Domestic Violence

In Colorado, domestic violence can be charged for any criminal offense allegedly committed against a spouse, significant other, or former partner. It does NOT have to involve an allegation of actual physical violence. Domestic violence can be charged for theft, alleged destruction of property, or even verbal disputes. Domestic violence can be charged in municipal, misdemeanor, and felony cases.

A domestic violence conviction has life altering consequences for our clients including employment prohibitions, a lifelong ban from owning and possessing fire arms, and a mandatory domestic violence treatment.

Unfortunately, in Colorado, very little is required for law enforcement to arrest and charge an individual with an act of domestic violence. In fact, if police are called because of a domestic dispute – whether verbal or physical – by law law enforcement is required to arrest at least one party. While the legal standard that the prosecution must meet before a person can be convicted of domestic violence is still proof beyond a reasonable doubt – the arrest itself can have devestating consequences for our clients. Simply being arrested for an alleged act of domestic violence often results in: mandatory jail time at the time of arrest, restrictions of possessing or owning a firearm during the pendancy of the case, the loss of employment because of mandatory reporting obligations in certain professions, and the inability for our clients to return home or even community with the other party, during the pendency of the case, because of a mandatory protection order that the Court is required to issue when domestic violence is charged. , the inabilityfor our clients to return home or even communicate with their spouse, partner etc, during the pendency of the case because of a mandatory protection order.

Being accused of domestic violence is serious. It can adversely affect your freedom, your home, your employment, and your rights to to see your own children. While many domestic violence allegations are ultimately dismissed, experienced legal representation is essential.

At High Country Legal Group, we have both the experience and skill set to ensure that an allegation of domestic violence does not become a life defining event.