Colorado Domestic Violence Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense for Colorado Domestic Violence Charges

Honest Advice and Aggressive Representation When Facing DV Cases

If you have been accused of domestic violence in Colorado, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. A conviction or even an arrest can impact your reputation, your job, your ability to see your children, and your right to own a firearm.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we understand the high stakes involved in these cases. That’s why our Colorado domestic violence attorney provides personalized, strategic, and aggressive representation for clients across Aurora, Denver, and surrounding areas.

We know that no two criminal cases are alike. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, or municipal charge, we will take the time to listen to your story, investigate the allegations, and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Colorado?

Many people are surprised to learn that domestic violence is not a standalone crime in Colorado. Instead, it is classified as a sentence enhancer that applies to other criminal charges if those acts are committed against a person with whom you have—or previously had—an intimate relationship.

This means that charges such as harassment, assault, criminal mischief, trespassing, or even threats can carry the “domestic violence” label if the alleged victim is a current or former partner.

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-6-800.3 defines domestic violence as:

“An act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.”

The statute also expands the definition to include:

Any crime against property, including personal items or even animals
Acts committed to coerce, control, punish, intimidate, or seek revenge against the alleged victim
Municipal ordinance violations, which are city-level charges, not classified as felonies or misdemeanors

Because of this broad definition, domestic violence can be alleged in a wide range of scenarios—many of which do not involve any physical violence.

Our Colorado domestic violence attorney is extremely familiar with all that goes into a dv case.

What Is an Intimate Relationship?

Under Colorado law, the term “intimate relationship” has a very specific meaning, even if it sounds straightforward. It goes beyond a casual friendship or a one-time encounter. The courts define an intimate relationship as a romantic connection, regardless of whether it was ongoing or has ended.

Factors used to determine an intimate relationship include:

The length of the relationship
The nature of the connection (emotional or romantic vs. purely sexual)
The frequency of contact between the individuals
Whether the parties have a child in common

Examples of an intimate relationship include:

Spouses or ex-spouses
Boyfriends or girlfriends, current or former
Co-parents, even if the relationship is no longer romantic
Religious couples who have not engaged in sexual activity

The key point is that once an intimate relationship is legally established, the domestic violence designation can apply—even if the relationship has ended.

Take Action Today Protect Your Rights

Our Colorado Domestic Violence attorney is here to help. We’ll review your situation, answer your legal questions, and explain your options — all at no cost and with no obligation.

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Why Domestic Violence Charges Are Treated Differently

If you are accused of a crime involving domestic violence, your case will follow a different legal process compared to non-DV charges. These cases receive special attention from prosecutors and judges, and there are mandatory consequences from the moment you’re arrested.

Here are a few key differences:

Mandatory Protection Orders

A domestic violence charge in Colorado triggers an automatic mandatory protection order, often referred to as a “restraining order.” This order may:

Prevent you from contacting the alleged victim
Require you to move out of your own home
Limit or eliminate your access to children or shared property

Violating this order can result in additional criminal charges, even if the alleged victim initiates contact.

Firearm Surrender (Brady Act Compliance)

If you are charged with a DV-related offense, you are legally required to surrender all firearms and ammunition. This is mandated by both Colorado law and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.

You must relinquish all guns within 24 to 72 hours
You may be permanently prohibited from owning firearms if convicted

This has serious implications for anyone in law enforcement, the military, or jobs that require firearm possession.

GPS Monitoring and Other Pretrial Conditions

In some cases, the court may order you to wear a GPS ankle monitor, especially if there are allegations of stalking or repeated threats. Additional bond conditions may include:

Substance abuse testing or treatment
Mandatory check-ins with pretrial services

No return to the shared residence, even if you’re the leaseholder or homeowner.

A Colorado domestic violence attorney can seek to modify part of these protection orders.

Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

The impact of a domestic violence conviction often extends far beyond the courtroom. In fact, many of the most damaging consequences occur outside of the criminal justice system.

