Sometimes, I have a hard time imagining the rationale behind this crazy law for Domestic Violence in Denver, Arapahoe and Douglas County. Any crime can be Domestic Violence (DV). In fact, this label can be added to child abuse, animal cruelty and criminal mischief. While none of these crimes involve violence by pushing or shoving, hitting or slapping, they can all be DV.
Elements of Domestic Violence are Easy to Meet
All you need to do to make a normal crime a Domestic Violence crime, is suggest that it was done for the purpose of “coercion, control, punishment, intimidation or revenge, directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.” C.R.S. 18-6-800.3. And recently, the Colorado Supreme Court has declared that sex is not necessary for an intimate relationship in Larimer and Weld County. Handholding or kissing may suffice.
Be Careful Who You Get to Know
Now that everyone is susceptible to Domestic Violence charges in Adams, Broomfield and Jefferson County, you need to be really careful who you get to know. One night stands and “hook-ups” should be a thing of the past. Anyone you date, whether with sex or not, has the power to get you arrested and charged with this crime. Do you want to entrust a stranger with your job, housing and future? There is even a law which requires an arrest of a person accused of this crime. A DV conviction carries a bad stigma and your criminal history record can’t afford the stain.
If you are contacted by police or a sheriff deputy regarding DV charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call our experienced lawyers at 303-731-0719 today. Together, we can protect your future.