Domestic Violence is a sentence enhancer that is added to any crime when the two people involved are or have been in an intimate relationship. This means Domestic Violence cases can range from a low level misdemeanor to a high level felony. A recent news article reported that Domestic Violence cases are on the rise in Colorado and that COVID may have something to do with that. Initially, when the stay at home order went into place, DV calls were down. Some attribute this to people not having as much outside contact where they are able to report any abuse. However, now, DV cases are on the rise. The article insinuated that this is because the victims are able to reach out and get help because they are not as isolated. Whether that’s true or not, Domestic Violence is so easily charged. When police are called to a domestic incident, they are required to arrest someone. Luckily for them, there are many very vague crimes, like Harassment, Obstruction of a Telephone Service, and False Imprisonment where all they have to do is get the victim to say the right words in order to meet the standard for an arrest.
Definition of Domestic Violence in Larimer County, Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 – is:
Most people think of that first sentence when they hear the phrase “Domestic Violence.” They think of violence against a significant other. However, the second sentence adds that it can include any other crime. So, for example, say a man is having an argument with his girlfriend because he learned that she cheated on him. She says she’s going to call her affair partner to come get her. Her phone is on the couch and he grabs for it before she can get it. She gets angry and demands it back. Meanwhile, a neighbor has overheard the arguing and calls the police. When questioned, the girlfriend tells the officer that he grabbed her phone and now they have what they need to arrest the man and charge him with Obstruction of a Telephone Service. You don’t even have to be stopping someone from calling the police. They could be calling to order pizza and if you stop them in some way, then this class 1 misdemeanor can be charged.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime related to Domestic Violence in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule your free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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