Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Domestic Violence Defense Experience
Mandatory Counseling in Colorado Domestic Violence Cases
When someone is convicted of a domestic violence (DV) offense in Colorado, the punishment is not limited to jail, fines, or probation. State law requires mandatory counseling and treatment designed specifically for domestic violence offenders.
Many clients are surprised to learn that these requirements are not optional. Once a DV conviction occurs, judges must order counseling supervised by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB). These programs are strict, time-consuming, and expensive — and failing to complete them can result in jail or probation revocation.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we know how disruptive mandatory DV treatment can be. Our goal is to help clients understand the requirements, fight for reduced penalties, and guide them through compliance while protecting their rights.
Why Is Treatment Required in Colorado DV Cases?
Colorado takes domestic violence cases extremely seriously. The legislature has determined that DV offenses are often part of a pattern of power, control, and coercion. To address this, lawmakers created specialized treatment programs aimed at preventing future violence.
Under C.R.S. § 18-6-801, anyone convicted of a domestic violence offense must complete treatment approved by the DVOMB as part of sentencing. Judges have no discretion to waive this requirement.
Who Decides the Treatment Plan?
Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, Colorado uses a risk and needs assessment process.
At sentencing, defendants are referred for evaluation by a probation officer or treatment provider.
The assessment determines the level of risk (low, moderate, or high).
A treatment plan is created based on risk factors, criminal history, and specific circumstances of the offense.
This process is designed to tailor counseling to the individual while maintaining strict oversight.
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If you have concerns about the Colorado domestic violence treatment requirements, do not hesitate to contact our office. All consultations are free.
What Does Colorado Domestic Violence Treatment Requirements Involve?
1. Intake and Evaluation
The first step is an evaluation by a certified DVOMB provider. This includes reviewing criminal history, substance use, psychological factors, and relationship patterns.
2. Weekly Counseling Sessions
Most participants are required to attend weekly group counseling sessions.
Groups typically consist of 8–12 participants led by certified facilitators.
Sessions focus on accountability, understanding abusive behaviors, and building nonviolent relationship skills.
3. Minimum Length of 36 Weeks
While Colorado law does not set a fixed duration, the minimum course of treatment is 36 weeks. In many cases, participants remain in treatment for 9–12 months or longer depending on progress.
4. Close Supervision by Probation
Probation officers regularly check compliance.
Missing classes, failing drug tests, or violating protection orders can lead to probation revocation.
5. Individualized Goals
Treatment often includes:
Anger management techniques.
Substance abuse education (if relevant).
Parenting classes (if children are involved).
Healthy communication and conflict resolution training.
Costs of DV Treatment
DV counseling is not free. Participants are responsible for paying program costs, which may include:
Intake evaluation fees.
Weekly class fees (often $25–$50 per session).
Drug/alcohol testing fees, if ordered.
Additional therapy or counseling fees.
Over the course of 9–12 months, these costs can add up to thousands of dollars. The Colorado domestic violence treatment requirements can be expensive.
What Happens if You Don’t Complete Treatment?
Failing to complete mandatory DV treatment has serious consequences:
Probation Revocation – Judges may revoke probation and impose jail or prison time.
Additional Charges – Violating probation or court orders can result in new charges.
Extended Counseling – Courts may order participants to restart or extend treatment.
In short, failure to complete treatment makes an already difficult situation much worse.
DV Treatment and Collateral Consequences
Mandatory counseling is only one part of the broader impact of a DV conviction. Defendants also face:
Loss of Firearm Rights – Even a misdemeanor DV conviction results in a lifetime federal gun ban.
Employment Consequences – Some jobs require background checks that reveal DV counseling.
Child Custody Issues – Family courts often factor DV treatment into custody decisions.
Immigration Problems – For non-citizens, DV convictions and mandatory counseling can trigger deportation proceedings.
Can DV Counseling Be Avoided?
The only way to avoid mandatory DV counseling is to avoid a domestic violence conviction in the first place. Possible strategies include:
Case Dismissal – If evidence is insufficient or constitutional rights were violated.
Not Guilty Verdict – At trial, if the jury is not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt.
Diversion Programs – In some counties, first-time offenders may be eligible for pretrial diversion. Successful completion can lead to dismissal without mandatory DV treatment.
Deferred Judgment – Some cases allow charges to be dismissed after probation, avoiding mandatory long-term counseling.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we evaluate every case to find alternatives to conviction or to negotiate reduced penalties.
Defense Strategies in DV Cases
Because Colorado domestic violence treatment requirements is mandatory after conviction, the defense focus is often on avoiding that conviction entirely. Common strategies include:
False Accusations – DV charges are sometimes based on exaggeration or false reports.
Self-Defense – You have the right to protect yourself if attacked.
Lack of Evidence – Many DV cases are based only on one person’s word without corroboration.
Witness Credibility Issues – We challenge inconsistencies and motives to lie.
Challenging Protection Orders – We work to modify orders that unfairly limit contact with children or family.
Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm?
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we know that mandatory DV treatment is one of the harshest consequences of a conviction — dragging on for months, costing thousands of dollars, and affecting every part of life.
We help clients by:
Fighting the charges aggressively to avoid mandatory counseling altogether.
Negotiating alternatives such as diversion or deferred judgment.
Advising on compliance if counseling cannot be avoided.
Protecting your rights in family court where DV treatment is used as evidence.
We understand what is at stake and work to minimize the burden on our clients.
Where We Handle Domestic Violence Cases
Our firm represents clients in domestic violence matters across multiple Colorado counties. Because each county court has its own procedures and expectations, working with a defense attorney familiar with those systems can make a meaningful difference.
Arapahoe County – At the Justice Center in Centennial, prosecutors push DV cases quickly, and judges almost always impose strict protection orders early in the process. Local knowledge is essential to manage these conditions effectively.
Adams County – Hearings take place at the courthouse in Brighton, though municipal courts in Aurora, Thornton, and Commerce City also handle a large volume of misdemeanor domestic violence cases. We understand the nuances of both state and municipal processes.
Douglas County – Domestic violence charges are prosecuted in Castle Rock, where probation and compliance monitoring are taken very seriously. Our defense strategies are tailored to Douglas County’s approach to supervision and sentencing.
Jefferson County – Golden’s courthouse serves cities like Lakewood and Arvada. With specialized probation programs and active DV dockets, clients here benefit from having counsel who knows how the system treats both first-time and repeat allegations.
Denver County – At Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse, Denver assigns domestic violence cases to dedicated prosecutors. This specialization means defendants face an uphill battle without a defense team prepared for aggressive prosecution tactics.
Aurora – Many local cases are charged under Aurora’s municipal code instead of state law. Navigating this court requires experience with its unique rules, sentencing alternatives, and treatment requirements.
From municipal-level cases to felony-level domestic violence charges in district court, our firm brings hands-on experience in every major court along the Front Range.
Take Action Now – Don’t Face DV Penalties Alone
If you are facing domestic violence charges you need to act quickly. A conviction will almost always require Colorado domestic violence treatment requirements, along with jail, probation, and other penalties.
Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will explain your options, fight for your rights, and work to keep you out of long-term mandatory programs.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
Learn More About Colorado Domestic Violence Treatment Requirements
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