Facing a domestic violence charge in Colorado can feel overwhelming, isolating, and frightening. But you don’t have to face it alone. At The Moloney Law Firm, we’re here to stand by your side and fight for the strongest possible outcome.
Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or felony domestic violence charge, the consequences can be severe—impacting your freedom, your family, your career, and your ability to move forward. That’s why you need a Denver domestic violence lawyer who knows how to navigate the complexities of Colorado’s laws and challenge the prosecution at every step.
With deep courtroom experience and a strategic approach, our team defends your rights, exposes weaknesses in the case against you, and works relentlessly to protect your future. If you’ve been accused, the time to act is now.
Domestic violence charges in Denver can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Being accused of violence against a spouse, partner, or family member can immediately impact your freedom, your career, your personal relationships, and your reputation. Colorado takes domestic violence allegations seriously—law enforcement is required to make an arrest in many situations, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions.
A conviction may lead to jail time, heavy fines, mandatory domestic violence counseling, loss of firearm rights, and the imposition of protection orders that restrict where you can live or who you can contact. What may begin as a private dispute can quickly escalate into a criminal case with permanent consequences.
It’s important to understand that domestic violence is not a standalone crime in Colorado. Instead, it is a sentencing enhancement added to other criminal offenses—like assault, harassment, or criminal mischief—when those offenses are alleged to have occurred between people in an intimate or familial relationship.
Because these cases often involve emotional testimony, legal complexity, and high stakes, having an experienced Denver domestic violence lawyer is essential. At The Moloney Law Firm, we know how to navigate the legal nuances, protect your rights, and fight back against a system that often assumes guilt before hearing the full story.
Under Colorado law, domestic violence refers to any act or threat of violence committed against an intimate partner, former partner, or household member. But it goes beyond just physical violence. It can also include coercion, intimidation, control, and economic abuse—any behavior meant to threaten or harm someone in a close personal relationship.
Common offenses that often carry a domestic violence designation include:
Assault – Causing or threatening physical harm to a spouse, partner, or family member.
Harassment – Repeated, unwanted contact or behavior intended to alarm or annoy.
Stalking – Ongoing behavior, such as following or monitoring, that creates fear or distress.
False Imprisonment – Preventing someone from leaving a location or controlling their movement.
Criminal Mischief (Property Damage) – Damaging property as a form of retaliation, intimidation, or control.
Even seemingly minor disputes can result in major consequences. In Colorado, police are required to make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred. That means you could be arrested and charged—even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges or later recants their statement.
Domestic violence cases move fast, and your rights can be compromised early in the process. Having an experienced Denver domestic violence attorney on your side from day one can make all the difference in how your case unfolds—and how your future is protected.
A domestic violence conviction can impact your life far beyond the courtroom. In addition to potential jail time, steep fines, and court-ordered treatment programs, the consequences often extend deep into your personal and family life.
Domestic violence convictions frequently surface in divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, and support hearings. Courts take these allegations seriously—and even a single conviction can lead to restricted visitation, supervised parenting time, or the loss of parental rights altogether.
Protective orders may prevent you from returning to your home, seeing your children, or even communicating with loved ones. These restrictions can disrupt your role as a parent and strain your relationships in ways that are hard to repair.
At The Moloney Law Firm, we understand what’s truly at stake. When your freedom, family, and future are all on the line, we work aggressively to protect your rights and prevent a conviction from altering the course of your life.
Potential Consequences Of A Domestic Violence Conviction Include:
A domestic violence conviction can result in life-altering penalties—many of which extend beyond the courtroom. The impact on your freedom, reputation, and future cannot be overstated.
Potential consequences include:
Jail or Prison Time
Sentences can range from short-term jail time for misdemeanors to lengthy prison terms for felony-level offenses.Fines
Convictions often carry steep financial penalties, including court costs and restitution.Mandatory Treatment Programs
Courts may require participation in domestic violence counseling, anger management, or other behavioral intervention programs.Protection Orders
A judge may impose restraining orders that limit or completely restrict contact with the alleged victim.Loss of Firearm Rights
Federal law prohibits individuals convicted of domestic violence from owning or possessing firearms.Child Custody & Visitation Limitations
A conviction can negatively affect custody outcomes, potentially resulting in restricted visitation or loss of parental rights.Employment Barriers
A domestic violence conviction on your record may limit your ability to secure or maintain employment, especially in fields requiring background checks.
The severity of these outcomes depends on several factors, including the nature of the alleged offense, any prior criminal history, and the presence of aggravating circumstances.
With so much at stake, you need experienced Denver domestic violence lawyers who know how to challenge the system and defend your rights from day one.
At The Moloney Law Firm, we take a strategic, aggressive, and personalized approach to defending clients charged with domestic violence. We understand the emotional complexity of these cases—and we know how damaging a conviction can be to your future.
