (even if you own it)
- Restrictions on child contact if children are included
- Entry into electronic registry accessible by all law enforcement
- Removal of gun rights
Violation Penalties
- Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 364 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Additional charges even if the original case is dismissed
Why Domestic Violence Cases Are Different
Mandatory Aggressive Prosecution
The state prosecutes these cases aggressively, even when:
- The alleged victim doesn’t want to cooperate
- The alleged victim recants their statements
- Evidence is minimal or contradictory
- The case appears to be a misunderstanding
Fast-Track Procedures
Colorado courts use “fast-track” procedures for domestic violence cases, meaning:
- Rapid court scheduling with little time to prepare
- Pressure to accept plea deals quickly
- Limited time for thorough investigation and defense preparation
Unique Challenges
- Victim Cooperation Issues: Alleged victims may be reluctant to testify, may recant statements, or may want the case dismissed
- Family Dynamics: Cases often involve ongoing relationships, children, shared assets, and complex emotional situations
- Evidence Problems: Many cases rely heavily on statements made during emotional, chaotic situations
- Bias: Prosecutors and judges may assume guilt based on the nature of the charges
Consequences of Domestic Violence Convictions
Why These Consequences Matter
Domestic violence convictions cannot be sealed in Colorado unless the case is dismissed entirely. This means the conviction will appear on background checks for employment, housing, and other opportunities for the rest of your life.
Long-Term Consequences
- Jail or prison time depending on underlying charges
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Mandatory domestic violence treatment programs
- Probation with strict conditions and regular check-ins
Defense of Others
- Permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing
- Loss of gun rights under federal and state law
- Professional license impacts for licensed professionals
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Family and Personal Impact
- Child custody restrictions or loss of parental rights
- Restraining orders affecting where you can live and work
- Social stigma and damaged relationships
- Financial consequences from legal fees, fines, and lost income
Our Defense Strategies
Domestic Violence Cases
Defense Strategies in Domestic Violence Cases
Challenging the Evidence
- Inconsistent Statements: We examine all statements made by the alleged victim, witnesses, and police to identify contradictions
- Physical Evidence Analysis: We scrutinize medical records, photographs, and physical evidence for inconsistencies
- Recording Analysis: We obtain and analyze 911 calls, police body camera footage, and any other recordings
Constitutional Defenses
- Illegal Searches: We challenge evidence obtained through unlawful searches of your home, phone, or person
- Miranda Violations: We identify cases where police failed to properly advise you of your rights
- Due Process Violations: We challenge cases where proper procedures weren't followed
Self-Defense Claims
- Protecting Yourself: Colorado law allows you to defend yourself from imminent harm
- Defense of Others: You can legally defend children or other family members from violence
- Castle Doctrine: You have enhanced rights to defend yourself in your own home
Challenging the Relationship Element
- No Intimate Relationship: We challenge whether the alleged victim relationship qualifies under Colorado law
- Timing Issues: We examine whether any intimate relationship existed at the time of the alleged incident
Alternative Explanations
- Accidents: Many injuries in domestic situations are accidental rather than intentional
- False Accusations: We investigate motives for false accusations, including custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or revenge
- Third-Party Involvement: We explore whether injuries were caused by someone else
What We Do for Domestic Violence Clients
Immediate Protection
- Emergency Bond Hearings: We work to get you released from jail quickly and on reasonable bond terms
- Protection Order Modification: We seek modifications to allow necessary contact for work, children, or property issues
- Temporary Orders: We help establish temporary arrangements for children, support, and property access
Thorough Investigation
- Independent Investigation: We conduct our own investigation rather than relying solely on police reports
- Witness Interviews: We interview all potential witnesses to get their complete stories
- Expert Consultation: We work with medical experts, psychologists, and other professionals when beneficial
Aggressive Advocacy
- Plea Negotiations: We negotiate for reduced charges, dismissed cases, or deferred judgment agreements
- Trial Preparation: We’re prepared to take your case to trial when that serves your best interests
- Sentencing Advocacy: If conviction is unavoidable, we fight for minimal penalties and alternative sentencing
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Cases
Do police have to arrest someone if there is probable cause for domestic violence in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado has a mandatory arrest policy requiring law enforcement to make an arrest when they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred. Unfortunately, police sometimes claim probable cause exists and let the courts sort it out later, leading to unnecessary arrests.
What should I do if I've been arrested for domestic violence?
Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with police, jail staff, or anyone else. Contact Beck Law Office as soon as possible to begin building your defense and protecting your rights.
What if the accuser doesn't want to press charges?
The state can still prosecute you even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges. Colorado has mandatory prosecution policies for domestic violence cases, meaning prosecutors will often proceed without victim cooperation using other evidence like 911 calls, witness statements, or physical evidence.
What is a "fast-track" procedure and how does it relate to domestic violence charges?
Fast-track procedures expedite domestic violence cases through the court system with rapid scheduling and pressure to resolve cases quickly. This gives less time for defense preparation but can sometimes work in your favor if the prosecution isn’t fully prepared either.
How can a criminal defense lawyer help in domestic violence cases?
An experienced attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, modify protection orders, and build strong defenses. We understand the unique challenges of domestic violence cases and know how to navigate the mandatory policies and procedures that work against defendants.
What can be done about the protection order?
We can request modifications to protection orders to allow necessary contact for work, children, or property issues. In some cases, we can seek dismissal of protection orders if they were improperly issued or if circumstances have changed significantly.
What if my children are listed on the protection order?
Protection orders affecting children can severely impact your parental rights. We work to modify these orders to allow appropriate contact and visitation while ensuring compliance with court requirements. Family court proceedings may be necessary to establish custody and visitation arrangements.
Don't Face Domestic Violence Charges Alone
Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences that can affect every aspect of your life. The mandatory arrest policies, fast-track procedures, and prosecution bias mean you’re fighting an uphill battle from the moment you’re arrested.
You need an experienced advocate who understands these complex cases and knows how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Don’t let a misunderstanding, false accusation, or moment of poor judgment destroy your future.
The consequences are too high to face these charges without experienced legal representation. We can help you get a dismissal, negotiate a favorable plea deal, or take your case to trial if that serves your best interests.
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