In Colorado, being convicted of a domestic violence offense can have serious ramifications. The crime is defined by statute but essentially amounts to an act or threat of violence towards a partner in an intimate relationship.

As the penalties for domestic violence can be life-changing, it is worth addressing some of the more frequent queries. Outlined below are three common questions about domestic violence offenses in Colorado.

Can a partner decide to drop charges?

Colorado is a mandatory arrest state. This means that the police must make an arrest if they believe that domestic violence has occurred. It is not uncommon for partners to want to take back accusations, but law enforcement will typically act if there is a presence of suspicious injuries or a previous history of domestic violence. In summary, a partner has no say in whether an arrest is made once the police have attended the scene.

Will an arrest for domestic violence mean spending time in custody?

If law enforcement has probable cause to suspect that a domestic violence offense has been committed, then time in custody is a distinct possibility. Often, this means that an alleged offender will be kept in at least overnight, until such a time as they appear in front of the court, where bail can be posted and a plea entered.

What are the potential penalties of a conviction for domestic violence?

In severe cases or where a pattern of behavior has been established, a domestic violence conviction can lead to significant jail time. Furthermore, domestic violence convictions can have an impact on employment, parental rights, gun ownership, and numerous other aspects of life.

If you find yourself facing allegations of domestic violence, then you should remember that you have legal rights that need to be protected. Your future may depend on an aggressive defense.