What Does Domestic Abuse Enhancer Mean When Added to a Criminal Charge in Colorado?
Adding a domestic violence enhancement to an assault or harassment charge makes the case more serious. For example, first-time offenders without domestic violence charges might get probation or fines, but with a domestic violence enhancer probation becomes supervised, and offenders are required to complete domestic violence evaluations and treatment classes.
Is Domestic Violence a Felony in Colorado
Domestic violence is an enhancement in Colorado law, not a standalone offense. That being said, Colorado law treats repeated domestic violence offenses harshly. If someone has three prior domestic violence convictions, a fourth offense can escalate to a class 5 felony, regardless of the severity of the original charge. Felony charges for domestic violence in Colorado carry prison time rather than probation.
No Increased Jail Time for Initial Offenses of Domestic Violence
Interestingly, the maximum jail time for misdemeanor domestic violence offenses remains the same as for non-domestic assault or harassment—up to 364 days. The real penalty increase is through the added probation conditions and mandatory treatment.
Collateral Consequences of a Colorado Domestic Violence Charge
A domestic violence conviction can result in loss of gun rights, which is a significant collateral consequence that does not apply to standard misdemeanors. It can also impact custody and visitation rights, especially if children are involved and the court believes exposure to domestic violence poses a risk to them.
Domestic Violence Cases for Serious Charges
When domestic violence is involved in serious charges like attempted murder, it becomes even more consequential. The fact that the victim is an intimate partner makes the crime more egregious in the eyes of the court, influencing plea deals and sentencing to be far more severe than similar offenses against strangers.
Contact A Colorado Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Near You
If you are facing a domestic violence enhancer on criminal charges, you will want to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney near you as soon as possible. These types of enhancements can have very serious consequences and if you feel as though you have been wrongfully accused are important to fight. Contact the Law Office of Rodemer | Kane today to set up a free case evaluation.