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Colorado Springs Domestic Violence Attorney

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Domestic Violence is Very Serious. If You Have Children, the Repercussions Are Even Worse.

If you’ve been facing a DV charge, our Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney is standing by. Our attorneys are former prosecutors.

You will see that experience at the law office of the District Attorney translates into seeing both sides of this issue and extensive knowledge about the intensity of this criminal act. Our experience can guide you in proceeding legally with a solid defense of your rights. Discuss it with us immediately if you’ve been involved in domestic violence.

Colorado Springs Domestic Violence Lawyers Are Ready to Defend Your Rights.

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If you have recently been involved in a domestic abuse incident, you may feel shaken, afraid, and uncertain about the best step to take next. Whether you are a victim of abuse or the alleged abuser, you should seek legal guidance immediately. A Colorado Springs domestic violence lawyer will serve as your legal advocate and provide the trusted advice you need to move safely forward with your life.

What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Domestic Violence Matter?

Domestic violence incidents are dangerous and can even be deadly if they are not stopped. If you are reading this and feel that you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Otherwise, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained due to the domestic violence incident. If your injury is severe, call 911 for emergency medical services.

If you are being accused of domestic violence but have injuries, you must also seek medical attention. Sometimes people try to use the legal system to turn the tables on the actual victim, and you may feel you can’t get help if you are accused. That is not true. If you seek medical attention, it can only help you. It would be best if you didn’t do this alone. Speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney about an excellent domestic violence defense.

Once you have treated any injuries, the next step is to call a Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney. Whether you are a victim or someone accused of abuse, a great domestic violence lawyer will fight for your rights and provide crucial legal guidance that will help keep you and your children out of harm’s way. Contact us today to boost your chances of a successful outcome with your case.

Suppose you are accused of domestic violence against a significant other or someone you are close to. In that case, you will need skillful legal counsel to help prove innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. Alexis Austin is an experienced Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney who has represented many clients throughout Colorado, and she can use her knowledge to help you.

Many types of domestic assault situations can lead to a DV charge, including:

  • Calling or texting an intimate partner repeatedly
  • Taking a significant other’s phone
  • Distributing compromising pictures of a partner against their wishes
  • Becoming physical, including slapping or shoving a significant other
  • Making a threat to someone close to you with whom you have had an intimate relationship
  • Stalking a spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, or an ex
  • Damaging the property of a significant other, even if the property is also yours
  • Threatening to hurt yourself in some cases

Depending on the circumstances, your charges could be bumped up to a felony domestic violence charge. But there’s hope. With prompt and professionalism, we will prepare a defense to protect your record and reputation. We will use various resources and investigative skills to secure the best possible outcome for every client. Each situation is unique, but in every case, it is vitally important that you retain a domestic violence lawyer on your side immediately. Even a domestic violence arrest can have far-reaching effects on your life. A domestic violence conviction would be even worse. Let’s flesh it out in a free consultation.

Have You Experienced Domestic Violence?

If you are involved in the act of domestic violence, first, please get to a place where you feel safe. Your well-being is our top concern. Then, contact us. You need a compassionate, strong Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney to help you feel confident and ensure that your criminal charge is made and your attacker is prosecuted.

We are deeply knowledgeable about protecting the rights of domestic violence victims. Our experience assisting the domestic violence group TESSA in Colorado Springs is a source of pride. Aggressive in defense, we can help you proceed with solid legal action from start to finish. You have the right to feel secure and peaceful. We will defend your rights and can work to establish a civil protection order so you can move forward.

If you have recently been involved in a domestic abuse incident, you may feel shaken, afraid, and uncertain about the best step to take next. Whether you are a victim of abuse or the alleged abuser, you should seek legal guidance immediately. A Colorado Springs domestic violence lawyer will serve as your legal advocate and provide the trusted advice you need to move safely forward with your life.

What Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Do to Help You?

A great lawyer will examine your criminal history and police report to determine the best way to fight for your interests. Below are five key things a Colorado Springs domestic violence lawyer can do to help you:

1) Serve as your legal advocate

Dealing with a spouse/significant other who abused or accused you of being abusive can be highly traumatic. Even talking over the phone or exchanging messages can be stressful. When you hire a domestic violence lawyer, you do not have to communicate directly with an abuser or accuser. Your attorney will be your trusted advocate in a Court hearing and deal with your abuser or accuser for you throughout your case.

2) Secure a restraining order

Also known as a protective order, a restraining order will help prevent future abuse to victims. A good domestic violence attorney can provide guidance and seek a restraining order on your behalf. In Colorado, there are several types of restraining orders, including the following:

  • A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): A TRO can often be issued the same day it is requested and will last up to 14 days. Concrete evidence of abuse is not required. A TRO is the first step in securing a Permanent Restraining Order (PRO).
  • A Permanent Restraining Order (PRO): A hearing for a PRO is usually scheduled when the judge issues a TRO. The PRO can be enforced in any location, and the issuing judge will determine how long a PRO is valid.
  • An Emergency Protective Order (EPO): Police officers often issue this type of order when an alleged victim is in immediate danger of domestic abuse. EPOs usually last three days, but an attorney can help secure a TRO before an EPO expires.

