Domestic Violence Lawyer in El Paso County

Domestic violence is a frequent sentence enhancer that can apply to any criminal offense. It is often charged alongside stalking, assault, and menacing. A former NFL Superbowl MVP was arrested over the weekend on a domestic violence assault charge. Authorities responded to an alleged altercation between the former NFL quarterback and his wife at an intersection in the town where they live. Any allegations like this require contacting a skilled domestic violence lawyer.

What is Domestic Violence in Colorado Springs?

Domestic violence isn’t a crime itself. It functions as an add-on to other offenses that include violence as means of coercion, punishment, or control of another person. C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 defines domestic violence in El Paso County Colorado. A man or woman can face domestic violence charges when in addition to committing a crime, they:

perform an act of violence,
threaten an act of violence,
upon someone they’re in a an intimate relationship with,
or were previously in an intimate relationship with

The term intimate relationship applies to spouses, former spouses, girlfriend / boyfriend, anyone someone has dated, as well as parents of the same child. While a current or former sexual relationship fits under the umbrella of intimate relationship, sex doesn’t have to have occurred to meet the definition.

What Are the Penalties for Domestic Violence in El Paso County?

Up front, Colorado’s mandatory arrest laws mean that anyone suspected of domestic violence will be taken into custody, regardless of an alleged victim’s wishes. Additionally, a protection order will be immediately put in place that will limit contact with the alleged victim. It may even prohibit a defendant’s ability to return home after release. Other penalties in terms of incarceration or fines depend on the underlying crime that included domestic violence. If convicted, additional punishments can include completion of a domestic violence treatment program, prohibited firearm possession, and also restraining / protection orders. Four criminal convictions involving domestic violence results is a class 5 felony, as well as the habitual domestic violence offender label.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a DV Charge?

Consulting an experienced domestic violence lawyer early on can have an especially large impact on the outcome of a DV case. There are intricacies and vital details in these cases that require particularly careful analysis from a reputable criminal defense attorney. Perhaps a neighbor misunderstood a situation or your former partner is fabricating an accusation. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation. Our expert defense lawyers will hear your side of the situation and offer productive next steps. We have decades of combined experienced representing clients facing domestic violence charges throughout the state of Colorado.