Domestic Violence
Resolve Family Law Matters with the Help of a Grand Junction, CO Domestic Violence Attorney
Under Colorado law, domestic violence is defined as an act of violence or threat of violence against a person with whom the aggressor has had an intimate relationship. You can be charged and convicted of domestic violence for assaulting a current or former spouse, partner, or live-in girlfriend or boyfriend.
The law on domestic violence also covers crimes committed against a third party—for example, a former partner’s new partner—or against property for the purpose of coercing, intimidating, or punishing your ex.
Domestic violence in Colorado is a serious crime. If you are convicted, you may be sentenced to time in jail and subject to a hefty fine. Even worse, you may lose the admiration and respect of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. A domestic violence conviction can negatively affect your prospects for future employment. It may affect any child custody arrangement you have with your ex. You can lose your right to carry a firearm and even lose your professional license if you are a teacher or childcare worker. These are some of the many consequences of being convicted of domestic violence in Colorado.
The best response to such an allegation is to call a Grand Junction, CO domestic violence lawyer. Trace Tyler is the kind of domestic violence attorney you want on your side. You need someone who knows the law, with deep insight and experience. Most importantly, you need someone who will listen to your side of the story and believe in you. Trace Tyler is a domestic violence lawyer who will treat you with courtesy and respect.
Penalties for Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the abuse. A push, light slap, or act of intimidation is usually charged as a misdemeanor. An attack that causes serious and long-term injury will be charged as a felony.
Penalties for domestic violence do not designate the underlying violent act as a separate offense. If you are convicted of assault, battery, harassment, or kidnapping against a person with whom you were in an intimate relationship, you will be required to undergo a domestic violence program and receive treatment evaluation in addition to the sentence for the violent act.
Possible Defenses Against a Domestic Violence Charge
Victims of domestic violence will sometimes request orders of protection from the court. The court will only grant such an order if there is evidence that you committed the act of abuse. Such an accusation can be discredited. People are driven to do highly irrational, dishonest, and disreputable things when their children are involved or their heart has been broken. If you suspect that your ex’s accusation of domestic abuse is motivated by the desire for revenge or a child custody dispute, Trace Tyler will know how to gather the evidence that proves it.
Self-defense or defense of your property is another way of countering a domestic violence accusation. If your ex is the aggressor or has sent their new partner to attack you, then you are well within your rights to defend yourself. If either one of them is harmed in the commission of a crime against you, it is not you who should be held accountable.
Getting Justice
Trace Tyler is a seasoned and effective Grand Junction, CO domestic violence attorney. He will work diligently to uncover the facts of your case. That includes interviewing witnesses, collecting the relevant forensics, digging deep into the history of your relationship with your accuser, and developing a defense that will get you the best possible result.
Trace Tyler represents clients throughout Grand Junction, Montrose, and Western Slope, Colorado. If you are accused of domestic violence, contact him today.