Domestic violence charges are serious, and you’re likely anxious to clear your name and for the case to be finished. Many domestic violence cases are resolved within six months, but some can take a year or longer to resolve. It is best to have an experienced Lakewood domestic violence defense lawyer on your side who can represent your interests every step of the way.
The Legal Process Involved in Lakewood Domestic Violence Cases
Domestic violence cases typically involve the following steps:
Reporting the Incident
The alleged victim or another person reports the incident to the police, officially beginning the criminal process.
Investigation
Law enforcement begins an investigation by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, photographing injuries, and taking other steps.
Arrest
The suspect is arrested if there is sufficient evidence. The prosecutor’s office charges them. The severity of the event will help determine whether the prosecutor files misdemeanor or felony charges.
Arraignment
At the arraignment, you will be informed of the charges against you and your rights. You will officially plead guilty or not guilty.
Pre-Trial Hearings
Pre-trial hearings are a time when the attorneys involved in a case can discuss unresolved issues and update the court about the progress. The judge may ask whether the parties have engaged in discussions regarding a plea agreement.
Trial
If you do not resolve your case through a plea agreement, your case continues to trial. At trial, both parties provide an opening statement, present their arguments, examine witnesses, cross-examine the other side’s witnesses, and present closing arguments. At the end of the trial, the judge or jury renders a verdict.
Factors Affecting the Timeline of a Lakewood Domestic Violence Case
Various factors can affect how long a particular domestic violence case may take, such as:
Severity of the Incident
The severity of the incident can have a significant impact on the timeline of a domestic violence case. Cases that involve significant injuries or multiple charges may require longer investigations. More resources may be put into these cases than those that do not involve such factors.
Availability of the Evidence
The availability of evidence and its strength can affect whether the case is resolved quickly. Evidence may include:
- Police reports
- Photos
- Videos
- Medical records
- Eyewitness statements
When the evidence against you is strong, it may be in your best interest to consider a plea bargain, which may result in less time behind bars.
Cases may take longer if your Lakewood defense attorney needs to gather evidence to build a defense for you, such as cell phone records, video surveillance, text messages, or expert analysis. However, putting in this work may help make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Court Backlog
Every court in Colorado is different. Each has its own set of cases that are already scheduled. If the court where your case is heard has a high volume of cases, it may take more time before your trial begins.
Whether a Trial Is Involved
If a trial is involved, the process will likely take much longer than when it’s not. Trials involve additional steps, including pre-trial hearings, discovery, and legal motion filing. If you agree to plead guilty or the case is dismissed against you, the timeline will be much shorter.
Contact Us for a Tailored Defense
At The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic, we understand you are anxious for your case to be resolved, but we won’t rush the process at the cost of securing a less favorable result. We expedite your case while building a strong, tailored defense. Call (888) 565-2217 or fill out our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.