People in Douglas County, Colorado can face domestic violence harassment charges if they purposefully trouble a current or former significant other. Spouses, an ex, or co-parents of the same child are up against jail time, fines, and a protection order if they lose their cool or distress specific people. Because harassment has such a broad definition, many acts between intimate partners can be legally problematic. With many forms of communication at our fingertips, it’s best to watch what you send to those you’ve been intimate with. Below we discuss DV harassment in further detail and how we can help you with your unique case.

Douglas County DV Harassment Law

Douglas County’s domestic violence harassment law prohibits behavior meant to harass, annoy, or alarm a current or previous intimate partner. CRS 18-9-111 defines harassment specifically in Colorado. You commit DV harassment in Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch if you:

• intending to harass, annoy, or alarm a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, ex, or co-parent,
  • strike, shove, or kick them,
  • use obscenities toward them in public,
  • use obscene language over the phone or online,
  • follow them in public,
  • commit acts of cyberbullying,
  • threaten injury or property damage,
  • repeatedly try to communicate with them over the phone or online,
  • taunt them to provoke a violent reaction

Domestic violence isn’t its own charge. It’s a sentence enhancer added to the underlying crime. A DV enhancement wouldn’t be added to harassment against those in a platonic relationship like friends, colleagues, or roommates.

What are the Consequences of Domestic Violence Harassment?

Harassment itself is a class 3 misdemeanor in Douglas County. Conviction can result in:

• up to 180 days in county jail,
• a maximum fine of $750

With the DV enhancement, however, defendants face a mandatory arrest policy at the onset of the allegation. Additionally, a protection order is often put in place that limits contact and communication with the alleged victim. These penalties can negatively alter family life and living situations, further complicating the matter.

Douglas County’s Best Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Just because you’re facing an accusation of domestic violence harassment doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Sometimes former lovers are vengeful toward one another and fabricate accusations to try and get even. Our domestic violence attorneys are determined in their pursuit of your best possible outcome when facing DV allegations. Perhaps harassment didn’t happen, there wasn’t intent to torment anyone, or the allegations are false. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation with one of our skilled defense attorneys. We will carefully look over your unique case, as well as recommend next steps in your defense.

So, if you or someone you know is facing DV harassment allegations, proceed carefully. Contact the strategic criminal defense team at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-265-1950. Don’t talk to the police – talk to us.

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