Not many details are being released about an Animal Cruelty case in Denver. Apparently, a Denver man is wanted for killing a kitten after a Domestic Violence dispute. It is not clear if the Animal Cruelty is related to the Domestic Violence incident, or if it just occurred after the incident. He is being charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty. Let’s look at the law and how it defines this crime.
What is Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Greeley?
Aggravated Animal Cruelty – C.R.S. 18-9-202 (1.5)(b) – is defined by Colorado law as:
Because the kitten was killed, the man was charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty. This crime is a class 6 felony for a first time offense, but becomes a class 5 felony if it is a second or subsequent conviction. In Weld, Morgan and Logan County, a felony is punishable by serving time in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC).
Kitten Killing: Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence in Weld County
On top of the sentencing requirements of the Animal Cruelty charges, harsh Domestic Violence punishments may be added.
If the incident was related to the Domestic Violence situation, such that if the kitten was killed in an act of revenge toward his significant other, the Domestic Violence sentence enhancer would be added to the Animal Cruelty charge. In this case, on top of the sentencing requirements of the Animal Cruelty charges, harsh Domestic Violence punishments would be added as well. The defendant would be required to undergo an evaluation for Domestic Violence in addition to an evaluation for animal cruelty.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Animal Cruelty or a Domestic Violence offense in Greeley, Windsor or Evans, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call an experienced Weld County Lawyer at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – cocoparisienne