Greeley Domestic
Violence Attorney

Bruno Lilly LeClere

What is Domestic Violence?

The common definition of domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

According to C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3(1) (2021), Colorado has legally defined domestic violence as “an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.” 

How is Domestic Violence a Crime in Colorado?

It is a crime to commit an act or threatened act of violence against a person with whom the actor is in an intimate relationship. Per, C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3(2) (2021), it is also a crime of domestic violence when a crime is committed “against a person, or against property, including an animal, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.”

Some common charges are “Harassment as an Act of Domestic Violence“ or “Criminal Mischief as an Act of Domestic Violence”.  A simple push in an argument with your partner can lead to the criminal charge of Harassment as an Act of Domestic Violence.  Throwing something across the room during an argument with your partner can lead to the criminal charge of Criminal Mischief as an Act of Domestic Violence.  It is important to realize that domestic violence is not reserved for the most horrendous crimes.  It is applied to crimes most people consider minimal and maybe not even criminal. What’s worse is these crimes can be charged without evidence.  If the police show up at your home during an argument and your partner tells the police that you pushed them, without any other evidence, the police must arrest you. They have no discretion.

Types of Domestic Violence in Greeley

While every state has laws on domestic violence, Colorado has specific language in dealing with these difficult situations. If you or someone you care about has been accused of domestic violence contact our Colorado domestic violence attorney. 

Assault

Assault is simply defined as when a person causes serious bodily harm with intent to cause said harm. Assault can be verbal, physical, simple, and sexual in nature. Regardless of the accusations brought against you or a loved one, it’s important to understand that the Colorado legal system provides protections and rights to those facing domestic violence charges. Our firm is here to help.

Child Abuse

An individual may be found guilty of child abuse if they harm a child, that child’s health, or their life. One may also face child abuse charges if they neglectfully put a child in a situation that endangers them. This includes mistreatment, lack of medical care, malnourishment, cruel or unusual punishment, or an accumulation of abuses that cause serious harm or death. We understand how serious these charges are and the effects they can have on one’s life and we are here to help. Facing child abuse charges? Contact our Greeley family violence lawyer today.

Elder or Nursing Home Abuse

Nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals often face difficult patient-related situations. If a family or a resident raises concerns about potential abuse and accuses you or a loved one of the harm, it could horribly affect your career. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, nursing home or senior citizen community employee, or another type of medical professional, our firm can help you fight elder or nursing home abuse charges.

Facing harassment charges? Put your trust in our Colorado family violence attorney to handle your defense strategy.

Unlawful Sexual Contact

Unlawful sexual contact can bring about serious charges but, the term “sexual contact” can be misconstrued depending on one’s personal opinion. In today’s world, it’s crucial that one understands the law surrounding unlawful sexual conduct in Colorado. According to C.R.S. 18-3-404, one can be facing unlawful sexual contact charges if:

• The victim does not consent;
• The victim is unable to appraise their conduct;
• They know the victim is physically unable to protect themselves and has not given consent to the actions;
• They have rendered the victim intoxicated, high, or otherwise submissive to their actions.

Don’t fight these charges alone, work with our knowledgeable Greeley domestic violence lawyers to build a defense strategy designed to protect your rights and freedoms.

What Happens After an Arrest in Greeley, Colorado?

After you are booked into the jail, you will see a judge who will determine your bond, bond conditions, and issue a mandatory protection order.  The mandatory protection order will determine what you can and cannot do with your partner.  For instance, most protection orders are no contact, which means you will not be able to talk to or be around your partner, you will have to leave your home and find a new place to live.  If you violate the protection order by talking to your partner, you can be charged with another domestic violence crime.  The judge may also decide to impose certain bond restrictions requiring you to check in with a pretrial services program and complete substance use testing (such as UA’s or breath tests).  Your liberty, while charges are pending, will be significantly restricted and it can be expensive.

The Negotiation Process

After you see the judge, you will be given a court date to appear on the charges. You will want an experienced criminal defense attorney to be there with you to talk to the prosecutor and the judge on your behalf. This is the first step in resolving your case. At the first court appearance, you may request your lawyer to ask the judge to modify the protection order so you can talk to your partner or get some of your belongings from the home. The judge will decide whether the protection order is modified or not. The prosecutor will also extend an offer at your first appearance which you will then need to discuss in detail with your lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney will review the discovery with you, the offer from the prosecutor, and advise you of your options. You can accept the offer, counter the offer, or reject the offer and set the case for trial. Your lawyer should give you their professional opinion about what to do, but ultimately the decision about accepting an offer or not is up to you.

Lifetime Consequences of Conviction

Judges may decide to order that a defendant be considered for and complete a domestic violence treatment program as part of their sentencing or as the total punishment for the crimes they are convicted of.

More serious convictions may also include prison sentences and potential fines of up to $100,000.  In addition to prison and fines, one may be facing:

• Loss of professional licenses
• Difficulty finding employment
• Child custody and visitation rights being revoked
• Difficulty getting housing or loans
• Dishonorable military discharge
• Loss of ability to own or carry firearms 
• Anger management classes
• Deportation
• House arrest
• Probation or parole
• Additional restrictions as ordered

Additionally, there are other sentencing requirements that can be expensive. If you are convicted of a domestic violence crime, you will be required to be placed on probation and take domestic violence classes. Probation and classes are expensive and can take two or more years to complete.

What to Know About Criminal Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado

How Criminal Defense Lawyer Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly Can Help

Domestic violence cases are complicated. As a seasoned litigator and experienced criminal law attorney, our managing partner Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly is committed to helping clients find the best path forward in their cases. Among other things, our Colorado domestic violence attorneys will:

• Listen to your story and answer your questions;
• Review and investigate the charges; and
• Develop a legal strategy focused on securing your future.

We believe that a one-size-fits-all approach is not good enough for our clients. Our Colorado domestic violence defense attorneys will put in the time, resources, and attention to detail to ensure that you get the personalized legal representation that you deserve.