Domestic Violence Treatment in Larimer County
When a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a crime involving an act of domestic violence, they are required to participate in Domestic Violence (DV) treatment. Colorado has implemented a Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (much like the Sex Offender Management Board), which has created a set of standards for those convicted of a crime with the DV enhancer. The program demands that each person pay for and participate in an evaluation and DV treatment. Also, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has a list of domestic violence perpetrators and anyone accused of a crime involving Domestic Violence is added to this database, even before being convicted or pleading guilty. What ever happened to the notion of innocent until proven guilty? Under this statute- C.R.S. 16-11.8-103 – the minute a person is accused, the state sees them as guilty and treats them as such.
Other Domestic Violence Issues
Fort Collins Domestic Violence AttorneyWhat Will Happen to Me If I Plead Guilty to a Domestic Violence Offense?
There are some important things to know before pleading guilty to a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence offense in Larimer, Boulder or Grand County.
- You will have to participate in and pay for an evaluation, which extensively assesses your mental health and life issues.
- You will have to participate in and complete at least 36 weeks of treatment classes and therapy.
- You will be held accountable for over 200 pages of rules set forth by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board.
Domestic Violence TreatmentOne Size Does NOT Fit All in Loveland
Much like Sex Offender Treatment, Domestic Violence treatment assumes everyone has committed a violent crime and should be rehabilitated in the same way. The actual definition of domestic violence does not require there be any violence involved. In Domestic Violence treatment, there may be a man who repeatedly assaulted his wife causing bodily injury sitting next to a man who called his girlfriend over and over again in the middle of night and was charged with Harassment. Treatment does not differentiate between the two crimes. There is no flexibility for treatment providers to decide how much and what type of treatment is best. It is a standardized one – size – fits – all program.
Larimer County Domestic Violence Treatment ProvidersThe Choice Is Not Yours Alone
Only treatment providers approved by the Domestic Violence Board will count toward your treatment participation in Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park. You will not get any credit for having an evaluation and continuing treatment with a non-approved provider, even if it is one you fully trust and feel comfortable with. This will only end up being a waste of time and money for you. In addition, Colorado has rule which says you can not engage in marriage counseling while in Domestic Violence treatment. Our state shows its true colors here – denying people the chance to better their marriage when they need help the most. Also, Colorado has not approved any on-line programs, so that is not an option either. Choosing the right provider is vital to your success. At the O’Malley Law Office, we can help you select a treatment provider who will be a good fit for you.