Domestic Violence - Domestic Violence Sentencing and Penalties

Colorado Domestic Violence Sentencing and Penalties

Schedule a Free Consultation

Protecting Your Future Against Harsh Domestic Violence Penalties

In Colorado, a domestic violence (DV) accusation can turn your life upside down. Many clients are shocked to learn that DV charges trigger mandatory arrest rules, automatic protection orders, and strict sentencing requirements — even for misdemeanor cases.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we understand the consequences that come with a domestic violence conviction. Our goal is to minimize penalties, challenge unfair allegations, and protect your freedom, your record, and your family relationships.

What Makes Domestic Violence Different in Colorado?

Under C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3, domestic violence is not a standalone crime. Instead, it is a sentence enhancer attached to an underlying offense such as:

  • Assault

  • Harassment

  • Menacing

  • Stalking

  • Criminal mischief (property damage)

  • Violation of protection order

Once DV is attached, the case must follow special court procedures and sentencing rules. These include mandatory counseling and, in many cases, enhanced penalties beyond the base offense.

Mandatory Protection Orders

As soon as you are charged with a DV offense, the court issues a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO) under C.R.S. § 18-1-1001.

  • Prohibits contact with the alleged victim.

  • May force you to move out of your home.

  • Limits communication with children if they are involved.

  • Remains in place until the case is resolved.

Violating this order is a separate crime, punishable by jail, fines, and additional probation conditions.

Request a Free Consultation

Facing a domestic violence conviction in Colorado can bring harsh sentencing and long-lasting penalties that impact every part of your life. Speak with an experienced attorney who understands domestic violence sentencing and penalties to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Get In Touch Today

Penalties for Misdemeanor Domestic Violence

Most DV charges begin as misdemeanors. Colorado reorganized misdemeanor classifications in 2022, leaving two levels:

Class 1 Misdemeanor (DV)

  • Examples: Third-degree assault, unlawful sexual contact, menacing.

  • Penalties:

    • Up to 364 days in county jail.

    • Fines up to $1,000.

    • Probation (up to 2 years).

    • Mandatory DV counseling (36 weeks).

Class 2 Misdemeanor (DV)

  • Examples: Harassment, criminal mischief (property damage under $1,000).

  • Penalties:

    • Up to 120 days in jail.

    • Fines up to $750.

    • Probation with counseling requirements.

Felony Domestic Violence Penalties

DV charges become felonies when tied to a felony-level crime or repeat DV offenses.

Common Felony DV Offenses

  • Felony Assault (C.R.S. § 18-3-202, § 18-3-203)

  • Felony Stalking (C.R.S. § 18-3-602)

  • Felony Criminal Mischief (damage exceeding $1,000)

  • Felony Violation of Protection Orders

  • Strangulation Cases (often charged as felony assault)

Penalties for Felony DV

  • Class 6 Felony: 12–18 months in prison, fines up to $100,000.

  • Class 5 Felony: 1–3 years in prison, fines up to $100,000.

  • Class 4 Felony: 2–6 years in prison, fines up to $500,000.

  • Class 3 Felony: 4–12 years in prison, fines up to $750,000.

Felony DV convictions carry lifetime consequences, including loss of gun rights, difficulty finding work or housing, and restrictions on child custody.

The Habitual Domestic Violence Offender Law

Colorado has a Habitual Domestic Violence Offender statute under C.R.S. § 18-6-801(7).

  • If you have three or more prior DV convictions, a new misdemeanor DV charge can be filed as a Class 5 Felony.

  • This dramatically increases sentencing exposure to 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.

This law makes prior DV convictions extremely dangerous, even if they were minor cases years ago.

Mandatory Domestic Violence Counseling

Colorado requires anyone convicted of a DV offense to complete a state-approved treatment program.

  • Typically 36 weeks of classes (once per week).

  • Conducted by certified providers under the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB).

  • Must be completed as a condition of probation.

Failure to comply with treatment can result in jail time, probation revocation, or additional charges.

Collateral Consequences of a DV Conviction

Beyond jail or probation, DV convictions carry lasting collateral consequences, including:

  • Permanent Firearm Ban – Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence from owning or possessing a gun.

  • Employment Issues – Employers may terminate or refuse to hire based on DV convictions.

  • Housing Problems – Landlords often reject applicants with DV records.

  • Child Custody & Family Court – DV convictions are used against parents in custody disputes.

  • Immigration Consequences – Non-citizens may face deportation or inadmissibility.

These hidden penalties often cause more long-term harm than the criminal sentence itself.

Alternatives to Jail in DV Cases

While Colorado law requires treatment and strict probation conditions, there are alternatives to jail time in many cases:

  • Probation – With DV counseling, community service, and other conditions.

  • Deferred Judgment and Sentence – Charges dismissed if you complete probation successfully.

  • Diversion Programs – In some counties, first-time offenders may qualify for pretrial diversion.

  • In-Home Detention – Electronic monitoring as an alternative to jail.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we push for these alternatives whenever possible to protect our clients from incarceration and long-term damage.

Defense Strategies to Avoid Harsh DV Penalties

Our approach to DV defense is proactive and aggressive. Common strategies include:

  • False Allegations – DV charges are sometimes made to gain leverage in divorce or custody disputes.

  • Self-Defense – You have the right to protect yourself if attacked.

  • Lack of Evidence – Many DV cases lack witnesses or physical evidence.

  • Witness Credibility Issues – Inconsistencies, motives, and bias can weaken the prosecution’s case.

  • Negotiating for Diversion or Deferred Judgment – Even if evidence exists, alternatives may keep your record clean.

Our attorneys challenge the prosecution’s case at every stage, working to reduce or eliminate penalties.

Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm?

At sentencing, your future is on the line. You need a lawyer who understands Colorado domestic violence sentencing and penalties and how to fight for alternatives.

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we bring:

  • Extensive experience defending domestic violence cases in Aurora and across the Denver Metro Area.

  • Aggressive advocacy to challenge unfair charges and sentencing enhancements.

  • Knowledge of local courts in Arapahoe, Adams, Denver, and Jefferson Counties.

  • Personalized strategies tailored to your circumstances.

We fight to protect your freedom, your family, and your future.

Areas We Serve

At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide aggressive defense for clients across Colorado who are facing domestic violence sentencing and penalties. Because every county has its own judges, prosecutors, and courtroom procedures, local experience is essential to protecting your rights. Our firm 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 – Representation for Aurora cases that may fall under municipal court or county jurisdictions depending on the charge.

Wherever your case is filed, our team is prepared to challenge the evidence, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome in the face of Colorado’s strict domestic violence sentencing and penalties.

Take Action Now – Protect Your Future

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Colorado, do not wait. The sentencing process moves quickly, and mandatory penalties can be life-changing.

Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will explain the sentencing and penalties you may face, explore alternatives to jail, and fight aggressively for the best possible outcome.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Areas of Practice

Protect Your Rights

Service Areas

  • Denver County
  • Arapahoe County
  • Adams County
  • Douglas County
  • Jefferson County

Colorado Domestic Violence Sentencing and Penalites

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

Name(Required)
Please let us know how we can help. Someone from our office will reach out shortly.