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Sharing a living space with a friend or acquaintance can be difficult, and disputes are common. When they intensify into threats or violence, the consequences could be severe. This is because roommates generally have the same legal protections as spouses and partners under Colorado’s domestic violence laws.
If your roommate has accused you of violence, a dedicated defense attorney may be able to help. You are entitled to a vigorous defense, just as you would be if faced with some other type of charge. A Denver roommate violence lawyer at Petrash Law could discuss your legal options with you.
Colorado law often treats violence involving roommates the same way it does incidents between family members, spouses, or intimate partners because what matters most in this scenario is your living arrangement. If a roommate accuses you of harassment or assault, a prosecutor could seek to treat the charges as domestic violence allegations. This can lead to enhanced penalties upon conviction and other serious consequences, including being subject to a protection order while the case is in process.
Because of the stigma and increased penalties associated with domestic violence charges, it is vital to seek legal counsel. A Denver attorney could advise you about how to respond to your roommate’s allegations of violence.
Those convicted of roommate violence can face a wide range of potential penalties, depending on whether the conviction is considered a misdemeanor or a felony. What each case has in common is the potential for jail time. Felony offenses can result in longer jail sentences and steeper monetary fines. A roommate violence conviction could also damage a defendant’s reputation and make it hard to find a place to live in Denver or secure a motor vehicle, making the help of a lawyer all the more necessary.
You have several possible defense strategies to choose from for these charges. A Denver attorney could review the facts and help you develop an appropriate defense against accusations that you harassed or assaulted your roommate. The following are some common strategies.
People have the right to defend themselves whenever they face the threat of immediate harm. This is true even when the threat comes from a roommate. In cases in which someone would otherwise meet all of the elements for a conviction, they can still win by establishing that they acted in self-defense.
Defendants do not have to prove their innocence in a criminal case. Instead, it is on the state to show beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant committed violence against their roommate.
Another possible defense strategy is to establish that the alleged victim should not qualify as a roommate. This is possible in cases where opinions differ about who lived in your home when the alleged crime occurred. While this approach will not eliminate all criminal charges, it can erase the domestic violence aspect.
If you are facing allegations that you harassed or assaulted your roommate, now is the time to consider your legal options. You are entitled to a vigorous defense, and the Denver roommate violence lawyer at Petrash Law could act on your behalf. Call the firm today to schedule a private consultation to discuss your defense options.