Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer in Weld County Courts
When we hear the words Domestic Violence, most people think of physical violence. A husband hitting his wife or a girlfriend slapping her boyfriend are the images that come to mind. However, Colorado law does not actually require any physical violence when defining the crime of Domestic Violence. In fact, as ridiculous as it sounds, Domestic Violence can be as simple as an unkind word or a voice being raised. If the Greeley Police are called, any Domestic Violence accusations are taken very seriously and an arrest is always made.
What is the Domestic Violence Sentence Enhancer?
First of all, Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 – is not a crime by itself. This means that in Colorado, you will never be charged with Domestic Violence alone. Instead, it is a sentence enhancer that can be attached to any other crime, like Harassment or Assault. It is added to these charges when someone:
- Commits an act of violence or threatens violence directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.
- Commits any other crime involving coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.
Because the law covers such a broad range, it leaves much up to interpretation. Someone could claim they felt intimidated when their partner got loud during an argument. In this case, the district attorney might file Harassment- Domestic Violence Charges, even though nothing physical even occurred.
Why You Need a Weld County DV Lawyer
There are many consequences if you are convicted of or plead guilty to a Domestic Violence offense in Greeley, Erie and Windsor. You will not be able to possess a firearm. You may lose custody of your children. Relationships could be ruined. You may even lose your job. With your future at stake, you need an experienced DV attorney who can protect you. We work hard to fight for your rights and your future. Many of our cases result in a dismissal or a not-guilty verdict at trial. We are not afraid to fight against the government and their overly harsh laws.