Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Weld County
5 Key Facts When Facing A DV Charge

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Accused of a Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Weld County? Call the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009.

In Weld County, when current or former spouses, or dating partners, are charged with a criminal offense, a Domestic Violence (DV) charge can also be added. A Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer is not an independent crime charge, but can increase the punishment for any criminal offense. Are you facing a Domestic Violence charge? The lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office know that a DV charge is a serious offense and can have consequences on your job, childcare, bills, housing and Weld County Jail time. Our skilled lawyers discuss the 5 key facts you should know about a Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Weld County below. To get help with a DV charge in Fort Collins or Larimer County go here.

The 5 Key Facts When Facing A DV Charge Discussed Below:

  1. Greeley, Colorado Definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-8003
  2. What is the Definition of “Intimate Partner” in C.R.S. 18-6-8003, in Weld County?
  3. What Happens When a Defendant is Charged with Domestic Violence in Greeley, Colorado?
  4. In Weld County What are the Penalties and Sentence for Domestic Violence
  5. Why Hire Greeley, Colorado’s Top Domestic Violence Lawyers?

#1 Greeley, Colorado Definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-8003

The definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-8003, in Greeley is:

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, 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.

#2 What is the Definition of “Intimate Partner” in a Weld County DV charge, C.R.S. 18-6-8003?

It is important to understand the key words when facing a DV charge in Weld County. One key word is  “Intimate Partner,” defined in C.R.S. 18-6-8003 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.

This definition is important to know because a DV charge is not available for police to use from your involvement with just anyone.  In addition, you can be charged with any crime and domestic violence with your Intimate Partner.  It does not just arise from physically hitting them.  It can occur if you are just Harassing your partner, spouse, or ex. For a Domestic Violence charge, physical contact is not necessary. To learn more about Harassment go here.

#3 What Happens When a Defendant is Charged with Domestic Violence in Greeley, Colorado?

In Greeley, when a person is charged with Domestic Violence, they are usually  arrested. This is due to a Mandatory Arrest law. This means that the Greeley Police must arrest anyone they have probable cause to believe committed Domestic Violence. The other thing that immediately happens is that the judge issues a mandatory Protection Order. Protection Orders mean that the defendant may not contact the victim by phone, text, email, and/or social media, whether the communication is harassing or not. This order may impact your contact with  children and pets.

# 4 Weld County Penalties and Sentence for Domestic Violence

The sentence and penalties for a Domestic Violence Charge in Weld County depend solely on the original criminal charge. With the Sentence Enhancer which Domestic Violence adds, comes a more intense treatment requirement, possibly a stricter Protection Order and always Domestic Violence treatment and / or counseling and the loss of firearm possession rights.  There are some steps which a Domestic Violence lawyer can take to help you keep your firearm rights, so be sure to discuss this with one of our criminal defense lawyers.

It is important to note that when you are convicted of DV four or more times, you will be considered an Habitual Domestic Violence Offender. This rule turns any misdemeanor DV charge into a class 5 felony, carrying 1 to 3 years in Colorado State Prison, a fine of $1,000-$100,000, and a mandatory 2-year parole. #5 Why Hire Greeley, Colorado’s Top Domestic Violence Lawyers?

In Greeley, a criminal charge involving Domestic Violence carries serious consequences. Our top defense lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you of defenses. We can help protect your firearm rights and increase your chances of not going to jail.  Having many years of experience defending DV cases, we can guide you throughout the process. We will be with you every step, whether your case is dismissed, a plea agreement happens, or the case goes to trial.

If you or a loved one have been accused of a Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call Greeley’s leading criminal attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Never answer police officer questions.  Call 970-616-6009 to meet with a Domestic Violence criminal defense lawyer in the Greeley area for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

Image by Afif Kusuma from Pixabay

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