Domestic violence is the well-known “sentence enhancer” in Jefferson County that has the potential to amplify consequences in many criminal cases. Typically, domestic violence is added to offenses such as harassment, stalking, menacing, or assault as a means of increasing punishments and pleasing activist groups throughout Colorado. Consulting a skilled domestic violence defense lawyer early on is particularly essential, potentially resulting in reduced ramifications or even dismissal.

What is Domestic Violence in Jefferson County?

C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 defines domestic violence in Colorado. Someone commits this offense in Lakewood when they perform:

• an act or threatened act of violence against someone with whom they are or were in an intimate relationship,
• including any other crimes against a person, property, or animal,
• as a method of coercion, control, intimidation, punishment, or revenge

It is important to note that the term intimate relationship covers a particularly great deal of interactions. Spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, and also parents of the same child all apply to this definition. With this vast number of connections constituting an intimate relationship, domestic violence charges are especially easy to manufacture.

Intimate Relationship Details | Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Circumstances often exist where domestic violence charges come about, yet no violence occurred. If someone is in an intimate relationship and does something as minute as hiding a belonging of the other person, charges can ensue. Another common misconception is that an intimate relationship always involves sex. While it may seem absurd, attending even one date in Golden with someone can be understood as an intimate relationship. Sadly, prosecutors will often push domestic violence cases toward a conviction as quickly as possible, leaving a defendant little to not time to obtain representation.

Sentencing for Domestic Violence in Jefferson County, CO

The specific ramifications of a domestic violence conviction depend on the underlying crime. Additional consequences of the domestic violence enhancer can include:

• completion of a domestic violence treatment program,
• prohibited firearm ownership,
• protection orders preventing contact with the victim(s)

If a defendant has 3 prior convictions involving domestic violence, another violation can lead to a class 5 felony and the habitual domestic violence offender label. Additional sentencing punishments on top of the underlying crime can include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, as well as a fine of $1,000 – $100,000. Finally, violating the protection order in place in a domestic violence case is a misdemeanor offense. Possible consequences can include up to 18 months in county jail and also a fine of up to $5,000.

If you or someone you know is facing charges involving domestic violence, be smart. Contact the highly rated defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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