Domestic violence has been in the news a lot lately. Reports suggest it has risen considerably in the last few months — but that doesn’t mean you’re “guilty as charged” just because your partner makes an allegation.
If your relationship can get heated at times, you need to understand what Colorado law considers domestic violence to avoid any actions that could cause you legal problems.
Domestic violence is not a charge in itself; rather, it enhances other charges when the violent act or threat of violence is against a current or past partner. However, violence does not need to be directed to a partner directly in order to qualify as domestic violence. Threatening to kill your girlfriend’s dog or setting light to a former husband’s car could also count, as the aggression is aimed at the person who owns the dog or car. Doing something to another person who is in some way related to your current or ex-partner could also count.
These are some of the charges where a domestic violence enhancement could be applied:
- Assault
- Stalking
- Harassment
If the police are called to a report of domestic violence, they must arrest the supposed aggressor if they find evidence of a disturbance and the relationship. This rule exists because violent partners often convince their victims to change their story by the time the police arrive.
When a court considers something an act of domestic violence, they will treat it as a more serious offense. If accused of domestic violence in Lakewood, be sure to seek legal help to fight the charges.