Legislators, Police, District Attorneys and Judges are scared of one thing: public criticism. They fear they will make a mistake and their “mistake” will be publicized and they will lose their jobs. Domestic Violence (C.R.S. 18-6-800) laws in Adams, Jefferson and Denver County, Colorado have been written to protect government workers from criticism. Even non-violent acts are criminalized. If harsh and unreasonable treatment conditions are required of a person from a fight with their loved one, how can anyone criticize the government worker if the convicted person reoffends? Yet, if the convicted person is given a break, and they reoffend, criticism will fly fast and furious.
Government workers in Arapahoe, Douglas and Weld County are especially sensitive in the Domestic Violence realm because public emotional reaction is high when a crime related to former lovers occurs. Emotions run high as someone might be killed or injured. Special interest watchdog groups advance the interests of “abused” women – and to criticize the government. My personal favorite is “emotional” abuse cases. These special interest groups are trying to cleanse the world of emotional abuse. I am emotionally abused on a daily basis. Should I call one of these special interest groups to protect me?
While each new law passed has positives, each also results in further erosion of our freedoms. Every time we invite government workers into our homes and relationships, there is a price to be paid. They set themselves as king over that area the law addresses, and expand their talons into other components of our lives. You invite them into manage a wife who yells at her husband (emotional abuse), and they will want to supervise how she addresses the children. You let government in to “fix” a husband who threw a phone across the room at the wall, and the government will supervise his time with children and what he has to drink. Make a criminal case out of a mean phone call and they will make him attend classes even if it costs him his job.
Assaults and violence against another person is wrong, plain and simple. And we have plenty of laws preventing this crime. Yet, out of a need to look busy and avoid criticism, our legislators have created over-kill Domestic Violence specialized rules if the assault is against a former lover. Judges and DA’s in Larimer and Grand County are then required to join the bandwagon with a vengeance against these offenders – or face criticism.
Our law firm has worked with men and women accused of Domestic Violence for over twenty years. If you’ve been charged, call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.