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State law defines domestic abuse as an act or threat of violence between people who are involved in an intimate relationship. This relationship may include more than just romantic partners or spouses. If you have been accused of abusing a loved one, a dedicated defense attorney may be able to help.
There are options when it comes to defending against these allegations, and many people may avoid a conviction entirely. Put yourself in a position to protect your rights by talking with a Boulder domestic violence lawyer.
Domestic violence charges apply when an alleged victim is an intimate partner, including spouses, ex-spouses, romantic partners, and people who share children. However, the act or threat of violence does not have to be directed at the intimate partner and may involve damage to property, animals, or other individuals.
State prosecutors do not classify domestic violence as a separate crime, but instead enhance existing charges when the alleged victim is an intimate partner. These cases may involve an array of other underlying criminal offenses, including:
Regardless of the specific domestic violence charges you face, a Boulder attorney could help you protect your rights and avoid a mark on your criminal record.
In a mandatory arrest state like Colorado, when police respond to the scene of alleged domestic violence and find probable cause that an act of abuse occurred, they are obligated to make an arrest. This policy frequently leads to arrests, but prosecutions in these cases may be difficult because the evidence is weak. It also increases the risk of arrests following false allegations of abuse.
Many arrests never result in a prosecution, but you should never assume the state will dismiss your charges. However, an attorney in Boulder could work to have domestic abuse charges dropped after an unnecessary arrest.
Different defense strategies are available depending on the circumstances. A lawyer could help you evaluate the following common approaches before selecting the right one for your family violence charge in Boulder.
The law allows anyone to use reasonable force to defend themselves from harm, even if that threat is coming from an intimate partner. The law also permits someone to protect others from violence, even if it requires using force.
If the police made a mandatory arrest but recovered little evidence, a good strategy might be to highlight the weakness of their case. This may be more effective than presenting an alternate theory, such as self-defense or an accident.
Accidental injuries do not qualify as domestic violence, even when the resulting harm is serious. However, proving that an injury occurred by accident may be difficult, so an attorney would need strong supporting evidence.
If you were accused of family violence, you must seek out the support of legal counsel right away. Your attorney could investigate the allegations against you, develop a defense strategy, and represent you in court if needed. Call Petrash Law to speak to a Boulder domestic violence lawyer and defend your rights today.