El Paso County Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
Colorado Domestic Violence Law
Domestic violence law in El Paso County, just as in the rest of Colorado, is designed to protect domestic violence victims and punish offenders. The law defines domestic violence as any form of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse between family or household members.
Most incidents of domestic violence involve a male perpetrator and a vulnerable victim: often a female or child. Due to the nature of these cases, prosecutors are often as harsh as they can be and the stigma associated with being accused of domestic violence can last for a long time, even if you are innocent.
All alleged offenders of domestic violence in El Paso County have the right to be defended in court by an attorney. The attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. are uniquely qualified to offer experienced, effective representation in your defense if you have been accused of any form of domestic violence. Call (719) 475-2555 today for more information about your rights and legal options.
Common Domestic Violence Cases
There are many different types of domestic violence cases that can occur, the most common of which surrounds physical abuse. This refers to someone repeatedly physically harming their partner or family member by hitting, kicking, choking, or using any other type of physical violence. But not all domestic violence cases center around physical violence.
It might be surprising to hear, but domestic violence is actually not a charge in and of itself in Colorado. Instead, it is used as an enhancement, added to other charges. Most commonly, domestic violence is added to charges of:
- Assault
- Stalking or harassment
- Sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact
- Menacing and false imprisonment
- Restraining order violations
- Child or elder abuse
Repeated emotional harm can also be considered domestic violence. This can happen through name-calling, put-downs, and other forms of verbal abuse, or when one partner controls or attempts to control the other through financial means; this power is often gained when one partner is handling all the money in the household, making the other partner ask for money, or not allowing the other partner to work.
Intimidation or threats are also sometimes considered domestic violence. Any time a family member is made to feel scared or threatened, the law is being broken.
Penalties Associated with Domestic Violence
The penalties imposed following a conviction can vary from minor to extremely severe depending on a few circumstances, such as:
- The damage suffered by the alleged victim
- Whether or not the victim was an intimate partner of the accused
- Whether or not the accused has any related prior convictions
You as the accused face months or years in jail as well as an onslaught of personal consequences, like:
- Losing your job, professional licensure, or professional reputation
- Losing custody of your child or facing custody downgrades
- Losing the right to own a firearm
- Financial penalties
- Mandatory attendance in behavior modification programs
What to do if Accused of Domestic Violence
If you have been accused of domestic violence, taking the accusation seriously and taking immediate steps to protect yourself is crucial. If you are arrested, it is essential to remain calm and cooperate with the police. You will likely be taken to the police station for booking, and you will have an opportunity to speak to a lawyer. As soon as you can, contact an experienced El Paso County criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.
When arrested for domestic violence, you will likely be held in jail until your arraignment, a hearing where the charges against you are read, and you enter a plea. At your arraignment, the judge will also set any conditions for your release, which may include a stay-away order from the victim.
After you are released, it is important to continue to take the accusations against you seriously. You should seek professional help to address any underlying issues that may have led to the incident, avoid further direct contact with the victim, and stay off of all social media platforms.
Hire a Lawyer if You’re Accused of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges are severe and can have severe consequences if you are convicted. A lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses you have. If you are facing a domestic violence charge, you should contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., as soon as possible. Call (719) 475-2555 to schedule a consultation as quickly as possible.
Call now for legal help
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