People charged with Domestic Violence crimes in Fort Collins, Colorado frequently ask us how their charges affect their gun rights. Unfortunately, there is a chance that if you have been charged with a DV crime, you could lose your firearm rights for good. This is in part because you are subject to a criminal protection order throughout your case, which prohibits you from owning guns until the end of the case. Additionally, conviction of a DV offense means that you will not be able to possess a firearm for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a DV offense and would like to keep your guns, you need to contact a top criminal defense lawyer today.
1. Criminal Protection Orders in Fort Collins Domestic Violence Cases
Any time a person is charged with a Domestic Violence crime in Fort Collins, they are subject to a criminal protection order. This protection order is in place throughout the criminal case to prevent the defendant from contacting the alleged victim, and only expires at the end of the case. Usually, a defendant who wishes to post bond to leave the Larimer County Jail must acknowledge in writing that they understand the provisions of the protection order.
Criminal protection orders prohibit defendants from possessing firearms for the duration of the case. If the charges are dismissed, you will be able to own guns again. Unfortunately, if you are convicted of your charges, or you are subsequently subject to a civil protection order, this prohibition will continue.
2. Misdemeanor DV Convictions = No Guns Allowed in Larimer County
Conviction of a misdemeanor DV offense in Larimer County also means that you are not allowed to have guns. Normally, this firearm prohibition is only applicable to those who have been convicted of a felony offense. However, conviction of a misdemeanor Domestic Violence crime means that you also cannot possess a firearm. This means that conviction of even a misdemeanor offense like Harassment or False Imprisonment will bar you from firearm ownership for the rest of your life. This is regardless of whether the underlying offense involved actual violence or the use of a firearm.
3. Contact a Top Loveland and Estes Park Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a Domestic Violence crime and hope to maintain your firearm rights, your first step should be to contact a top Loveland and Estes Park criminal defense lawyer today. The only way that you can maintain your firearm rights after being charged with a DV offense is if the charges against you are dismissed. This only happens with the representation of the best criminal defense attorney, who can poke enough holes in the District Attorney’s case to dismantle it. However, whether your charges can be dropped ultimately depends on your case. Dismissal is not always an option. Nonetheless, we will still fight for the best outcome possible, whether that entails dismissal or a solid plea bargain.
Have you been charged with a Domestic Violence crime? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer with over 3 decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. 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!
Photo by Karolina Grabowska