Colorado Lawyer for Domestic Violence Charges
A domestic violence allegation can change your life in a matter of hours. An arrest often happens before investigators have heard every side of the story, and once charges are filed, the decision to continue the prosecution usually rests with the district attorney—not the person who made the report.
Colorado law takes domestic violence allegations seriously, and so do the courts. At the same time, every allegation deserves a careful investigation, and every person accused of a crime deserves a fair opportunity to present the complete facts.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges
In Colorado, “domestic violence” is not a separate criminal offense. Instead, it is a legal designation that can be attached to many different crimes when the alleged victim is or was in an intimate relationship with the accused.
Domestic violence allegations commonly accompany charges involving:
- Assault
- Harassment
- Criminal mischief
- Menacing
- Disorderly conduct
- Violation of a protection order
- Trespassing
- Other offenses arising from family or household disputes
The domestic violence designation can affect bond conditions, sentencing, mandatory treatment, firearm rights, and other aspects of the criminal case.
Police Response and Prosecutorial Discretion
Law enforcement officers responding to a domestic disturbance are often required to make quick decisions in highly emotional situations. In many cases, immediate action is necessary to protect everyone’s safety.
However, quick decisions do not always capture the complete picture. Officers frequently arrive after an argument has already ended and must make judgments based on limited evidence, conflicting statements, or visible injuries.
After an arrest, prosecutors independently decide whether charges should proceed. Even if the complaining witness later asks to dismiss the case or no longer wishes to participate, the prosecution may continue.
Every Case Deserves a Careful Investigation
Domestic violence cases are rarely simple.
Evidence may include:
- Body camera footage
- 911 recordings
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Text messages
- Emails
- Social media communications
- Photographs
- Surveillance video
Reviewing the entire timeline—not just isolated events—is often essential to understanding what actually occurred.
False Allegations Can Occur
Most people who report domestic violence are seeking protection from conduct they believe is abusive, and every report deserves to be taken seriously.
At the same time, courts also recognize that not every allegation is accurate. Misunderstandings, mistaken assumptions, exaggerated accounts, and intentionally false accusations have all occurred in criminal cases, particularly during emotionally charged separations, divorces, or custody disputes.
That is why every allegation should be thoroughly investigated rather than accepted at face value.
Orders for Protection
Domestic violence allegations frequently lead to temporary or permanent protection orders.
These court orders can prohibit contact with another person, require you to leave your home, restrict where you may go, affect parenting time, and limit your ability to possess firearms under state or federal law.
Even accidental or well-intentioned contact can result in additional criminal charges if it violates the terms of a protection order. Understanding exactly what an order requires is essential.
Consequences Beyond the Criminal Case
A domestic violence conviction may affect far more than fines or jail time.
Potential consequences include:
- Mandatory domestic violence treatment
- Loss of firearm rights
- Employment and professional licensing issues
- Immigration consequences
- Child custody and parenting time disputes
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation
Because these consequences can continue long after the criminal case ends, it is important to approach the case carefully from the beginning.
Domestic Violence Defense in the Denver Area
Harvey Skees represents individuals charged with domestic violence-related offenses throughout the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
Every case is different. Some involve clear evidence of criminal conduct. Others involve conflicting accounts, incomplete investigations, or allegations that are not supported by all of the available evidence. An experienced defense attorney can evaluate the facts, explain your options, and work to protect your rights throughout the process.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a domestic violence offense in Colorado, speaking with an attorney as early as possible can help you understand the charges, the court process, and the decisions that may affect your future.
Common Questions About Domestic Violence
No. In Colorado, domestic violence is generally a legal designation rather than a separate criminal offense. It may be attached to charges such as assault, harassment, criminal mischief, menacing, or other crimes when the alleged victim is or was in an intimate relationship with the accused. A domestic violence designation can affect bond conditions, sentencing, mandatory treatment, and other aspects of the case.
Not necessarily. Once criminal charges are filed, the decision to continue or dismiss the case belongs to the prosecutor—not the alleged victim. While a victim’s wishes may be considered, prosecutors may continue pursuing the case if they believe sufficient evidence exists.
Yes. An arrest does not require serious physical injury. Depending on the circumstances, officers may make an arrest based on witness statements, visible evidence, 911 recordings, or other information available at the scene.
Evidence may include police reports, body camera footage, 911 calls, photographs, medical records, text messages, emails, social media communications, surveillance video, and witness statements. Prosecutors often rely on multiple pieces of evidence rather than a single source.
Following an arrest, you will typically appear before a judge for advisement and bond. The court may impose bond conditions, including a mandatory protection order that restricts contact with the alleged victim while the criminal case is pending.
A mandatory protection order is a court order that often takes effect after a domestic violence arrest. It may prohibit contact with the alleged victim, restrict access to certain locations, or impose other conditions while the case is pending. Violating the order can lead to additional criminal charges.
False accusations do occur, although they are not the majority of cases. Domestic disputes often arise during emotionally charged situations such as separations, divorces, or custody disagreements, where witnesses may have conflicting accounts of what happened. Every allegation should be carefully investigated based on the available evidence.
It can. Both Colorado law and federal law may restrict firearm possession for certain individuals convicted of qualifying domestic violence offenses or who are subject to certain protection orders. The specific consequences depend on the circumstances of the case.
It may. Family courts can consider domestic violence allegations and convictions when making decisions about parental responsibilities, parenting time, and the best interests of the child. Criminal and family court proceedings are separate, but they often influence one another.
If a court has issued a protection order or no-contact order, you should follow its terms exactly. Even well-intended communication may violate the order and result in additional criminal charges. If you have questions about what is permitted, discuss them with your attorney before attempting any contact.
Every situation is different. Before providing a statement, it is generally wise to understand your rights and consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney. Statements made during an investigation can become important evidence later in the case.
The earlier, the better. An attorney can explain the charges, help you understand bond conditions and protection orders, review the available evidence, and begin protecting your rights from the earliest stages of the case.