What is domestic violence?

In the past, domestic violence was often difficult to prove. It could only be shown in cases where both people were married to one another, and it could also only be shown where one spouse was physically abusive. Moreover, the abuse had to be substantial. Mere shoves or pushes were not enough.

Today, the Colorado legislature and the federal government have substantially expanded the definition of domestic violence. This has been an overall good development in the law, but it also means that many actions that most would not consider domestic violence are now brought under that definition. For example, even the mere exchange of heated words may be enough to be charged with domestic violence.

Today, domestic violence refers to any action where one partner seeks to gain an advantage of power though verbal or physical abuse over another partner with whom they are intimate. Thus, domestic violence can now happen in cases where two people are living together but are not married, which makes sense. However, as one may be able to tell, the definition is substantially loose enough to bring many seemingly benign actions under the banner of domestic violence.

The ramifications could be severe

When the domestic violence charges are based on allegations that seem unfounded and where both spouses are seeking to have the charges dropped, it may well be tempting to try going without a Denver domestic violence lawyer. However, the ultimate decision of whether or not to bring charges is not up to either spouse. The ultimate decision is left to a prosecutor who may or may not absolutely discard the wishes of the spouses.

And unfortunately, even unfounded allegations of domestic violence may lead to serious ramifications. Those who have been charged with domestic violence could have trouble holding a job, and may find that they have become an object of scorn in the community. Furthermore, if one is convicted on the charges, they may lose access to their home and to their kids. They may also have to spend time behind bars in addition to being forced to register as a sex offender after the leave jail.

It is thus often in a person’s best interest to contact a Denver Domestic Violence Attorney when one has been charged with domestic violence. An attorney can help with putting forth a strong and meaningful defense that makes one’s case in a fair and accurate manner. Furthermore, they can also help with navigating a judicial system that often seems complicated to those not well-versed in its various rules and procedures and with procuring a reasonable result.

The consequences of domestic violence charges can be severe

Facing charges of domestic violence is no light matter. Over the past few decades, state and local governments have aggressively enacted laws against domestic violence and have substantially increased the penalties for someone who has been charged with domestic violence. At the same time, authorities have stepped up their prosecution of the crime.

Those convicted of domestic violence may face serious ramifications, including not only hefty fines but also substantial time behind bars. After they are released from prison, they may even be forced to register as a sex offender and inform their neighbors to this effect. Even when the allegations are unfounded and a court finds a person innocent, the mere allegations of domestic violence can severely tarnish a person’s reputation.

That may in turn lead to difficulty with keeping a job or finding employment. Those who are involved in a bitter child custody suit may even find that the unfounded allegations are used against them to restrict access to their own children. It is thus in a defendant’s best interest to contact a Denver domestic violence lawyer who has experience in this area.

What a lawyer can do

A lawyer may be able to interview witnesses and discover evidence that may prove the innocence of the offender. They may also help with navigating the court system, which is particularly important as the court system is not always clear. In fact, many court rules require the timely and proper filing of court documents. Missing a deadline could lead to substantial penalties.

But more than anything else, a Denver domestic violence lawyer may provide invaluable assistance in formulating a robust and aggressive defense. Because local authorities aggressively prosecute domestic violence, a defendant may find that the playing field is tilted against them even though they are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer, though, can level the playing field and give the defendant a fighting chance in court.

An experienced lawyer will also typically have prior knowledge of dealing with similar cases. They can then use that prior knowledge to help with securing a fair result as they will know what arguments to make. They may also know what kind of arguments will influence a judge, and which will not. In some cases, it may even be possible to negotiate with the prosecute to reduce or even drop the charges.

Working with a Denver Domestic Violence Lawyer is thus encouraged for anyone charged with domestic violence. An attorney can provide invaluable assistance in successfully navigating the court system and in securing a fair and reasonable result.

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