Falsely Accused of Harassment Domestic Violence in Greeley, Colorado?
Hire the Best Domestic Violence Lawyer  

Falsely accused of Harassment Domestic Violence? Call the experienced DV attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office 970-616-6009. 

Have you been falsely accused of Harassment Domestic Violence in Greeley, Colorado? You will need the best Domestic Violence criminal defense lawyer who understands the Greeley Court system and can get the best possible outcome.  

Domestic Violence Definition in Weld County, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 

In Weld County, Colorado, Domestic Violence is unique in that it is not a “stand alone” offense, instead it is added on to any other offense such as Harassment, as a Sentence Enhancer. According to C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, Domestic Violence is defined as: 

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

Greeley, Colorado Definition of Intimate Relationship in a Domestic Violence Charge 

It is important to understand charges against you and the definitions of terms within them. In Greeley, Colorado, the definition of an Intimate Relationship in – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 – as: 

 

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.

It is important to note that this includes former past relationships not just present relationships. If a couple has a child together, it can still be seen as an intimate relationship even if they do not live together. 

What is a Mandatory Arrest in a Domestic Violence Case in Weld County?  Domestic Violence Harassment 

Mandatory Arrest simply means that if the Weld County Sheriff or the Greeley Police have been called and reported a Harassment Domestic Violence, and there is probable cause that a crime involving Harassment Domestic Violence occurred, someone must go to jail. This means that a simple argument between a couple can escalate into to serious domestic abuse charges. For example, if Susan calls the police to say that Jon is harassing her, and it is found that they are in an intimate relationship, law enforcement is required to arrest Jon and get a court order that the two may not have any contact.  This ridiculous law exists even if the couple is married, has kids, and Jon never touched Susan!  

The Penalties of Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Greeley, Colorado 

After an arrest, the Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer can be added on top of either a misdemeanor or felony charge, in addition to the underlying criminal offense(s) in the case.  To make this determination, some of the general guidelines are: whether any type of conduct by the accused involved violence, coercion or control.  If there is physical violence and someone was harmed, even slightly, DV will be charged.  The severity of injuries and the criminal history of the defendant would dictate whether the underlying crime is a felony or misdemeanor. Other penalties included in a Domestic Violence conviction include DV treatment and evaluation, fines, fees, a no contact order, and the prohibition of having firearms and ammunition. 

Domestic violence charges can change your life. If convicted of domestic violence, significant federally mandated restrictions related to gun ownership, security clearances, government employment, military service, and even deportation will follow. 

Have you or a loved one been falsely accused of Domestic Violence? Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the experienced DV attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office. Call 970-616-6009 or fill out the Get Help Now form to meet with a Domestic Violence criminal defense lawyer in Weld County and the Greeley area for a free consultation. Together, we can protect your family’s future. 

Image by Ryan McGuire from Pixabay