3) File a lawsuit for domestic violence

If you have been injured or endured pain and suffering due to your abuse, a domestic violence lawyer can file a domestic violence lawsuit on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover financial losses related to medical expenses and court costs.

4) Help you secure custody of your children

When there is an abusive person in your life, your children may also be in danger. A seasoned lawyer can help you gain child custody of your children and also help secure child support. And if you are accused of abuse you did not commit, a lawyer will fight to protect your parental rights.

5) Negotiate to have charges dropped

Some victims of abuse decide they no longer wish to press charges against their alleged abuser and want to drop domestic violence charges. Other times people get into arguments with their intimate partner, things get blown way out of proportion, and you no longer want law enforcement involved in your relationship. If this is the case, know that the legal system recognizes that sometimes unnecessary arrests are made. A Springs domestic violence attorney from our law office can ensure that any pertinent abuse charges are dropped.

Colorado Statutes

Assault

Kidnapping

Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney

Best Colorado Springs Domestic Violence Attorney To Help You When Facing Domestic Violence Charges

Have you been falsely accused? Your El Paso County defense attorney can help. We offer a consultation to review your legal matter and determine the next steps with help from the law firm’s criminal law attorneys. Visit one of our two Colorado Springs Offices.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Colorado criminal procedure

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  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

Ask a Colorado Springs DV Lawyer

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When should I call a domestic violence attorney?

Whether you are a victim or are accused of domestic violence, you should talk to one of our Colorado Springs domestic violence attorneys as soon as possible. After authorities have become involved, make sure you are in a safe place and get in contact with an attorney right away to ensure you have someone in your corner to protect your rights and freedoms.

Do I need a lawyer for a domestic violence case?

Regardless of which side you are on, domestic violence charges are very serious. Once the authorities have gotten involved, it is in the hands of the state as to whether or not they will follow through with prosecution. You should speak with a Colorado Springs domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights and freedoms are being looked out for.

Can a domestic violence charge be dropped?

Once someone has been charged with a domestic violence offense in Colorado, the charges cannot be dropped. This is because the state has already become involved, and therefore it is not within the victim’s power to “drop” the charges. The state will choose whether or not to prosecute the case, so it is in the best interest of the accused to speak with a Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney as soon as possible.

What happens when you get a domestic violence charge?

When there is a domestic violence call, most often, at least one party will be arrested. Under Colorado law, you will spend at least one night in jail if you have been arrested for domestic violence. You must remain calm and respectful and exercise your right to remain silent until your domestic violence attorney is present.

How serious is a domestic violence charge?

A domestic violence charge is always a serious situation. The state of Colorado does not take this lightly and will likely choose to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Domestic violence is considered an enhancement, so the exact seriousness of the charge depends on the underlying crime (for example, assault with a domestic violence enhancement will bear a different weight than stalking with a domestic violence enhancement).

How do you fight a domestic violence charge?

If you decide that you want to fight a domestic violence charge in a trial, you will need to first understand which strategies will best help your chances. An experienced criminal defense lawyer from our law firm can help you determine which strategies are best suited for your particular case. Some ways of fighting a domestic violence charge include:

  • Character highlights: A domestic violence attorney will often put together information highlighting the good character of their client, in order to prove that they would not have committed this crime.
  • New evidence: Another possible tactic is to have your legal representation provide new evidence to challenge the case that the state has put together.
  • Present witnesses: If anyone saw or overheard the incident in question, an attorney may decide to have them speak as a witness on your behalf.
  • Self-defense theory: If you were acting in self-defense, your attorney may decide to use this as a defense, as opposed to only arguing that the state did not prove their case.

How long do domestic abuse charges stay on your record?

If domestic violence charges are dropped, the defendant has the opportunity to seal their record for those charges to no longer show. If someone has been convicted, however, this domestic charge will remain on their record, and they will not be able to seal them. A domestic violence accusation can have far-reaching effects.

How are domestic violence allegations handled?

Colorado law requires that a police officer make an arrest whenever there is probable cause that a domestic violence crime has been committed. Once the arrest has been made, the charges cannot be “dropped” by the accusing party. The state then handles domestic violence cases as a criminal case. For this reason, it is crucial to have a domestic violence attorney to help represent you and your interests, potentially by coming up with a serious defense.

Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney

Best Colorado Springs Domestic Violence Attorney To Help You

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We offer a consultation to review your specific situation and determine next steps with help from our criminal law attorneys. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

Areas Served

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El Paso County

Douglas County

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Arapahoe County

  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Cherry Hills Village
  • Foxfield
  • Sheridan
  • Columbine Valley
  • Byers
  • Southglenn
  • Castlewood
  • Peoria

Pueblo County

Teller County

Fremont County

  • Coaldale
  • Cotopaxi
  • Hillside
  • Howard
  • Texas Creek
  • Wellsville