Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is defined as a threat or act of violence committed by one partner toward another partner in an intimate relationship. Colorado Revised Statutes define an intimate relationship as a relationship between spouses, two people who are the parents of the same child, former spouses, unmarried couples, or former couples. This extremely broad definition can result in domestic violence charges being added to other charges where it is not really appropriate.  While each state has its own penalties for domestic violence, it is a very complicated area of the law in Colorado and proves to be much stricter than in many other states. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence there were 14,123 domestic violence criminal cases filed in the Colorado county courts in 2006.

Domestic Violence is typically classified as an act with the purpose of controlling a victim. The most common forms of Domestic Violence Include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Verbal Abuse
• Economic Abuse

Penalties for a person convicted of domestic violence are dependent upon the details of the case but may include domestic violence treatment, fines, and jail time. In addition to court judgments/penalties, the consequences of being convicted of a domestic violence crime can be detrimental to your future and ultimately ruin your life.

Minimum penalties for first time Domestic Violence offenders include:

• 24 months probation
• Public notice of conviction
• Domestic Violence treatment
• Court related fines
• Mandatory protection order
• Possible jail time
• Lifetime revocation of the right to bear arms (federal penalty)
• Inability to obtain primary custody of a child

 

** Maximum penalties for repeat offenders may result in multiple years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

We understand that being accused of a domestic violence offense doesn’t make you guilty, and in some circumstances, accidents happen. We are on your side and believe that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, it is important for you to understand that even if the accuser chooses to drop the charges, the State may choose to pursue them without the testimony of the alleged victim. If you have been accused of a domestic violence offense, contact an attorney immediately, before making any statement to the police. You have rights, and those rights should be represented by an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. A criminal record can prevent you from working, renting or owning a home, and even prohibit visitation with loved ones. Don’t let domestic violence charges ruin your life.

As an experienced Boulder criminal defense attorney, Steven Louth fights to protect the rights of his clients. If you have been charged with a domestic violence offense, or if you believe that you will be charged, contact Steven immediately, before you speak to police. He can ensure that your rights are protected, and work to have charges against you reduced or even dismissed. If your case does go to trial, Steven Louth will fight hard to win an acquittal for you or, in the event of a conviction, to get the most lenient penalty possible. Steven has a history of successful defense of people charged with domestic violence offense, and brings over two decades of experience to every case that he takes on. For more information and a FREE CASE EVALUATION speak with Boulder Attorney Steven Louth today at (303)442-2297.