Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience
Colorado Assault Defense Attorney
Aggressive Legal Representation for Assault Charges Across the Denver Metro Area
Strategic Criminal Defense for Assault Charges Across the Denver Metro Area
If you’ve been accused of assault in Aurora or the greater Denver Metro Area, the stakes are high. Assault charges can result in jail time, significant fines, probation, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to protect your rights and build a strong defense tailored to your specific situation.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, our Aurora assault defense attorney provides aggressive representation for individuals charged with assault in Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas Counties, as well as Aurora and Denver Municipal Courts and other courts across Colorado. We offer free consultations and are available after hours and on weekends when needed.
What is Assault Under Colorado Law?
In Colorado, “assault” generally refers to the intentional or reckless infliction of bodily injury on another person. Unlike some states that separate assault and battery, Colorado law combines both into a single offense. However, the degree of the charge depends heavily on:
- The seriousness of the injury
- The use of a weapon
- The mental state of the accused
- The relationship between the parties involved
- In situations involving a spouse, partner, or family member, assault allegations are often treated as domestic violence, which carries additional legal consequences beyond the underlying charge.
Types of Assault Charges in Colorado
Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-204 defines assault. It recognizes three degrees of assault under state law:
➤ First-Degree Assault (CRS § 18-3-202)
The most serious form of assault. This involves intentionally causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon or under extreme indifference to human life. It is a Class 3 felony and can carry mandatory prison time.
Learn More about First-Degree Assault.
➤ Second-Degree Assault (CRS § 18-3-203)
This may involve causing injury with a weapon, injuring a peace officer, or using force during the commission of another felony. It’s typically a Class 4 felony, and often considered a crime of violence, triggering mandatory sentencing guidelines.
Learn more about Second-Degree Assault.
➤ Third-Degree Assault (CRS § 18-3-204)
This charge involves causing bodily injury through reckless or negligent conduct, without serious injury or weapons. It’s a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it can still result in up to 18 months in jail.
Learn more about Third-Degree Assault.
Our assault defense attorney is ready to handle any level of assault.
Assault Charges in Municipal Court
In addition to state-level charges, many Colorado cities like Aurora and Denver have their own municipal codes that criminalize assault. These charges are typically less severe than state charges but still carry serious consequences.
For example:
- Municipal assault charges may not require proof of bodily injury—only the intentional or reckless use of force.
- These cases are heard in municipal court, and penalties may include jail, probation, or fines.
- Though less severe, these convictions can still appear on background checks and impact housing, employment, and immigration status.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we regularly appear in Aurora Municipal Court, Denver Municipal Court, and other local jurisdictions. We understand the nuances of city-specific ordinances and know how to navigate the municipal system effectively.
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Speak directly with an Assault Defense Attorney about your case. We’ll review your situation, answer your legal questions, and explain your options — all at no cost and with no obligation.
Factor The Can Elevate or Alter an Assault Charge
Assault charges in Colorado may become more complicated depending on the circumstances of the incident. For example:
- Domestic Violence Enhancer: If the alleged victim is a current or former intimate partner, the assault may be charged as domestic violence. This adds serious consequences, including mandatory protection orders and firearm restrictions. Learn more about how these cases are handled by a Colorado domestic violence attorney or explore defenses specific to domestic violence assault charges.
- Child Victim: If a child is the alleged victim or even present during the incident, the charge may also include child abuse.
- At-Risk Victim: An at-risk victim can cause the case to be upgraded to a felony. At risk victims are defined in the statute and typically are elderly people or disabled individuals.
- Weapon Use: Any object used to cause injury can be classified as a deadly weapon, even if not a firearm.
- Alcohol or Mental Health Factors: These may influence both the defense strategy and sentencing options.
Our assault defense attorney evaluates every detail to determine how your charge was filed and what legal avenues are available for defense or mitigation.
How Are Assault Charges Handled in Colorado Courts?
Assault charges are different from many other criminal offenses due to their fact-specific nature. The court process will often involve:
- Examination of injuries and medical records
- Witness statements and any available video evidence
- The presence or absence of a weapon
- The relationship between the parties
- Any prior history of violence or conflict
Common Defenses Used by Our Assault Defense Attorney
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to defending assault charges. The available defenses depend on what actually happened—and how well the prosecution can prove it.
🔹 Self-Defense
One of the most common defenses. To assert self-defense, you must show that:
- You were being attacked or threatened, and
- You responded with reasonable force under the circumstances.
If you acted in legitimate self-defense, the burden shifts to the prosecution to disprove your claim beyond a reasonable doubt.
🔹 Lack of Intent
For assault charges based on intentional harm, the prosecution must prove you intended to cause injury. If the harm was accidental or unintentional, that may reduce the charge or lead to dismissal.
🔹 Mutual Combat or Provocation
In some situations, both parties may be engaged in a fight. If you were provoked or the incident was mutual, this can affect the legal outcome or reduce the severity of the charge.
🔹 No Injury or Insufficient Evidence
Especially in municipal or third-degree assault cases, the absence of visible injury or credible witnesses may undermine the state’s case.
Potential Penalties for Assault in Colorado
The penalties for assault depend on the degree of the charge and any aggravating circumstances:
- First-Degree Assault: 10–32 years in prison (mandatory minimum if classified as a crime of violence)
- Second-Degree Assault: 5–16 years in prison (mandatory minimum applies)
- Third-Degree Assault: Up to 12 months in jail and fines
- Municipal Assault: Up to 364 days in jail, depending on the city ordinance
The court may also impose:
- Anger management or violence reduction classes
- Alcohol or drug treatment
- Mental health evaluations
- Restitution to the alleged victim
In some cases, preemptive mitigation—such as enrolling in treatment or therapy—can improve the chances of reduced sentencing or favorable plea offers. Our assault defense attorney helps clients prepare and present this type of evidence effectively.
For a complete breakdown of penalties associated with criminal charges in Colorado, see our Sentencing and Penalties guide.
Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm
We know how overwhelming and stressful it is to face criminal charges, especially for something as serious as assault. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we’re committed to providing honest advice and aggressive legal representation. When you work with us, you get:
- ✅ 10+ Years of Experience
- ✅ Direct access to your attorney – no middlemen
- ✅ Individualized defense strategies – not a cookie-cutter approach
- ✅ Representation in Aurora, Denver, Arapahoe County, Adams County, Douglas County, and courts statewide
- ✅ Flexible scheduling – including evenings and weekends
We will evaluate the facts, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Speak with an Experienced Assault Defense Attorney
An assault charge may seem simple on the surface, but building a strong legal defense requires careful review of the facts, legal strategy, and courtroom skill. The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the more options you’ll have.
If you’re facing assault charges in Aurora or the Denver Metro area, don’t delay. Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
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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
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