Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Domestic Violence Defense Experience
Colorado Domestic Violence Attorney
Experienced Criminal Defense for Colorado Domestic Violence Charges
Honest Advice and Aggressive Representation When Facing DV Cases
If you are facing domestic violence charges in Colorado, speaking with an experienced domestic violence defense attorney right away can be critical. A domestic violence case can lead to a mandatory protection order, firearm surrender, strict bond conditions, and serious consequences for your job, family, and future.
Domestic violence cases are treated differently than other criminal charges. Prosecutors pursue them aggressively, and judges impose mandatory conditions from the very first court appearance. Early, strategic intervention can significantly affect the direction of your case.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide focused, aggressive defense for individuals facing domestic violence allegations throughout Colorado, including Aurora, Denver, and surrounding counties. Every case is unique, and we take the time to investigate the evidence, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome.
What is 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 the definition is broad, domestic violence allegations can arise in many situations that do not involve serious physical injury. An experienced Colorado domestic violence defense attorney can evaluate whether the domestic violence enhancement properly applies and challenge overcharging when appropriate.
What is an Intimate Relationship in Domestic Violence?
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
- Other relationships the court may view as romantic or intimate based on duration, frequency, and nature of contact
Whether an intimate relationship exists can become an important legal issue in a domestic violence case, especially when the enhancement is disputed.
Domestic Violence Cases We Handle
Domestic violence charges in Colorado can arise from a wide range of allegations—from minor disputes to serious felony offenses. Our firm defends clients against all types of domestic violence-related charges and builds strategic defenses tailored to the specific facts of each case.
Domestic Violence Assault
Allegations involving physical injury or threats of harm can result in misdemeanor or felony charges with serious consequences.
Second DUI Offense
Harassment charges can stem from repeated contact, arguments, or unwanted touching between intimate partners.
Domestic Violence Stalking
Stalking allegations often involve repeated contact or monitoring and can quickly escalate to felony-level charges.
Domestic Violence Menacing
Menacing involves placing another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, sometimes involving a weapon.
Domestic Violence Criminal Mischief
Damage to property during a domestic dispute can lead to criminal mischief charges enhanced by domestic violence.
DV Interference With Communications
Charges can arise from interfering with a phone call or attempt to contact law enforcement during a domestic situation.
Protect Your Rights
Early action can make a real difference in a domestic violence case. We can review the allegations, explain the likely next steps, and begin building a defense strategy right away.
What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Colorado
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.
What Are The Possible Sentences for Domestic Violence in Colorado
In addition to the immediate consequences after an arrest, a domestic violence conviction in Colorado carries mandatory sentencing requirements that can significantly impact your life. Unlike many other criminal cases, domestic violence charges often come with required conditions—even in cases that do not involve serious physical injury.
Penalties depend on the underlying offense (such as assault, harassment, or menacing), your prior record, and the specific facts of the case. However, most domestic violence convictions include some combination of jail or probation, fines, and strict court-ordered conditions.
One of the most important aspects of sentencing is the requirement to complete a state-approved domestic violence treatment program, which is often a minimum 36-week course. Courts may also impose alcohol monitoring, no-contact orders, and other conditions that can affect where you live, who you can speak to, and your daily routine.
Understanding how sentencing works—and how to potentially minimize those consequences—is critical. You can learn more about the full range of penalties and treatment requirements on our page about domestic violence sentencing and treatment in Colorado.
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Colorado
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 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 defense attorney works with investigators and carefully analyzes witness statements, body camera footage, digital communications, and other evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Why Choose Our Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
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 the Denver Metro Area. 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:
- Denver County Domestic Violence Defense
- Arapahoe County Domestic Violence Defense
- Adams County Domestic Violence Defense
- Douglas County Domestic Violence Defense
- Jefferson County Domestic Violence Defense
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.
Related Domestic Violence Charges
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.
Recent Domestic Violence Defense Blogs
Frequently Asked Questions about Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado
Can the alleged victim drop domestic violence charges in Colorado?
No. In Colorado, the decision to prosecute a domestic violence case belongs to the district attorney—not the alleged victim. Even if the other party wants the case dismissed or refuses to cooperate, prosecutors can move forward using evidence such as 911 calls, body camera footage, and witness statements.
What happens immediately after a domestic violence arrest in Colorado?
After an arrest, you will typically be taken into custody and brought before a judge for your first court appearance. The court will issue a mandatory protection order, often including a no-contact provision, and may set bond conditions such as alcohol monitoring or restrictions on where you can live. These conditions take effect right away.
Will I have to move out of my home after a domestic violence arrest?
In many cases, yes. A mandatory protection order often prevents any contact with the alleged victim, which can mean you are not allowed to return to your home—even if you own it or share it. Violating this order can result in additional criminal charges.
What penalties can result from a domestic violence conviction in Colorado?
Penalties depend on the underlying charge, but often include jail or probation, fines, and mandatory completion of a domestic violence treatment program. Additional consequences can include firearm restrictions, ongoing protection orders, and long-term impacts on employment and housing.
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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Contact Information
Address
2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865
Aurora, CO 80014
Contact
lain@coloradodefenders.com
Ph: 720-369-4929
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Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Weekends and Afterhours
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