If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Colorado Springs, you’re likely experiencing a whirlwind of emotions – confusion, anxiety, and fear about what your future holds. These feelings are completely natural when facing such serious allegations.
The decisions you make now, particularly regarding legal representation, will significantly impact the results of your case and potentially your entire life. While El Paso County public defenders serve an essential role in our justice system, entrusting your domestic violence case to an overworked, understaffed public defender’s office could be a decision you’ll come to regret.
At Perkins Law, we understand the complexities of domestic violence cases in Colorado and recognize how critical having specialized, dedicated representation is for achieving the best possible outcome when you’ve been charged with domestic violence.
Understanding What It Means to Be Charged with Domestic Violence in Colorado
When you’re charged with domestic violence in Colorado, you’re facing a legal situation that is unlike many other criminal charges. In our state, domestic violence isn’t a standalone crime but rather an enhancement to other offenses when they involve an intimate partner.
According to Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S) Section 18-6-800.3, domestic violence encompasses any act, or even the threat of an act, of violence upon a person with whom the accused is or has been in an intimate relationship.
This definition also extends to crimes against property when used as methods of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge against an intimate partner.
The interpretation of what constitutes domestic violence is expansive, covering everything from physical contact to emotional abuse, stalking, harassment, or even damage to property.
Colorado’s Unique Approach to Domestic Violence Cases
If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Colorado Springs, you should understand that our state’s approach includes several unique legal provisions that make these cases particularly challenging to navigate:
- Colorado Springs police are obligated to make an arrest under the mandatory arrest law when they have probable cause to suspect domestic violence
- “No-drop” policy, meaning that once charges have been filed, they cannot be withdrawn by the alleged victim – only by the prosecutor
- Automatic protection orders that can severely restrict your movements, contact with family members, and even your ability to return to your own home
- Specialized domestic violence courts in many judicial districts
- Enhanced penalties when domestic violence is a repeat offense
These complexities require representation from someone who regularly handles cases where clients are charged with domestic violence and understands their nuances.
Related: What Are Your Rights if You Are Falsely Accused of Domestic Abuse in Colorado Springs
The Limitations of Public Defenders When You’re Charged with Domestic Violence
While El Paso County public defenders are dedicated and competent attorneys, the system they operate within creates inherent limitations that can be particularly problematic for domestic violence cases. First and foremost is the overwhelming caseload most public defenders manage.
Recent studies show that public defenders in Colorado may handle hundreds of cases simultaneously, making it nearly impossible to devote adequate time and attention to each individual case.
When you’re charged with domestic violence and facing potential jail time, hefty fines, mandatory treatment programs, and a permanent criminal record, you deserve more than a rushed consultation in a courthouse hallway minutes before your hearing.
The limits on time facing public defenders often mean they have limited ability to investigate your case thoroughly, interview witnesses, review evidence, or develop defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Resource Constraints Facing Public Defenders
In many instances, public defenders may meet you for the first time just before your first court appearance, so they have little opportunity to understand the nuances of your case or build the trust essential for effective representation.
Public defenders face multiple challenges that affect your case:
- Limited time to dedicate to each client
- Minimal resources for thorough investigation
- Potential lack of specialized experience in domestic violence defense
- High pressure to resolve cases quickly through plea agreements
- Inadequate support staff for case preparation
- Limited access to expert witnesses
Starting July 1, 2025, a new Colorado law (HB24-1437) will end the use of flat-fee contracts for court-appointed defense in domestic violence cases, highlighting the need for better representation in these complicated matters.
This change highlights the recognized need for more comprehensive representation when you’re charged with domestic violence than what has typically been available through the public defender system.
The Immediate Legal Consequences of a Conviction
Conviction of even a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Colorado can have serious consequences, including up to 18 months in jail and heavy fines. More serious felony charges can result in state prison sentences of several years.
Beyond incarceration, you’ll likely face mandatory domestic violence treatment programs that are time-consuming, costly, and intrusive. These programs typically last months or even years, and failure to complete them successfully can result in additional penalties.
When you’re charged with domestic violence, you should know that Colorado courts take these cases extremely seriously, and prosecutors are often reluctant to offer favorable plea bargains without significant pressure from a dedicated defense attorney.
The immediate legal consequences can include:
- Time in county jail or state prison, depending on the severity of the charge
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Mandatory domestic violence treatment programs
- Regular court appearances and progress reviews
- Probation with strict reporting requirements
Long-Term Life Impacts After Being Charged with Domestic Violence
Upon conviction for domestic violence, you have a criminal record that includes a domestic violence designation. This record can severely limit your future job opportunities, as many employers perform criminal background checks and may hesitate to hire individuals with domestic violence convictions.