Some of the most common long-term effects include:

Loss of gun rights (even for misdemeanor convictions)
Difficulty finding housing due to DV on your criminal record
Employment consequences, especially in education, law enforcement, or healthcare
Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including potential deportation
Impact on child custody or visitation rights

Even municipal ordinance violations labeled as DV can carry this stigma and legal weight. Our Colorado domestic violence attorney handles cases in municipal and county courts.

Common Domestic Violence Charges We Handle

At The Lawrence Law Firm, our experienced domestic violence defense attorney represents clients facing a wide range of charges in Colorado. Because domestic violence is a sentencing enhancer rather than a standalone offense, prosecutors can attach it to many different crimes involving an intimate partner. Some of the most common charges we defend include:

Domestic Violence Assault – Allegations of physical harm or threats against a spouse, partner, or co-parent can result in assault charges with harsh penalties.
Domestic Violence Harassment – Repeated unwanted contact, texts, calls, or minor physical contact may be charged as harassment, but with a domestic violence enhancement, the consequences increase significantly.
Domestic Violence Stalking – Repeated following, monitoring, or threatening an intimate partner can lead to felony stalking charges, carrying long prison terms when combined with a domestic violence label.
Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief – Damaging property, even jointly owned property, during a dispute can result in criminal mischief charges with severe penalties based on the value of the damage.
Interference with Telephonic Communication – Preventing a partner from making a call, especially to law enforcement or 911, is a Class 1 misdemeanor and becomes more serious when enhanced by domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Menacing – Placing a partner in fear of imminent serious bodily injury—whether through threats, gestures, or weapons—can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.

No matter the charge, our team understands how Colorado prosecutors build domestic violence cases and how to fight them. With mandatory arrests, protective orders, firearm restrictions, and mandatory counseling all at stake, working with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney can make all the difference in protecting your freedom and your future.

Common Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges

Every case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the specific facts, evidence, and background. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we take a tailored approach to every client’s case. Some of the most effective defenses include:

➤ Insufficient Evidence

In criminal cases, the burden is on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are no witnesses, no injuries, or conflicting accounts, we may argue that the evidence is simply not strong enough to support a conviction.

➤ False Allegations

In emotionally charged relationships, accusations are sometimes made out of anger, jealousy, or during divorce proceedings. Our firm is skilled at uncovering the motives behind false allegations and highlighting inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.

➤ Self-Defense

Colorado law recognizes your right to defend yourself. If you used reasonable force to prevent harm to yourself or another person, you may have a valid affirmative defense under the law.

➤ Lack of Intimate Relationship

If the alleged victim does not meet the legal definition of an intimate partner, then the domestic violence sentence enhancer should not apply.

Our Colorado domestic violence attorney works with investigators and, in some cases, communicate with the alleged victim to clarify misunderstandings or overreach by law enforcement.

Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm?

Domestic violence allegations can turn your life upside down, even before you’re convicted of anything. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal system with confidence. Our Aurora domestic violence attorney provides:

✅10+ Years Experience handling domestic violence cases
✅Direct communication with your attorney—not just a case manager
✅ After-hours and weekend availability when needed
✅ Aggressive courtroom advocacy and skilled negotiations
✅ Representation in Aurora, Denver, Douglas, Arapahoe County, Adams County, and courts throughout Colorado

We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. We provide custom legal strategies designed around your goals, your story, and your future.

Counties We Serve

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide skilled and aggressive representation for clients accused of domestic violence throughout Colorado. Every county court system operates differently, with its own judges, prosecutors, and procedures, so having a lawyer familiar with the local courts can make a real difference. Our experienced domestic violence defense attorney represents clients in:

No matter where your case is filed, our domestic violence defense attorney is committed to protecting your rights, challenging the evidence, and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Speak With a Colorado Domestic Violence Attorney Today

If you’re facing a domestic violence charge in Colorado, do not face it alone. Time is critical, and early intervention from a skilled attorney can make all the difference in your case.

Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation. We will explain your rights, assess your case, and develop a plan to defend your freedom and your future.

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Areas of Practice

Service Areas

Denver County
Arapahoe County
Adams County
Douglas County
Jefferson County

Speak with Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Today

Contact Information

Address

2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865 Aurora, CO 80014

Contact

lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment