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(720) 740-3466 (720) 740-3466 While no two alleged incidents of family violence are identical, the police follow the same procedures when deciding whether to make an arrest. Understanding the process of Denver domestic violence investigations is important if you are facing these allegations.
If you have been arrested on suspicion of harassing or assaulting someone you have an intimate relationship with, securing the support of legal counsel is crucial. A dedicated defense lawyer could protect your rights and ensure the investigation follows the law.
Domestic violence refers to harmful acts or threats against a person by someone they are involved in an intimate with.
The behavior that can lead to an arrest also varies. While many Denver domestic violence cases involve acts of physical violence against someone in an intimate relationship, they can also include acts of sexual abuse, intimidation, or harassment.
Police must investigate the allegations any time an incident of family violence is reported in Denver. They usually start by appearing at the incident location to speak to the parties involved.
If responding officers find probable cause that an act of domestic abuse occurred, they must make an arrest. The court will also issue a mandatory restraining order, which typically will prohibit contact between you and the other involved party and outline consequences for you if you fail to comply.
The police may make the arrest, but it is up to the prosecution to decide whether to formally charge you with a crime. Law enforcement will continue to investigate the allegations even as the state prepares for trial.
One issue in some Denver domestic dispute investigations is that it might not always be clear who was the initial aggressor. This could be complicated when you and the other person involved provide the responding officers with two very different accounts. While the determination of culpability by the police at the scene does not guarantee a conviction, it could have an overwhelming impact on the outcome of the case.
Police officers will frequently start by looking for signs of physical injury. If you are unhurt and the other person has sustained injuries, the police may use this detail to identify you as the aggressor.
When possible, police rely on witness statements or even recordings of the incident for an unbiased view of what occurred. Officers might also look at other physical evidence, such as broken windows, torn clothing, or destroyed cell phones.
If you have been accused of an act of intimate partner or family violence, it is crucial to seek legal counsel as early as possible. Your attorney could advise you on how Denver domestic violence investigations work and how you should respond. Contact Petrash Law today to learn how an attorney could help.