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Domestic violence is one of the more serious charges a person can have against them, and the cases tend to move quickly due to the nature of the accusations. If you are facing accusations of harming your married partner, you should contact a Denver spousal abuse lawyer as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case and plan a defense strategy. A domestic violence attorney from Petrash Law could help by reviewing your case and determining the best legal option for your needs.
While Colorado law does not use the term spousal abuse, the charge for it is included within the definitions of domestic violence. Family violence is not a single charge on its own but rather an additional set of penalties that apply when another crime, like stalking or assault, also meets the definition of DV outlined in CO Rev Stat § 18-6-800.3 (2024).
This legislation details that a crime against someone who is currently or was previously in an intimate relationship with the defendant could carry added penalties. Domestic violence applies to both past and present romantic partners, spouses, and anyone with whom the defendant shares a child. Retaining a lawyer in Denver who understands how spousal abuse and domestic violence intersect legally could help you act against charges right away.
If a charge meets the definition of domestic violence, it will trigger additional legal considerations and penalties beyond those applied to the initial offense. Accusations that meet the DV standard trigger a mandatory arrest and no-bond hold, which typically lasts 24-48 hours. The eventual sentencing may include:
The charge will also be accompanied by a mandatory order of protection barring the defendant from contact with the accuser and immediate firearm restrictions. In the case of a live-in spousal relationship, this may include removal from the home. In Denver, spousal abuse convictions are serious offenses that may also bar offenders from many jobs, especially those in education and health care, and may make it more difficult to apply for housing.
While spousal abuse is a serious allegation, it is also easy to misinterpret and misconstrue. Not all disagreements meet the standard of domestic violence, and the evidence often relies solely on the testimony of the individuals involved in the incident. Despite this, the accuser cannot decide to drop charges once they are brought about. Once the case has moved forward, only the prosecutor can decide to dismiss it.
A Denver attorney could examine the evidence of spousal abuse against you and look for defense strategies. This may include analyzing the prosecution’s evidence to find weak spots and inconsistencies, seeking to remove or alter the order of protection to allow for more access to children and shared housing, and identifying any potential arguments for self-defense. Using their experience and understanding of the law, they could negotiate on your behalf for lesser charges or dismissal of unfounded accusations.
When you are facing serious accusations of spousal abuse, you want someone on your side who understands what is at stake. Petrash Law offers a Denver spousal abuse lawyer with previous experience as a prosecutor and in more than 90 jury trials. With strong defense skills and guidance to count on, you do not have to face these serious accusations alone. Call Petrash Law for help today.