Domestic Violence crimes can often be complicated in Greeley, CO. Not only is DV a sentence enhancer (not a standalone offense), but it is also different from other criminal cases in every way. Factors like mandatory arrest and more add to the complexity of Domestic Violence cases. If you have been charged with a DV offense, don’t wait – call our top Greeley Domestic Violence lawyers today so you can protect your future.
1. What is Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, in Greeley?
Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is a sentence enhancer in Greeley. Colorado law defines it as follows:
2. What Kinds of Domestic Violence Crimes are There in Weld County?
Any crime can be charged with a Domestic Violence sentence enhancer in Weld County. However, our experienced criminal defense lawyers generally see it added to misdemeanor, non-violent crimes, such as:
- Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111
- Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204
- False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303
3. What are “Intimate Relationships” in Windsor?
In Windsor, “intimate relationships” are defined in C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 (2) as “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.” Learn more about how the Weld County Court classifies intimate relationships based on People v. Disher (2010) here.
4. How Do Domestic Violence Cases Work in Colorado? | Mandatory Arrests in Weld County
In Weld County and throughout Colorado, Domestic Violence cases start with a mandatory arrest. Any time the Weld County Sheriff, Greeley Police, or another law enforcement officer is dispatched on a DV call, they must arrest the suspect if there is enough probable cause. They cannot issue a summons in lieu of arrest, even if the offense is a misdemeanor. If during the investigation, law enforcement determine that both parties committed a DV offense, then both will be arrested, with no exception. Learn more about how Domestic Violence cases work here.
5. I’ve Been Accused of DV in Severance – How Do I Get My Belongings?
If you’ve been accused of DV in Severance, you are subject to a protection order / restraining order that prevents you from contacting the alleged victim. The only way you can get your belongings is through a civil assist / civil standby. This is a one-time event that allows you to go back home accompanied by the Weld County Sheriff to gather as many of your belongings as you can within a short period of time.
Contact the Top Greeley Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence, you can protect your future by contacting the top Greeley criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office today. We understand that even being charged with a misdemeanor DV offense can be terrifying and life-changing, but with the representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney, it doesn’t have to be. We will fight tooth and nail to ensure the best possible outcome in your case. Don’t wait, and give us a call today.
If you have been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence, be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Do not discuss your case with the Greeley Police or the Weld County Sheriff. Then call 970-616-6009 to discuss the charges against you with a top criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience from the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Court is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Timur Weber