You can be charged with Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-9-106 for nearly any offense. This sounds ridiculous, and it is: Our legislature has caved and given in to victim’s rights groups. You can be charged with domestic violence in Larimer or Broomfield County for simple, petty acts like sending an unkind text to an ex-girlfriend, or canceling your boyfriend’s credit cards. All that is needed is an element of coercion, punishment, revenge, intimidation or control and an intimate relationship with the person you’re upset with. That definition is extremely broad, and is open to interpretation in Larimer County courts.
Fort Collins Domestic Violence Charges – A Catch-All Offense
If you are angry with an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend and lash out in any way, you could be charged with Domestic Violence. Here at the O’Malley Law Office, we aren’t against prosecuting for Domestic Violence when it truly exists. But, it is unjust to prosecute someone who hides his girlfriend’s keys the same as a woman who tries to run her husband off the road. Both of these people could be convicted of domestic violence and be required to undergo Domestic Violence Treatment in Larimer County. Law makers have greatly missed the point, and are treating good people who are simply frustrated, the same as hardened criminals.
Non-Violent Domestic Violence: DV Sentence Enhancer Added to Any Crime in Larimer County
Police need to stop prosecuting all crimes between spouses and lovers as domestic violence. Often, people commit non-violent crimes and are treated the same as people who have issues with real violence. We need a category to differentiate between the two: Non-violent offenders (who lash out in frustration, but don’t hurt anyone), and violent offenders (people who have assaulted another person). When we fail to differentiate between the two, we waste precious resources and don’t end up helping or rehabilitation offenders.
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic violence in Fort Collins, Loveland or Estes Park, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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