Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Colorado Domestic Violence for Anything?

On Behalf of | Oct 29, 2011 | Domestic Violence |

Can you be charged with Denver, Colorado Domestic Violence for anything? C.R.S. 18-6-800.3.  Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, but our legislature has catered to the victim’s rights crowd all the way this time. A person (usually a man), can be charged with Domestic Violence in Lakewood, Littleton or Castle Rock for hiding his wife’s car keys, moving his girl friend’s car, or for leaving an unkind voicemail to his ex-lover.

All that is required under the law is some element of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge, and a former intimate relationship. Think up your own examples – and be creative. “Coercion, control or revenge?” How about rewording these broad classifications? They are identical to persuading, being upset, or getting back at someone. If you are an unhappy person with your spouse, in Jefferson, Douglas, Adams, or Arapahoe County, beware.  You will be prosecuted in our state for Domestic Violence if you harass your girlfriend, boyfriend, or ex-lover.

I am not opposed to prosecutions for law violations, but why call it Domestic Violence when there is no violence?  Hiding a woman’s car keys is not the same as beating her up.  Yet in Colorado, both are domestic violence.  Letting a boyfriend’s treasured pittbull run free out the backyard gate is wrong, but not as wrong as shooting him for sleeping with another woman. Yet, both are Domestic Violence in Colorado.  Calling the bank and canceling your unfaithful husband’s credit card is wrong, but not like trying to run him off the road, yet both are Domestic Violence in Colorado.  Someone missed the point.

It is time we stop categorizing all Brighton, Aurora and Golden crime between spouses as Domestic Violence.  We shouldn’t label good people as Domestic Violence perpetrators just because they were once in love and got upset in a non-violent manner. We need a category that means something other than a way to bolster statistics for police departments. We need a category that identifies someone who is violent and a danger to others (Domestic Violence Assault), not someone who had their heart broken and left an angry voice mail message (Domestic Violence Harassment).

Our law firm has over twenty years experience protecting people from the unfair consequences of a Domestic Violence label.  If you are contacted by police for any crimes involving a former spouse or ex-girlfriend / boyfriend, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us today at 303-731-0719.  Together, we can protect your future.