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Highlands Ranch Domestic Violence Lawyer

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Get Help with Domestic Violence Charges

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Have You Been Arrested or Charged with Domestic Violence in Highlands Ranch?

Get the help of an experienced trial attorney on your side. As an experienced Highlands Ranch domestic violence lawyer, Matt Chaput will help advocate on your behalf and get you the best possible outcome for your case. Need help? Contact us now.

HIGHLANDS RANCH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER

Facing domestic violence charges?

Domestic violence has many technical aspects that can have lasting consequences, particularly if you have children. A conviction can make it more difficult to see your children and can even result in you losing custody. If you have been arrested for domestic assault, you need an experienced Highlands Ranch domestic violence lawyer that can help you make informed decisions that move you toward the best outcome possible. Proven to save clients battling criminal defense matters — Matt Chaput is a Colorado domestic violence attorney that will give you an honest assessment of your domestic violence charges and provide professional, aggressive representation in court.

Begin building your defense today with a confidential and free consultation.

Should I Hire a Highlands Ranch Domestic Violence Lawyer?

If you don’t have in-depth knowledge of domestic violence law, it can be tempting to take a quick plea deal with the prosecutors. However, if you want to increase the chances of a favorable outcome of your case, you should at least speak to an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Highlands Ranch, CO about your options. When defendants hire domestic violence lawyers, it becomes their job to advocate for their clients’ rights and fight the District Attorney in court to get the best possible outcome.

Maybe you have doubts about whether your rights were violated. Maybe you need someone to give you straightforward, no-pressure advice on what you should expect from your charges. Either way, reach out to Right Law Group today.

How is Domestic Violence Charged in Colorado?

The first thing you need to know is that domestic violence is not punished as a separate crime in the state of Colorado. When a person is convicted of a domestic violence crime, they are convicted of the underlying charge (i.e., “assault”, “battery”, “harassment,” etc.).

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Colorado

Because of the wide range of possible charges in domestic violence cases, convictions can vary between misdemeanors and felonies. The possible consequences and penalties, then, can also vary.

  • Domestic violence classes
  • Protective orders
  • Fines and court fees
  • Loss of gun rights
  • Prison or jail time

In some cases, felony convictions of domestic violence can even lead to future issues with gaining employment, finding adequate housing, and even family law matters like child custody. If you’re facing this type of charge, call a domestic violence attorney and do everything you can to protect your freedom and your future.

Aggravating Factors of Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado

In some cases, there are factors that can elevate a domestic violence case to a more serious charge with more serious consequences, including felony status.

These aggravating factors include:

  • Using a deadly weapon during the act
  • Intending to cause serious bodily injury or death
  • Causing serious or permanent bodily damage
  • Violating a domestic violence protective order
  • Prior convictions for violent offenses

Repeat offenders also face stiffer penalties in domestic violence cases. Second or subsequent offenses may trigger the District Attorney to petition the court to declare you a habitual domestic violence offender. To mitigate the consequences of these aggravating factors, you need the experience of an attorney that has in-depth knowledge of domestic violence laws in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Possible Defenses for Colorado Domestic Violence Charges

While an arrest can come easy, domestic violence charges like domestic assault can be difficult to prove depending on the circumstances of the case. While cases like domestic assault involve a complex criminal defense, some possible strategies used in domestic violence cases in Colorado include:

  • The incident in question was an accident and not intentional
  • You were falsely accused of the violent act
  • You acted in self-defense
  • You acted in defense of others
  • You acted in defense of your property

At the end of the day, it’s up to the District Attorney to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty as charged for a domestic violence crime. You should ALWAYS speak to an experienced domestic violence attorney to work through all of your best options.

How Much Does a Domestic Violence Attorney Cost in Colorado?

The answer to that question often depends on your past criminal history and the specifics of your case. In Colorado, it can be a common tactic for police and the District Attorney to list multiple charges in the police report to make a conviction more likely. The reality is that domestic violence charges on their own have a relatively low conviction rate in comparison to other crimes. While this is not true 100% of the time, the reality is that in most cases, where there are no clear injuries, it is a matter of “he said, she said”. Of course, each case is different and you may or may not have factors involved in your case that would allow it to be dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge. The only way to know for sure how domestic violence lawyers can help your case and how much the fees will cost is to contact us today. Payment plans are available. Reach out today to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence can be present in many forms. Oftentimes there may be no evidence of physical violence, or there may be another type of assault taking place — Domestic violence does NOT just involve physical harm. There are a lot of other endangering or threatening behaviors that can lead a victim to press charges.

  • Isolation – Deliberately preventing someone from contacting friends and relatives, leaving the house, talking on the phone, or accessing social media.
  • Stalking – Watching or following a victim to the point of creating fear. This can be in person or virtually.
  • Physical Harm – Commonly involved in many domestic violence situations. Intentionally inflicting pain or illness.
  • Threats To Injure Self/Others – Any threats made to cause harm to another individual or injure oneself.
  • Releasing Private Information – Distributing private information without consent from the owner. Text messages, letters, photographs, or any other personal information that may have once been shared in confidence.

TOP-RATED HIGHLANDS RANCH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER NEAR YOU

Right Law Group is a highly experienced Colorado law firm that focuses on domestic violence as well as other areas of criminal and DUI law. We represent clients in Denver, Littleton, and Highlands Ranch, CO. As well as all surrounding cities in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. If you are looking for a Highlands Ranch domestic violence attorney that offers aggressive defense no matter the case, look no further. Contact us today for a free consultation. Don’t make the mistake of trying to defend yourself or pleading guilty or no contest just because you want to get this behind you. A conviction for ANY charge can have lasting consequences that you should be aware of before making any decisions.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does domestic violence stay on your record in Colorado?

Unfortunately, a domestic violence conviction stays on your criminal record forever. That’s why hiring an experienced domestic violence attorney to review your criminal case is critical for your future opportunities.

Can a domestic violence case be settled?

Any case can be settled with a plea bargain in Colorado courts. While this is a possibility in some cases, domestic violence charges are taken seriously in the Centennial State. In fact, charges cannot be dropped prior to prosecution, even by the alleged victim.

Are domestic violence classes mandatory in all domestic violence cases?

When a defendant is sentenced to probation after a domestic violence conviction, counseling and treatment are mandatory conditions of their court supervision period. Failure to complete classes could result in probation being revoked.

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