Were you charged with domestic violence in Colorado? If yes, you are likely facing a slew of consequences that could affect you for the rest of your life including job opportunities, custody arrangements, loss of gun rights and more.
The experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Clifton Black, PC are ready to discuss potential penalties, long term effects, and the potential of getting your charges reduced – or dropped altogether.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Colorado defines domestic violence as an act of violence or threatened violence on a person with whom you’re in an intimate relationship. Colorado’s Title 18 Criminal Code § 18-6-800.3 defines an “intimate relationship” as a spouse, former spouse, past or present unmarried couples, or people who are parents of a child together.
Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Colorado
When you are charged with domestic violence, it could be a misdemeanor or a felony. Usually, it’s a misdemeanor. If it is a misdemeanor, you could go to jail or prison for six months to up to 18 months and pay up to $5,000 in fines. If it’s a felony, the time in jail or prison as well as the fines will be more severe.
There are other associated charges with domestic violence, including first-degree assault, second-degree assault, unlawful sexual contact, stalking, false imprisonment, child abuse, and menacing. Domestic violence is escalated from a misdemeanor to a felony when there is serious bodily harm inflicted on the victim, there are previous convictions of domestic violence or additional crimes, or there was a sexual assault.
If you get probation after you’re convicted of domestic violence, you will be required to go to domestic violence classes. Plus, if you’re in the middle of a divorce or child custody battle, domestic violence charges could affect both in a negative way.
Domestic violence convictions can also negatively impact your ability to purchase or possess firearms. The right to bear arms is a significant right that many people do not wish to put in jeopardy by being convicted or charged with domestic violence. If gun rights are extremely important to you, it is important that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid any negative consequences to your gun rights.
Getting Help After Being Charged
Once you’ve been charged with domestic violence, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, you’ll need to call an attorney. While the court may provide a public defender, they are often overwhelmed and won’t be able to give as much attention to your case as it deserves. You deserve an attorney that will prioritize your case and zealously fight for your rights.
The Defense Team at the Law Offices of Clifton Black will help you collect evidence and walk with you during the court process. Our attorneys will advocate for you to either build a self-defense argument and/or prove your innocence. Our team of attorneys and paralegals will pour over evidence brought against you and find inconsistencies in the evidence, such as police misconduct, missing evidence, and more.
Every case is different, which may mean you are looking to obtain the best plea deal the District Attorney’s office is willing to offer. A plea could mean that you plead guilty as charged or agree to a lesser or reduced charge. Our Criminal Defense attorneys are skilled negotiators and never settle for second best when it comes to the plea deals the DA’s like to offer.
If you have been charged with Domestic Violence, the sooner you consult with an attorney, the better. Attorneys Chris Welch and Cheline Schroeder are ready to get started on defending your rights and help you preserve your reputation and your record.
Get in Touch with the Law Offices of Clifton Black
Do you need help with domestic violence charges in Colorado? Make sure you contact the Law Offices of Clifton Black for immediate help. We will work hard on your case in your time of need. Call us now at (719) 328-1616 or book an appointment on our website. We look forward to helping you.
