When arguments between spouses, intimate partners, or close family members erupt, it can take a lot of time and effort to resolve these disagreements. Emotions can run high, causing one or both people to say things or lash out in unhealthy ways. Although many couples are able to move past their differences, some situations can escalate to the point of threats or turn physical. Incidents of domestic violence continue to occur throughout the country, even though advocacy groups have increased their efforts to spread awareness and connect survivors of domestic abuse with the resources they need to leave harmful or unsafe living situations.
While domestic violence is an unfortunate reality for many people, it’s also important to recognize that allegations of domestic violence can be used as leverage in some instances. For instance, someone may report false allegations of domestic violence against their spouse in order to gain an advantage during the divorce process (such as obtaining a more favorable child custody agreement), or even as revenge to punish their significant other or ex-partner. Our nation’s criminal justice system is built on the principle of the defendant’s presumed innocence until proven guilty; unfortunately, in today’s society, the mere allegation of domestic violence can be potent enough to cause irreparable harm to the defendant’s reputation and relationships.
So, what happens in domestic violence cases when the alleged victim recants or takes back the allegations? With a dedicated and highly experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney by your side, you can explore every possible legal defense strategy to determine the most strategic course of action that keeps your future as bright as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can use this information to defend the accused.
Understanding Domestic Violence Crimes in Colorado
First, it’s helpful to understand how Colorado handles domestic violence-related offenses. Rather than establishing domestic violence as a criminal offense on its own, Colorado treats domestic violence as a more serious allegation than a person with a non-domestic violence charge. The prosecutor may be seeking to increase the punishment from what the prosecutor may be seeking if the charge is not related to domestic violence. For example, if a person is charged with assault, stalking, or any other offense where the victim was an intimate parthern, they will add a domestic violence enhancement. The prosecutor may be seeking a more severe punishment than in a case where the alleged victim has not been a spouse or significant other. For example, a prosecutor could seek increased jail, request the court to impose max fines, and require domestic violence classes. There could also be collateral consequences (secondary consequences) that could affect a person’s parental rights. In addition, these charges can come up in background checks that could affect employment, housing, and benefits.
Depending on the specifics of the situation, you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges. It’s essential to understand that Colorado takes domestic violence allegations seriously, which means that you will be required to stay in jail after your arrest until you can appear before a judge. Also, a protection order will be placed on the accused person, preventing them from returning to a shared home, or having contact with the alleged victim. No matter what happens, consider enlisting the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyer to support you during this overwhelming time and ensure your legal rights are protected at every step of the legal process.
What About False Allegations of Domestic Violence?
Most domestic violence cases rely on the testimony of the alleged victim, as many arguments between spouses or intimate partners happen behind closed doors (in other words, without witnesses). You may be shocked to learn that someone close to you is falsely accusing you of domestic violence, and it’s a natural instinct to want to reach out to them to understand their motivation or try and patch things up. As confused and frustrated as you may feel at this moment, resist the temptation to contact your accuser in any way. In fact, the court will issue a protective order against you that forbids you from attempting to reach the alleged victim in any way. Violating the terms of the protective or no-contact order can lead to significant penalties. However, an experienced attorney may be able to have the protection order modified so the person charged can return to a shared residence and be with their significant other. If you have been accused of domestic violence in Colorado Springs, contact a seasoned criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case and understand your legal defense strategies.
Fighting False Allegations of Domestic Violence in Colorado Springs
If the person who is wrongly accusing you of domestic violence later changes their mind and admits to making false statements, you may assume that the charges against you will be dropped immediately. This is not necessarily the case. Often, in Colorado, a prosecutor will not dismiss the charges merely because the alleged victim is recanting their statements. It’s important to remember that law enforcement is usually skeptical when alleged victims suddenly want to take back their statements, as this may indicate that they are doing so because the regret making the allegations, want to patch things up, or may under duress from the accused. Prosecutors will consider several other factors when assessing the victim’s decision to recant, such as the quality or strength of other evidence supporting domestic violence (i.e., witness testimony from neighbors, evidence of bruising or other injuries the victim suffered, video evidence, 911 calls, police officer statements, damaged property, etc.). In most cases, a judge will only allow a domestic violence case dismissed when prosecutors can make a bona-fide statement in court that insufficient evidence exists to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to evaluate the victims recanting of the statements, and present these to the prosecutor in a way that will increase the likelihood of the case being dismissed. Your highly qualified and experienced Colorado Springs domestic violence defense lawyer will work alongside you at every phase of the criminal justice process to advocate for your best interests at every opportunity. Together, you can focus on building a strong defense based on inconsistencies or lack of evidence in the accuser’s statements to maximize the chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Contact a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been arrested for a domestic violence-related offense, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious about what happens next. Suddenly, you face an uncertain future, and you wonder how this incident will shape the course of your life, which can be daunting.. Whether this is your first brush with the Colorado Springs criminal justice system or you have faced previous allegations, enlisting the help of a trusted and understanding criminal defense attorney is the best action you can take to keep your legal rights and your future as protected as possible. A highly qualified criminal defense attorney can navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocate effectively on your behalf, and work to protect your rights at every turn.
Since 2000, the attorneys with the Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC, have provided reliable and effective criminal defense services to clients and families throughout Colorado Springs and other courts throughout the State. If you are facing domestic violence charges, call our office today at 719-328-1616 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, the facts, and the defesnes with a highly qualified and caring criminal defense lawyer.