Domestic Violence / DV is often added as a sentence enhancer in Fort Collins, CO to criminal offenses when the defendant and alleged victim are in an intimate relationship. Late last year, a published report on fatalities linked to Domestic Violence indicated that intimate partner violence resulting in death is increasing in Colorado. This report has several implications, including the fact that District Attorneys and judges are likely to crack down even more on DV cases than they already do. Ultimately, this could mean harsher penalties for those who are convicted of Domestic Violence offenses, even when they are non-violent. If you have been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence, don’t wait to call a criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts.
1. Colorado’s Law on Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 in Fort Collins
Colorado’s law on Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is as follows in Fort Collins:
2. What Crimes are Charged with DV in Loveland and Estes Park?
Any crime can be charged with DV in Loveland and Estes Park, but some crimes tend to go hand-in-hand with this sentence enhancer. Our top criminal defense lawyers most frequently see DV added as a sentence enhancer to these crimes:
- Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204
- False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303
- Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111
- Criminal Mischief, C.R.S. 18-4-501
Despite the name, crimes of Domestic Violence are seldom ever violent. The only requirement for DV to be added as a sentence enhancer is for the defendant and alleged victim to previously have been or currently be in an intimate relationship.
3. What are the Penalties for Domestic Violence at the Larimer County Courts?
If a person is convicted of a Domestic Violence crime at the Larimer County Courts, they will face several penalties for the underlying offense, such as Larimer County Jail time and fines. For the DV sentence enhancer, they will also be required to:
- Pay for and successfully complete Domestic Violence treatment.
- Relinquish their firearms and ammunition.
Unfortunately, many of the penalties for Domestic Violence begin well before a defendant can even step foot into the courtroom. For example, the Fort Collins Police would normally have the option of issuing a summons to a person suspected of False Imprisonment instead of arresting them. However, they are required to arrest that person if the alleged victim was an intimate partner. Additionally, the defendant must refrain from contacting the victim which can limit contact with children they have – this can be temporary or even permanent.
If you have been accused of a crime of Domestic Violence, don’t despair. Contact a top criminal defense lawyer who can help you protect your future and your family by representing you at the Larimer County Courts. In the meantime, exercise your right to remain silent, don’t contact the protected party of the case, and refrain from speaking to the Fort Collins Police.
Have you been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then call 970-658-0007 to discuss your case with a top criminal defense lawyer at the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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