Fort Collins Domestic Violence Attorneys
What are Intimate Relationships in Domestic Violence Cases?

Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is added as a sentence enhancer to crimes whenever the defendant and alleged victim were in an intimate relationship at any point. If you have been charged, call our top criminal defense lawyers today at 970-658-0007.

Domestic Violence cases at the Larimer County Courts in Fort Collins, CO are charged whenever the defendant was in an intimate relationship with the alleged victim at any point.  An “intimate relationship” can be based on marriage or co-parenting.  However, it can also be based on romantic relationships, and the Courts must decide whether the defendant and victim’s relationship was “intimate.”  If you have been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence, act now, and contact our top Fort Collins Domestic Violence attorneys to discuss your case.

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What is an “Intimate Relationship” in a Domestic Violence Case at the Larimer County Courts?

What are the Elements of an Intimate Relationship in Fort Collins?

Contact Our Top Loveland Domestic Violence Lawyers Today

What is an “Intimate Relationship” in a Domestic Violence Case at the Larimer County Courts?

In Domestic Violence cases at the Larimer County Courts, “intimate relationships” are defined under C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 (2):

“Intimate relationship” means a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.

What are the Elements of an Intimate Relationship in Fort Collins?

Prior to People v. Disher (2010), two partners in Fort Collins were considered to be in an “intimate relationship” if they were sexually intimate.  Since that case, however, sex is no longer a necessary element of an intimate relationship (though it can be an indicator).  The Larimer County Courts now consider:

  • Length of time of the relationship – Was the couple only together for a week, or were they together for 2 years?
  • Nature / type of the relationship – Did the couple display physical and verbal signs of affection? Did they refer to each other as boyfriend/girlfriend?  Were there other indicators that showed a romantic relationship rather than a platonic one?
  • Frequency of interaction – How often did the couple talk to or see each other?

Contact Our Top Loveland Domestic Violence Lawyers Today

If you have been accused of hurting an intimate partner, the first step you need to take is to contact our top Loveland Domestic Violence lawyers today.  When it comes to DV cases, our top priority is to see if there is a possibility of having the charges dismissed outright.  This can often prove difficult, given that Colorado District Attorneys have a “no-drop” policy in Domestic Violence cases.  However, they often will drop a case if it’s too flimsy and they can’t meet their burden of proof.

One way we’re able to do this is by challenging whether you were in an intimate relationship in the first place.  This is especially feasible if you only went on one date with the other person, you were only together for a few weeks, or your relationship with them was platonic rather than romantic.  Call us today to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience, and together, we can protect your future.


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 one of our top criminal defense lawyers 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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