Domestic Violence Lawyer
Call Us 24 Hours a Day
Our domestic violence lawyers are available after hours and on weekends. Just call our main line.
"I had false domestic abuse accusations thrown at me suddenly in the middle of my divorce. Amy waded in there like Godzilla, systematicly destroying witness after witness, and each false claim. My ex wife had two lawyers, whom had the advantage of being able bounce ideas off each other, and had two sets of eyes on everything in court. Amy had no backup, and solod them both. I saw my kids the very next day for the first time in 112 days." Kevin Harris, 5-Star Google Review
The Dadvocates Are Standing By Contact Us for a Consultation
The Dadvocates represent men all over Colorado who have been charged with domestic violence. We have offices in:
- Aspen
- Boulder
- Breckenridge
- Broomfield
- Colorado Springs / El Paso County
- Crested Butte
- Durango
- Glenwood Springs
- Grand Junction
- Gunnison
- Pueblo
- Steamboat Springs
- Vail
If you don't live near any of our locations, we can represent you remotely. For the best chance at clearing your name and maintaining your parenting rights, contact us online or give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Call the Dadvocates: (720) 749-2876
Focused on Dads
"Exceeded Expectations at Every Moment of My Difficult Case."
lance Goldenberg
2018
I had the pleasure and good fortune of having jason the lead criminal attorney represent me in my previous domestic violence case . he was great to work with talks to you professionally but also like you his friend .always kept me informed of everything going on threw out this entire process. He really did make this a painless as possible for me and he got me the win at the end . couldn't of asked for anything better from him...
View On GoogleTerri Pennel
2020
Samera was amazing! Knowledgeable, honest & thorough. She answered all my questions & even advised on the next steps to take.
View on GoogleDomestic Violence Definitions According to Colorado Law
Domestic Violence
"'Domestic violence' means an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. 'Domestic violence' also includes any other crime against a person, or against property, including an animal, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship." (C.R.S. 18-6-800.3)
Intimate Relationship
“'Intimate relationship' means a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time." (C.R.S. 18-6-800.3)
Domestic Violence Laws in Colorado What You Need to Know
In Colorado, domestic violence is understood to be an act or threatened act of violence or abuse upon a person with whom the perpetrator is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. However, there is not a specific criminal statute for domestic violence. This means that it is never charged as a single offense. Instead, it is added to other criminal charges and acts as a sentence enhancer or aggravator.
After a domestic incident in Colorado, you may be charged with physical assault, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, harassment, weapons charges, false imprisonment, disorderly conduct, or another crime. Then, if the alleged action was against a person with whom you have an intimate relationship, the charge of domestic violence will be added.
When domestic violence charges are added to other criminal charges, the severity of the penalties greatly increases.
What Can Be Considered Domestic Violence?
When the following actions are committed against an intimate partner, they can be considered domestic violence:
- Hitting, punching, slapping, or other forms of physical assault
- Sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact
- Destruction of property (including cell phones)
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Threats
- Animal cruelty
- Violating a protection order
- Child abuse
- False imprisonment
- Kidnapping
We Are Here for Dads Contact Our Lawyers Today
Men face unique challenges in criminal and family court. If you are a father who has been accused of domestic violence in Colorado, you need a lawyer who is sympathetic to your cause and willing to combat sexist stereotypes. You need the Dadvocates.
The Dadvocates exclusively represent men because we believe that children benefit when they spend as much time with their fathers as possible. If you're afraid that your parenting rights are about to disappear because of domestic violence accusations, give us a call.
Call the Dadvocates: (720) 749-2876
We Are Not Afraid of Trial
"I hired this firm at a very hard time in my life... They over prepared on everything and worked evenings and weekends. My wife got me kicked out of our home with a protection order but Samera filed a brilliant motion that got me back in. Kaitlyn got me my kids." Phillip Riley, 5-Star Google Review
What Happens When Police Respond
to Domestic Violence Calls in Colorado
In many cases, those involved in domestic violence and abuse incidents aren't aware of the immediate repercussions when law enforcement gets involved. When someone calls the police on you because of alleged domestic violence, the following consequences are set in motion:
Mandatory Arrest Law
Colorado's mandatory arrest law in domestic violence cases requires police officers to arrest a person if they determine there is probable cause that a domestic abuse incident occurred. While the intention of this law was prevention, in practice, it often results in unnecessary arrests due to misunderstandings.
Immediate Jail Time
Once someone is arrested for domestic violence, he or she is taken to jail. That person will most likely spend the night in jail while they wait for a judge to set a bond amount.
Charge Dismissals
Under Colorado law, domestic violence charges can’t be dismissed, even if the accuser doesn’t wish to proceed with legal action. The only way the charge is dismissed is if the prosecuting agency declares to the court under oath that the case can't be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
What to Do if You Are Charged with Domestic Violence
1. Contact Our Attorneys
Contact our lawyers for immediate assistance in getting bailed out of jail and defending yourself against all charges. These cases move through the courts quickly. Clients from throughout Colorado can contact our domestic violence attorneys at any time of the day and on weekends.
2. Understand Protective Orders
Our domestic violence attorneys can file a motion to dismiss and modify protection orders (known as restraining orders in other states). We can also help you understand what you need to do to comply with the terms of the order so you don't become subject to violation penalties.
