Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Domestic Violence Defense Experience
Colorado Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief Defense Attorney
Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Colorado Attorney.
Why Domestic Violence Charges Require Immediate Action
Few charges highlight the intersection of personal conflict and criminal law as much as criminal mischief with a domestic violence enhancement. These cases often arise during heated arguments between spouses, partners, or family members and involve allegations of property damage. Prosecutors in Colorado pursue them aggressively, and the penalties can be severe. Even before a conviction, the accusation alone can damage your reputation, disrupt your family life, and threaten your career.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we know the stakes are high. Our experienced domestic violence criminal mischief defense attorney represents clients in Aurora, Denver, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, and across Colorado. We provide strong, strategic representation designed to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work toward the best possible outcome.
What Is Criminal Mischief Under Colorado Law?
Colorado law defines criminal mischief under C.R.S. 18-4-501 as knowingly damaging the property of another person. This includes property owned jointly, which is why these charges often arise in the context of domestic disputes. Examples include:
Breaking a partner’s phone during an argument.
Damaging shared household property, such as furniture or walls.
Keying or damaging a spouse’s vehicle.
Destroying personal items belonging to a partner.
When these acts involve an intimate partner—a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, or co-parent—the case is charged as criminal mischief with a domestic violence enhancement. This enhancer dramatically increases the consequences of the charge.
Levels of Criminal Mischief in Colorado
The severity of criminal mischief charges depends on the value of the property damage:
Less than $300 – Class 3 misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and $750 in fines.
$300 to $1,000 – Class 2 misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 in fines.
$1,000 to $2,000 – Class 1 misdemeanor, up to 18 months in jail and $5,000 in fines.
$2,000 to $5,000 – Class 6 felony, 12–18 months in prison and fines up to $100,000.
$5,000 to $20,000 – Class 5 felony, 1–3 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
$20,000 to $100,000 – Class 4 felony, 2–6 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.
$100,000 to $1 million – Class 3 felony, 4–12 years in prison and fines up to $750,000.
More than $1 million – Class 2 felony, 8–24 years in prison and fines up to $1 million.
When paired with the domestic violence enhancer, penalties expand further to include mandatory treatment programs, firearm restrictions, and additional probation requirements.
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If you are facing charges, an experienced domestic violence assault defense attorney can make the difference between conviction and freedom. Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief Consequences
The domestic violence enhancer adds significant collateral consequences, even for lower-level property damage cases. Once attached, you may face:
Mandatory Arrest – Police must arrest if they believe probable cause exists.
Protection Orders – Courts issue no-contact orders that may remove you from your home.
Firearm Restrictions – Federal law prohibits firearm ownership after a domestic violence conviction.
Mandatory Treatment – A 36-week counseling program is standard.
Impact on Family Law – Custody and divorce cases can be negatively affected.
Social Stigma – The label of “domestic violence” carries lifelong consequences.
Because these cases escalate quickly, you need a Colorado domestic violence criminal mischief lawyer who can act immediately to protect your rights.
Defenses to Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief Charges
An experienced criminal mischief domestic violence defense attorney will investigate all aspects of your case and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Possible defenses include:
False Allegations – Domestic disputes often lead to exaggerated or fabricated claims.
Lack of Intent – Accidental damage does not meet the legal standard of “knowingly” damaging property.
Ownership Disputes – If the property belongs to you or is jointly owned, the charge may not apply.
Insufficient Evidence – Weak police reports, lack of witnesses, or missing documentation can create reasonable doubt.
Constitutional Violations – Unlawful searches or improper police conduct may lead to evidence being suppressed.
No matter the circumstances, our Colorado domestic violence criminal mischief defense attorney builds strategies tailored to your case and fights for the best possible resolution.
Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm
Not all attorneys have the knowledge or trial experience to handle complex domestic violence cases. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we bring:
Local Court Experience – We appear regularly in Aurora, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, and Denver.
Aggressive Defense – We challenge every piece of evidence, every assumption, and every weakness in the state’s case.
Personalized Strategies – We listen, investigate, and tailor defenses to your specific situation.
Trial Readiness – Prosecutors know we prepare cases for trial, which strengthens your position in negotiations.
Compassionate Representation – We understand the stress and embarrassment these charges bring and provide discreet, professional advocacy.
Hiring an experienced domestic violence criminal mischief defense attorney gives you the best chance to protect your freedom and your future.
Counties We Serve
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we defend individuals facing domestic violence criminal mischief charges in Colorado throughout multiple jurisdictions. Because each county has its own prosecutors, judges, and courtroom rules, local knowledge is invaluable. Our criminal mischief domestic violence defense attorney represents clients in:
Arapahoe County – Cases heard at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial.
Adams County – Defense for charges filed in the Adams County Justice Center in Brighton.
Denver County – Representation at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse in downtown Denver.
Douglas County – Cases handled at the Douglas County Justice Center in Castle Rock.
Jefferson County – Defense provided at the Jefferson County Courts in Golden.
Aurora Municipal & County Jurisdictions – Local representation for Aurora cases that may fall under municipal or county jurisdiction.
Wherever your case is filed, our domestic violence criminal mischief defense attorney is prepared to fight for you.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
Time is critical in domestic violence cases. Protective orders are issued immediately, prosecutors begin building their case without delay, and evidence can disappear quickly. Waiting to hire an attorney only limits your defense options.
If you are facing domestic violence criminal mischief charges in Colorado, the smartest step you can take is contacting an experienced defense lawyer right away.
Call The Lawrence Law Firm Today
An accusation of criminal mischief with a domestic violence enhancement can change your life in an instant. From potential jail or prison time to long-lasting restrictions on your rights, the consequences are severe. You do not have to face them alone.
Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a confidential consultation with an experienced domestic violence criminal mischief defense attorney serving Aurora, Denver, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, Jefferson County, and beyond.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
Contact a Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief Defense Attorney
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