Highlands Ranch Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Attorney in Highlands Ranch, CO

You shouldn’t hesitate to contact a Highlands Ranch domestic violence lawyer if you have been accused of abuse, served with a protection order, or arrested after a domestic dispute. Domestic violence allegations are handled very quickly, and you could soon face strict no-contact orders, removal from your home, loss of firearm rights, and criminal charges. The first few days after an allegation can greatly influence the outcome of your domestic violence case.

About Fuller & Ahern, P.C.

Susan Fuller has been practicing law since 1990 and founded Fuller & Ahern, P.C. in 1997. Our attorneys provide personalized, detail-oriented representation backed by over 75 years of combined legal experience.

Located in Parker, we proudly serve Highlands Ranch, the Denver metro area, and we frequently handle cases for clients throughout Colorado who deal with legal issues stemming from the Douglas County District Court located at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO 80109.

Understanding the Severity of Domestic Violence Allegations

Domestic violence in Colorado is not always its own charge. It’s a label that can be attached to many offenses if the people involved have an intimate connection. When that label is there, it can lead to different bond conditions, mandatory protection orders, and increased penalties.

The Colorado statutes regarding domestic violence are broader than most people realize. Most people think of domestic violence as involving physical harm to their loved ones. However, Colorado domestic violence laws define domestic violence as any act or threatened act of violence against a person to whom you are related or with whom you have an intimate relationship.

Domestic violence charges can also stem from crimes against property, or in some cases, even an animal, if they were used as a means to control, punish, intimidate, or retaliate. That means that many different scenarios could result in domestic violence charges.

According to a thorough analysis by the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, deaths from domestic violence decreased in 2023 and made up around 11% of all homicides in Colorado.

According to the research, 58 people died as a result of domestic abuse last year. In 2023, the board examined 47 incidents of domestic violence-related fatalities. Thirty of these victims were murdered by intimate partners, either past or present, and seven other victims, referred to as collateral victims, were also killed.

Protection Orders

Upon arrest for allegations of domestic violence in Colorado, courts will often impose a mandatory protection order before your hearing. You remain under restrictive conditions until a judge examines your situation during the preliminary hearing. That might mean no contact with your kids, loss of your home, or a requirement to find new places to live immediately. These orders can include:

• No contact with the other party, including through friends or family
• Immediate move-out of your house or apartment
• Firearm surrenders
• Prohibitions on texting, calling, or interacting on social media

Protection orders are serious, and violating their conditions can exacerbate an already difficult situation.

Violating a Protection Order Is a Serious Matter

Possibly the most common way to escalate a domestic violence charge is by accidentally violating a protection order. Non-threatening communication may still trigger additional legal charges against an individual.

Colorado law, C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5, prohibits violating any protection order issued by the court. Doing so can lead to additional charges, bond revocation, and an increase in your sentencing exposure. This is true even if you are still defending against the underlying domestic violence allegation.

That is why it is so important to have proper legal guidance. Many people make their situation worse when trying to explain themselves, apologize, or simply talk to the other person informally.

Why Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer

When you’re accused of domestic violence, your life can change in an instant. Even before you have an opportunity to tell your side of the story, you may face consequences that affect your future. A Highlands Ranch domestic violence attorney can help protect your rights from the beginning by reviewing the evidence.

An experienced attorney can also work with you to respond to mandatory protection orders, no-contact provisions, and firearm seizures that threaten your employment, housing, and relationships.

Domestic violence charges are often emotionally-charged, involve competing narratives, and carry long-term consequences like a permanent criminal record. Hire a domestic violence lawyer early if you want the greatest opportunity for reduced charges, dismissal, or other favorable resolution.

FAQs

What Evidence Is Needed in a Domestic Violence Case?

Evidence that may be used in your domestic violence case can range from the police report, 911 call recordings, witness statements, photos of injuries or damaged property, medical records and bills, statements made by you, text messages, emails, protection orders, previous incidents, or video recordings. Your Highlands Ranch domestic violence attorney can assist you in gathering the evidence you possess and organizing it to create the most appropriate defense.

Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?

Oftentimes, domestic violence accusations are dropped due to a lack of evidence, the victim recanted, or no credible witnesses. Prosecutors look for concrete, corroborated facts when filing charges. Without documents, police reports, and medical evidence, it is likely the charges could be dropped. Working with an attorney from the start can help identify existing weaknesses and prevent wrongful prosecution.

Why Is It So Hard to Prove Domestic Violence?

Cases of domestic violence are unique because they typically take place in private and are often emotionally driven. Often, there is very little evidence of any kind. Domestic violence cases can get very complicated, especially when the allegations are denied or there are conflicting acts by both parties. Having an attorney who knows how to deal with these types of issues is very important.

Can Screenshots of Messages Be Used as Evidence?

Screenshots of texts, emails, or social media messages can be used as evidence in court. They must be authentic, relevant to the case, and contain the entire conversation. Usually, the court will require some proof that the messages were not edited in any way and that they actually came from the parties they claim. An attorney can help authenticate your communications in order to prove or dispute a domestic violence claim.

Contact Fuller & Ahern, P.C.

If you have domestic violence accusations against you, do not wait to seek legal assistance. Fuller & Ahern, P.C. can help you. Contact us today for a consultation.