We are constantly faced with contradictory laws in Greeley, and across Weld, Morgan, and Logan County. For example, most Domestic Violence cases are non-violent in nature. This is a complete oxymoron, but as established criminal defense attorneys in Colorado, we have worked with hundreds of clients charged with Domestic Violence. We have also read hundreds of police reports detailing Domestic Violence disputes. We know most of the cases didn’t involve an actual act of violence at all. Let’s look closer at this crime and how it is charged in order to understand.
What is Domestic Violence in Greeley?
Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, isn’t a crime in and of itself. Instead, it is sentence enhancer that is attached to any crime that is committed between two people who have been (or are in) an “intimate relationship.” A person convicted of a Domestic Violence (DV) crime in Evans, Erie, or Greeley will be required to undergo DV treatment overseen by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB). This treatment is one-size-fits all – a person sentenced to treatment for yelling at his girlfriend will receive the same treatment as the man who routinely hits his wife.
Non-Violent Domestic Violence: A Common Charge in Weld County
The Domestic Violence statute includes “crimes of violence,” but it also includes:
Put simply, a person can be charged with a non-violent crime and Domestic Violence. For example, Disorderly Conduct – C.R.S. 18-9-106, is charged when there is a public disturbance, such as loud music played in a public place, or fighting. Let’s say a man breaks up with his girlfriend. She is upset by this, so she follows him to the park and begins yelling at him for his actions. The woman could be convicted of Disorderly Conduct Domestic Violence, and be required to undergo DV treatment. Yelling at someone in a park isn’t violent – yet she will be treated with physically violent people.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Domestic Violence Cases in Morgan County
If you have been charged with a Domestic Violence crime, don’t hesitate to contact one of our hardworking criminal defense lawyers. Even non-violent crimes can receive the DV label, and you could be sentenced to DV treatment. Don’t plead guilty in order to avoid jail time, instead, contact an attorney who will fight for your future.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a Domestic Violence offense in Greeley, or anywhere in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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