Our legal team has extensive experience navigating Colorado’s domestic violence laws. We carefully evaluate the facts, listen to your side of the story, and craft a defense that reflects the full scope of your situation.
Our defense strategies include:
Challenging False Allegations
If you’ve been wrongfully accused, we gather supporting evidence and witness testimony to expose fabricated or exaggerated claims.Exposing Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case
We review the state’s evidence for inconsistencies, violations of procedure, or flawed assumptions that can be used to your advantage.Fighting for Dismissals or Reduced Charges
When appropriate, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or eliminate charges—especially in cases lacking clear evidence or involving first-time defendants.Pursuing Alternative Sentencing Options
We advocate for probation, treatment programs, or diversion options that can help avoid jail time and minimize long-term consequences.
While no law firm can guarantee the outcome of a criminal case, what we do guarantee is this: we will fight for you. We will investigate every detail, challenge every weakness in the prosecution’s story, and stand beside you at every stage of the legal process.
Our commitment is to provide honest guidance, strong representation, and a relentless defense—because your future deserves nothing less.
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, your actions in the early stages of the case can make a major difference in the outcome. Protect your rights by taking these immediate steps:
Remain Silent
Do not discuss the case with police, the alleged victim, or anyone else without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you.Avoid Contact with the Alleged Victim
Even if you feel the accusation is unfair or exaggerated, do not call, text, or reach out in any way. Violating a protection order can lead to additional criminal charges—even if the other person initiates contact.Get Legal Representation Immediately
The sooner you involve an experienced Denver domestic violence lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong defense. Early legal action can protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and position your case for a favorable resolution.
In Colorado, an arrest for domestic violence results in mandatory booking and a court appearance. Law enforcement is required to make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred. Once arrested, you will be taken into custody, processed, and often held until a judge determines the conditions of your release. A mandatory protection order is typically issued immediately, which restricts contact with the alleged victim and may prevent you from returning to your home. You will then face formal charges, and the legal process – including hearings, potential plea negotiations, and trial preparation – will begin. Having legal representation from the outset is critical in navigating these proceedings effectively.
No. In Colorado, domestic violence cases are prosecuted by the state, not the alleged victim. Even if the accuser wishes to drop the charges, they have no legal authority to do so. Prosecutors review the evidence and determine whether to proceed with the case, often relying on police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation. The state’s aggressive stance on domestic violence crimes means that cases frequently move forward regardless of the accuser’s wishes, making it imperative to have a skilled defense attorney advocating on your behalf.
Yes. Several legal defenses may apply depending on the specifics of your case. Common defenses include:
- Self-Defense: Demonstrating that you acted to protect yourself from harm.
- False Accusations: Proving that the allegations were fabricated out of anger, revenge, or misunderstanding.
- Lack of Evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s inability to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Violation of Constitutional Rights: Examining whether law enforcement committed procedural errors, such as unlawful arrests or improper searches.
- Mutual Combat: Establishing that both parties were equally involved in the altercation, rather than a one-sided act of violence.
Each case is unique, and a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney will analyze every detail to determine the strongest defense strategy for your situation.
Denver criminal domestic violence laws focus on offenses committed against intimate partners, family members, or household members. These offenses may include physical assault, harassment, stalking, false imprisonment, and emotional abuse. These laws categorize domestic violence offenses based on severity, with penalties ranging from misdemeanor charges and protective orders to felony convictions carrying significant prison time.
In Colorado, domestic violence convictions come with mandatory protective orders, and some cases may include mandatory sentencing, limiting judicial discretion in reducing penalties. Additionally, repeat domestic violence offenders or cases involving aggravating factors – such as the presence of children, serious injury, or prior convictions – can result in enhanced sentencing and stricter protective measures. The legal process for domestic violence crimes includes mandatory arrest policies, protection order hearings, arraignment, plea negotiations, potential trial, and sentencing. Because of the complexity of Denver’s domestic violence laws, securing a strong defense attorney is crucial to understanding your rights, challenging allegations, and mitigating potential penalties.
- Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution lacks the necessary proof to substantiate the charges, your attorney can argue for dismissal.
- Procedural Violations: If law enforcement failed to follow proper procedures during your arrest, such as conducting an unlawful search or failing to inform you of your rights, your attorney may be able to challenge the charges.
- Recanting Witnesses: While the state can proceed without the alleged victim’s cooperation, a lack of testimony can weaken the case.
- Pretrial Diversion Programs: Some first-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs that lead to reduced or dismissed charges upon successful completion.
If you have been accused of domestic violence in Denver, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights.
Contact Moloney Law today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your defense options.
Call us today at 720-719-0850 or schedule a free consultation through our website.
When the stakes are at their highest, trust The Moloney Law Firm to defend your future.