Top-Rated Denver Defense Attorneys for Domestic Violence Cases

Don’t Face Domestic Violence Charges Alone

At MBS Law, we provide top-notch legal representation for all types of domestic violence charges. We understand that every case is unique, and we work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy that will give you the best possible outcome. Our team is committed to protecting your rights, reputation, and freedom, and we will be with you through every step of the legal process.

Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado

Domestic violence is a sentencing enhancer that can be attached to all sorts of other crimes. For example, vandalizing the property of someone you have an intimate relationship with may be considered a form of domestic violence. Domestic violence can also be attached to an assault and battery charge, which is perhaps the domestic violence scenario that people are most familiar with. Learn more about the types of domestic charges in Colorado below.

Please note that, according to CRS 18-6-800.3(2), the definition of “intimate partner” is as follows: “a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.”

Assault: Domestic violence assault charges involve inflicting knowing or reckless bodily injury to a current or former intimate partner, or threatening them with imminent bodily injury.
Child Abuse: Any act of violence or mistreatment against a child by a current or former intimate partner, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Criminal Mischief: Intentionally damaging or destroying the property of a current or former intimate partner.
False Imprisonment: Involves intentionally restricting the freedom of movement of a current or former intimate partner without their consent.
Habitual Domestic Violence: Repeated acts of domestic violence committed by the same person against a current or former intimate partner. This charge may result in enhanced penalties.
Harassment: Knowingly striking, threatening, or following a current or former intimate partner in a way that causes them distress or alarm.
Menacing: Placing a current or former intimate partner in fear of imminent serious bodily injury by threat or physical action.
Sexual Contact: Refers to any intentional touching of intimate body parts of a current or former intimate partner without their consent.
Stalking: Intentionally contacting, threatening, following, or watching a current or former intimate partner in a way that causes them fear or distress.
Violation of Protection Order (VPO): Violating the terms and conditions of a court-issued protection order that was issued to protect a current or former intimate partner.
Violation of Restraining Order (VRO): Knowingly violating the terms and conditions of a court-issued restraining order that was issued to protect a current or former intimate partner.

Everyone deserves a fair trial, no matter what the circumstances. If you have been charged with a domestic violence related crime in the Denver Metro Area, our attorneys are here to listen and support you throughout your case.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Domestic violence is an enhancement, meaning that the punishment depends on the specific charge. Common consequences include the following:

Fines and Incarceration: Depending on the severity of the abuse, domestic violence may be punishable by a few months in jail or a few years in prison, as well as hefty fines.
Domestic Violence Evaluation & Classes: When someone is convicted of domestic violence, they must undergo an evaluation, which determines the number of DV-specific counseling classes they must take. Thirty six hours of counseling is normally the minimum required for a first offense.
Revocation of Firearm Rights: Under federal law, individuals convicted of domestic violence cannot legally own firearms. If you have a skilled lawyer by your side, you may be able to get the domestic violence enhancer removed from your charge.

If you are facing a domestic violence charge, consider hiring an experienced domestic violence attorney who can help get your sentence reduced. Contact MBS Law today to learn more.

Domestic Violence: Mandatory Arrest in Colorado

In the State of Colorado, domestic violence is an offense that merits mandatory arrest. This means that if an officer has reason to believe that an individual has committed an act of domestic violence, the officer is obligated to arrest the suspect. Also, contrary to popular belief, a victim of domestic violence cannot merely “drop charges” against an abuser. The district attorney may decide to go forward with the case even if the victim doesn’t want to.

What Does a Protection Order in Colorado Entail?

Protection orders are legal orders issued by a court to protect individuals who are victims of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or other forms of abuse. A domestic violence charge in Colorado triggers an automatic mandatory protection order. If you have an active protection order against you, you are prohibited from having contact or communication with the alleged victim.

There are three different types of protection orders in Colorado:

Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs): TPOs are usually issued on an emergency basis and are temporary in nature, typically lasting for a short period of time until a court hearing can be held.
Mandatory Protection Orders (MPOs): MPOs are automatically issued at the initial appearance in a criminal case and contain certain conditions/restrictions, including prohibiting contact with the alleged victim. MPOs last as long as the criminal case remains open/active.
Permanent Protection Orders (PPOs): PPOs are issued after a court hearing and are permanent. While there is a provision allowing for a person to petition the court for dismissal, this is only permitted after 7 years.

Violation of a protection order in Colorado is a serious offense and can result in criminal charges, including contempt of court, misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the nature of the violation. First-time violations can warrant the following penalties:

Up to 364 days in jail
Up to $1000 in fines

It is crucial to comply with the terms and conditions of a protection order to avoid legal consequences.

Protection Orders vs. Restraining Orders: What’s the Difference?

Protection orders and restraining orders exist for the same primary purpose: to keep an alleged offender away from an alleged victim. However, while the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences in their scope and application.

Protection orders are automatically imposed against an offender in criminal cases involving domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or other forms of abuse. These orders are issued by a criminal court to provide immediate protection to a victim and may prohibit contact and communication, along with other protective measures.
Restraining orders are typically issued in the context of a civil case, such as a divorce or child custody dispute. These orders are intended to restrict certain behaviors or actions from one party against another and may also include provisions surrounding contact, communication, and behavior.

Both restraining orders and protection orders are legally binding and enforceable by law. Violating the terms of either can have serious legal repercussions, including criminal charges and penalties.

Helping Clients Throughout the Denver Metro Area

Practice Areas

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer to Assist in Your Domestic Violence Case

Legal Expertise

Domestic violence cases can be complex, involving intricate legal nuances and procedures. Hiring MBS Law ensures that you have a legal team by your side to provide you with expert guidance throughout the process.

Protection of Your Rights

MBS Law can advocate on your behalf, no matter what the circumstances. We will ensure that your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the entirety of the process.

Strong Defense Strategy

Our skilled attorneys will develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique case. We will analyze any evidence and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to secure the best possible outcome.

Knowledge of Domestic Violence Laws

Domestic violence laws in Colorado are complex and ever-changing. We have up-to-date knowledge of the latest laws, regulations, and legal precedents to build the strongest possible case.

Emotional Support

Domestic violence cases are emotionally challenging, with the potential to impact your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Our team can provide you with emotional support, compassion, and understanding throughout the process.

Mitigation of Consequences

Domestic violence charges in Colorado can carry severe penalties. The attorneys at MBS Law can work to mitigate potential consequences by negotiating for reduced charges and exploring alternative sentencing options.

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Top-Rated Denver Defense Attorneys for Domestic Violence Cases

Don’t Face Domestic Violence Charges Alone

Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

Domestic Violence: Mandatory Arrest in Colorado

What Does a Protection Order in Colorado Entail?

Protection Orders vs. Restraining Orders: What’s the Difference?

Helping Clients Throughout the Denver Metro Area

Practice Areas

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer to Assist in Your Domestic Violence Case

Legal Expertise

Protection of Your Rights

Strong Defense Strategy

Knowledge of Domestic Violence Laws

Emotional Support

Mitigation of Consequences

Helping Clients Throughout the Denver Metro Area

Practice Areas

Seeking legal assistance for a criminal case? Contact us today.

Assistance Contact Us Form

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