Harassment Domestic Violence is often charged in Loveland, Estes Park, and Fort Collins. This is because Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111, is easy to allege. And, Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is added to any crime involving people who are or have been in an intimate relationship. Let’s take a look at this common charge in order to understand the best way to defend against it in court.
What is the Definition of Harassment in Colorado?
Harassment is frequently charged in Larimer, Boulder, and Jackson County because it is very broad. A person will be charged if they are accused of shoving, using obscene language, following, repeatedly contacting, repeatedly calling, or insulting another person with the intent to annoy, harass, or alarm them. Obviously, this crime can be abused, especially when combined with Domestic Violence (DV) charges. Let’s look at DV to see how it meshes with Harassment.
What is Domestic Violence? Definition of DV in Larimer County
Domestic Violence (DV) is not a crime in and of itself. Instead, it is a label – a sentence-enhancer which is added whenever a crime occurs between two people who are in (or who have been) in an “intimate relationship.” You would think this means a sexual relationship, but this isn’t necessarily true; the Supreme Court determined that evidence of a sexual relationship wasn’t necessary to determine an intimate relationship.
The Danger of Harassment Domestic Violence Charges in Fort Collins
Put simply, if you have a fight with a girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, spouse, ex-wife, or someone you dated once back in high school, you could be facing Harassment Domestic Violence charges. Harassment is charged as a class 1 or a class 2 misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. If Domestic Violence is added and the person is convicted, they will be required to undergo (and pay for) DV treatment classes overseen by the Colorado Domestic Violence Offender Management Board. A person who yells at his girlfriend during a fight will be treated the same as a man who beats his wife. Also, a person convicted of a Domestic Violence offense is not able to possess firearms or pass background checks (for employment or housing).
Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with Harassment Domestic Violence, don’t try to handle the situation on your own in court, or use an overworked public defender. Contact a full-time criminal defense attorney who practices only criminal law. You need someone who knows the law and has a passion for fighting for people who have been charged with overly broad crimes. Contact us and we will be your advocate in the courtroom.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Harassment Domestic Violence, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for a free consultation at our convenient downtown Ft. Collins office at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
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