Domestic Violence Treatment in Weld County
Domestic Violence offenses are being treated much like Sex Offenses in Weld, Morgan and Logan County, Colorado. There is a Domestic Violence Management Board, which has applied a set of standardized for anyone who pled guilty to or was convicted of a crime with the Domestic Violence sentence enhancer. These rules decide what will happen when a person is accused, all the way through sentencing on a Domestic Violence case. When someone is first accused of committing a DV offense, their name is added to a database of Domestic Violence offenders. Before even having a conviction on their record, they are assumed guilty and treated as such.
What Happens After I Plead Guilty to a DV Charge?
Before you plead guilty to a Domestic Violence offense in Greeley, Windsor or Erie, there are important things you should know. Whether you plead to a misdemeanor or felony, the DV requirements are the same.
- You must pay for evaluations, which intensively measure your mental health and possible life issues. Nothing is off limits in these evaluations.
- You will have to fund and participate in at least 36 weeks of Domestic Violence treatment, which includes classes and therapy.
- You will have to follow the over 200 pages of rules and regulations implemented by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board.
What is Domestic Violence Treatment?
While most people assume Domestic Violence situations involve violence, that is not always the case. In fact, the definition of Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 – does not require any violence at all. However, treatment treats every Domestic Violence offense the same. This means you may be sitting in group treatment with a man who violently beat his wife, while you are there because you pled to DV Harassment for calling your ex-girlfriend multiple times in the middle of the night. The one size fits all treatment mentality does not address the variety of Domestic Violence offenses, or the treatment needs of individuals.
Can I Choose My Own Treatment Provider?
The simple answer is yes and no. While you do have some flexibility in choosing your treatment providers, they must be approved by the Domestic Violence Management Board. If you have participated in evaluations and treatment with a non – approved provider, none of what you have done will count towards completing your sentence. This is especially difficult if you have developed a relationship of trust with this therapist and have to change to an unknown treatment provider and start all over again.
Also, there is a rule that no one participating in Domestic Violence treatment may take part in any marriage counseling. Unfortunately, when you need support for your marriage the most, the state has prohibited it. Having the right treatment provider is fundamental to your success. When working with the O’Malley Law Office, we use our resources to locate good treatment providers; one that will be the right fit for you.