Domestic Violence and Protection Orders
What Is a Protection Order?
Typically these orders are issued as a condition of bond and being released from jail. The order is intended to prevent the accused from harassing or intimidating the alleged victim until the case is resolved. The judge in the case can incorporate various conditions into the order such as restrictions on going to the alleged victim's home or place of employment and custody and visitation arrangements if children are involved.
Violations & Penalties
It is critical to abide by the terms of the protection order. Failing to do so can result in a Violation of a Protective Order charge, which can impact your domestic violence case. The first time an order is violated, it is a Class 2 misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. For subsequent violations, the penalty is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Lifting Protection Orders
To get a restraining order lifted or modified, consult one of our domestic violence attorneys. We can file a motion to dismiss or modify the restraining order. Next, a trial will be scheduled so the judge can see if you've violated the restraining order or other laws; whether you’ve started domestic abuse or anger management classes; the status of your case; and if the victim feels safe. The judge may then decide to grant the motion by dismissing the order altogether or modifying its terms.
The Type of Domestic Abuse Can Affect Your Case
Isolated Incidents
An isolated incident may occur when one partner either threatens to or commits physical harm on a single occasion. If the incident was isolated or was a one-time argument and misunderstanding, we may have a better chance of having the charges reduced or dropped.
Long-Term Abuse
If there are police reports and other evidence documenting long-term domestic abuse, the charges can become more serious. Our domestic violence lawyers can handle these complex cases and may recommend a plea to minimize penalties.
Domestic Violence
and Your Criminal Record
When you are part of a domestic violence case, it goes on your criminal record, which is available to the public. This becomes an issue when potential employers or landlords run a background check on you. Fortunately, there are opportunities to have domestic violence cases "sealed" on your permanent record, which means that the case is no longer visible to the public.
If your domestic violence case gets dismissed, our lawyers can help you petition to have the case sealed immediately.
If you are convicted of domestic violence in municipal court (the lowest level court) in Colorado, you will be able to petition to have the violation sealed on your criminal record, but you have to wait three years and you cannot be a part of any other domestic violence cases in the interim.
If you are convicted of domestic violence in any higher-level court, the violation cannot be sealed. It will remain on your record forever.
"This law firm is phenomenal. They made it possible my father in law to spend more time with his daughter. The look on my father in law face and the warmth in his heart was priceless after finding out that he was granted more rights than he had before. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" Jai Griffin, 5-Star Google Review
Related Topics
Divorce
Going through a divorce is hard enough, but when your soon-to-be-ex suddenly makes an unfounded accusation of domestic violence, the stakes become much higher. Unfortunately, our lawyers see this happen frequently as they represent men in Colorado. Spouses may be motivated to make dishonest allegations in order to gain leverage in matters of custody or property division. When this happens, our criminal lawyers will act swiftly and aggressively to quash these claims.
Child Custody
Judges in Colorado approve parenting plans based on what meets the best interests of the child. The first factor a judge will consider is whether either parent has a history of domestic violence or abuse. If the judge becomes convinced of the claims against you, you may lose decision-making power in your child's life and be subject to supervised parenting time. To avoid this, you need a dedicated domestic violence attorney on your side who can effectively present your side of the story.
Spousal Support or Child Support
Domestic violence allegations can have an impact on financial support negotiations during a divorce. If you were the lower earner in your marriage and you're hoping to be awarded some amount of spousal support, a history of domestic violence may cause a judge to deny your request. Similarly, domestic violence charges may influence a judge to force you to pay more or receive less child support.
Child Abuse
False accusations of domestic abuse can be coupled with false accusations of child abuse. Obviously, child abuse allegations can have a major effect on child custody cases. Our domestic violence lawyers represent men who have been charged with child abuse. We will work with you to present the truth and help you remain a part of your child's life.
Military Divorce
Service members face a different set of challenges when going through a divorce and when accused of domestic violence. Besides the typical criminal penalties, members of the military who are found guilty of domestic violence could also be subject to discharge or demotion. Our domestic violence lawyers know how to navigate these complex situations.
Don't Lose Your Kids Call the Father's Rights Law Firm
At the Dadvocates, we have focused our practice on father's rights because we want dads throughout Colorado to have as much time with their kids as possible. If you're afraid that you're going to lose your children because of false accusations, schedule a consultation with our lawyers today.
Call Us: (720) 749-2876
Men Can Be Victims, Too
Dads can also be the victims in abusive relationships. If you are divorcing or separating from an abusive partner, our lawyers can help you get the protection you need for yourself and your children.
"I Got All the Answers I Needed."
Joey Hoisescu
2020
I called Dadvocates to find legal advice about a particular sensitive situation I was dealing with. I don't typically like calling law firms because I find they provide minimal advice while running up my tab. But in this case, they gave me a free consult and I got all the answers I needed at the time. These attorneys are very professional and I really believe they have their clients' best interest in mind.
View On GooglePeter Shaw
Denver, CO
2023
The lawyers are passionate about ensuring fathers maintain meaningful relationships with their children. I'm grateful for their legal expertise and commitment to fairness in child support negotiations. I couldn't have asked for better representation.
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