Colorado Springs Domestic Violence Lawyers
El Paso County Representation for Family Abuse & Misconduct Charges
Any crime that involves two people in an intimate relationship can be labeled as domestic violence, including assault, harassment, stalking, kidnapping, burglary, battery, and trespass. These cases require legal counsel that understands the high stakes involved for every client. Legal issues involving domestic violence often carry social and personal challenges, so clients need a domestic violence attorney able to address both the legal and human sides of these matters.
At Aviso Law, our domestic violence attorneys in Colorado Springs defend individuals charged with family abuse offenses. We use our extensive experience and client-focused approach to seek the best possible outcomes. By understanding both state and federal laws related to domestic violence, we deliver well-prepared defense strategies for unique situations.
Request a free phone consultation with a domestic violence lawyer in Colorado Springs for domestic violence & protection orders by calling Aviso Law at (719) 356-5552 or contacting us online.
Understanding Colorado’s Domestic Violence Laws
In Colorado, domestic violence is not a standalone crime but a sentencing enhancement. The DV designation is applied if the crime is committed or threatened as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge against a person with whom the actor has, or has had, an intimate relationship.
Defining the Intimate Relationship
Colorado's definition of an "intimate relationship" is broad and often surprises defendants. It includes:
- Spouses or former spouses.
- Past or present unmarried couples (including dating partners).
- Persons who are parents of the same child, regardless of whether they have ever lived together.
The relationship need not be sexual, only intimate.
Classification and Penalties
The penalties for a DV conviction depend on the underlying crime (Assault, Harassment, etc.):
- Felony Assault (Class 3/4): Punishable by 5 to 32 years in state prison, plus fines.
- Misdemeanor Assault (Class 1): Punishable by up to 18 months in county jail.
- Habitual DV Offender: After three prior DV convictions, any subsequent misdemeanor offense is automatically elevated to a Class 5 Felony, punishable by up to three years in prison.
In El Paso County, authorities handle domestic violence allegations with mandatory arrest policies and dedicated domestic violence courts. The local judicial system often schedules these cases rapidly for early hearings. As part of our service, we prepare clients for local procedures and the logistical realities of these cases, from courthouse logistics to the potential for separate family court matters.
Military service members stationed in Colorado Springs face extra steps because local installations set protocols above what state law requires. The court’s punishment can affect both civilian and military status, with potential military command notification and effects on future opportunities. Our firm has defended service members and families in similar situations, helping them navigate command protocols and additional requirements.
Consequences of Domestic Violence Convictions in Colorado Springs
Crimes that meet the criterion for domestic violence can have serious consequences on the judicial process.
- Arrests: Arrests are common when law enforcement officers respond to domestic violence calls, and arrestees are placed on no-bond-holds where they are not permitted to post bond until appearing in front of a judge.
- Impact of Protective Orders: A judge will then issue protective orders and bond conditions that prohibit contact between the people involved in the incident and any children who may have witnessed it.
- Expedited Legal Proceedings: After the initial hearing, domestic violence cases are usually placed on a fast track and scheduled much more quickly than most cases.
Our attorneys can navigate the expedited court process and challenges that come with these cases and should get involved as early as possible. Prompt legal support helps manage protective orders and family law issues that often come with these charges.
Colorado law imposes immediate and broad restrictions when authorities file domestic violence allegations. Courts in Colorado Springs respond quickly, which leaves little time to prepare without experienced legal guidance.
Fast-tracked hearing dates, mandatory protection orders, and strict rules on firearm possession begin from the day of an arrest. Our domestic violence defense lawyers in Colorado Springs help clients understand these procedures at every stage, from the initial bond hearing to the case conclusion.
Get in touch with our experienced team of domestic violence attorneys in Colorado Springs today!
Effects of a Domestic Violence Conviction
Though many crimes classified as domestic violence are misdemeanors, the domestic violence label can have sweeping, long-term effects. Under the Lautenberg Amendment, anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot own or possess firearms, which may lead to job loss for law enforcement officers and military personnel.
Additionally, people convicted of these crimes often face close probation supervision and increased difficulty in divorce or child custody proceedings. Unaddressed, these convictions can harm a person's relationships, reputation, and social standing. These restrictions reach beyond immediate penalties and can make it harder to find work or pass background checks in Colorado.
Domestic violence convictions may limit options for travel, housing, and professional licenses in Colorado. Employers and landlords in El Paso County regularly conduct background checks, so even a misdemeanor on record can create career or housing barriers for years. We help clients understand and plan for these impacts from the beginning, so they are prepared.
The Colorado Criminal Defense Process for DV Charges
The process in El Paso County often features a "Fast Track" program for misdemeanors, which places immense pressure on defendants to plead guilty quickly. Our firm aggressively counteracts this pressure.
- Immediate Intervention and MPO Challenge: We use our firm's 24/7 availability to intervene immediately. We immediately file a Motion to Modify the MPO, presenting evidence to the judge to seek limited contact or access to the shared home.
- DV Court/Diversion: We advocate for eligible clients' entry into El Paso County's specialized DV Court Program. This alternative offers intensive supervision and treatment, aiming to reduce recidivism and, in some cases, provide a pathway to a non-conviction outcome through pre-trial diversion.
- Discovery and Evidence of Other Acts: Colorado allows the prosecution to introduce evidence of similar prior acts of domestic violence (C.R.S. §18−6−801.5) to show motive or intent. We vigorously challenge the admissibility of this highly prejudicial evidence.
- Trial Strategy: If the case proceeds to the El Paso County District Court trial, we rely on our multi-faceted legal background to argue self-defense forcefully and challenge the credibility of the accuser's claims, which often form the sole basis of the prosecution's case.
What to Expect During the Legal Process in Colorado Springs
When law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call in Colorado Springs, officers almost always make an arrest if they find probable cause. The accused often remains in jail until a judge sets bond and issues a mandatory protection order.
Courts in El Paso County place domestic violence cases on an accelerated schedule, so the first hearing may happen within days. This short timeline means people benefit from early legal advice, which can affect their ability to protect their rights and navigate each stage.
Why Colorado Springs Residents Trust Us
Our record and commitment make Aviso Law a trusted choice for anyone seeking a domestic violence attorney in Colorado Springs. Clients value our deep ties to the Colorado Springs community and our practical, compassionate approach to legal defense.
We understand the pressures of military or law enforcement work and how domestic violence charges can reshape lives, which informs every recommendation we give. The strong local network we developed over decades of practice in El Paso County allows us to deliver affordable counsel and clear communication.
Learn more about how our domestic violence lawyer, Colorado Springs, can help you by contacting us online or calling (719) 356-5552 today!
Why Choose Aviso Law?
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Clients First
Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.
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Proven Success
To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.
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Breaking the Mold
We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court) and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.