A domestic violence conviction affects multiple areas of your life:
- Loss of gun ownership rights under both Colorado and federal law—even for misdemeanors
- Negative impact on child custody and visitation arrangements
- Severe immigration consequences, potentially including deportation for non-citizens
- Housing application rejections and professional license revocations
- Permanent protection orders restricting your movements and contacts
- Damaged reputation in your community and among family members
- Difficulty obtaining certain types of insurance
- Potential impacts on educational opportunities
When facing these life-altering consequences, you should have legal representation that can devote the necessary time and resources to fighting for your rights and future.
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The Advantage of a Specialized Defense Attorney
Working with an experienced private criminal defense lawyer who specializes in domestic violence cases offers several benefits that greatly impact the outcome of your case.
A specialized criminal defense attorney brings a depth of knowledge about Colorado’s domestic violence laws, precedents, and defense strategies that come only from focused practice in this area.
Private attorneys maintain manageable caseloads that allow them to dedicate substantial time to each client. This means your attorney can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, interview witnesses, analyze evidence, consult experts when necessary, and develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
The attorney-client relationship begins immediately, not just minutes before your court appearance. They take the time to build trust, maintain open communication, and ensure you fully understand your options at every stage of the process.
The Value of Dedicated Resources in Your Defense
A specialized defense attorney provides key advantages when you’ve been charged with domestic violence:
- Resources to challenge evidence, including access to private investigators and expert witnesses
- Extensive experience negotiating with El Paso County prosecutors
- Understanding of the broader impacts on your family, employment, and reputation
- Knowledge of Colorado’s specific domestic violence statutes and procedures
- Ability to identify and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Time to prepare thoroughly for each hearing and court appearance
- Relationships with key personnel in the local justice system
Perhaps most importantly, a specialized attorney understands that a domestic violence allegation affects all aspects of your life and works to protect you on all fronts.
How Perkins Law Approaches Domestic Violence Defense
At Perkins Law, we approach domestic violence defense with a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate legal concerns and the broader impact on your life.
We begin with a thorough, confidential consultation where we listen to your side of the story—often the first opportunity you’ve had to fully express your perspective without judgment.
Our approach is both aggressive in protecting your rights and compassionate in recognizing the stress and anxiety you’re experiencing. We understand the emotional and personal impact of being charged with domestic violence.
We conduct extensive independent investigations rather than relying solely on police reports or prosecution evidence, including interviewing witnesses, examining the alleged victim’s statements for inconsistencies, and reviewing physical evidence.
Our Commitment to Clients Charged with Domestic Violence
The Perkins Law approach includes:
- Establishing clear, consistent communication throughout your case
- Explaining complex legal concepts in plain language
- Preparing every case as if it will go to trial while exploring pre-trial resolutions
- Maintaining awareness that your case is about preserving your freedom, reputation, and future
- Leveraging established relationships within the Colorado Springs criminal justice system
- Creating customized defense strategies based on your unique circumstances
- Providing practical guidance throughout the process
Throughout this process, we remain mindful that your case isn’t just about legal outcomes—it’s about helping you move forward with your life with minimal disruption after being charged with domestic violence.
Taking Action After Being Charged with Domestic Violence
Time is of the essence if you are charged with domestic violence in Colorado Springs. The steps you take immediately after your arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Exercise your constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and politely but firmly refuse to answer questions until you have a lawyer present.
Critical steps to take immediately:
- Document everything related to your case, including circumstances of arrest and potential witnesses
- Avoid discussing your case on social media or in electronic communications
- Gather any evidence that might support your side of the story
- Speak to an experienced Colorado Springs domestic violence defense attorney without delay
- Preserve any relevant text messages, emails, or other communications
- Identify potential character witnesses who can speak to your behavior and reputation
- Comply with all conditions of any protection orders that have been issued. Violations, even seemingly minor ones like sending a text message, can result in additional charges and complicate your defense.
At Perkins Law, we understand the urgency of these charges and are prepared to act quickly on your behalf, preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh, and ensuring your rights are protected from the earliest stages of the legal process.
Contact Perkins Law Today to Secure Your Future
When you’re charged with domestic violence in Colorado Springs, the attorney you choose can make all the difference.
While public defenders serve an important function in our justice system, the reality is that their overwhelming caseloads and limited resources make it difficult for them to provide the personalized, thorough representation that domestic violence cases demand.
At Perkins Law, we focus on providing dedicated, experienced defense for individuals charged with domestic violence in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas.
We understand what’s at stake – your freedom, your reputation, your family relationships, and your future opportunities.
Don’t leave these crucial matters to chance or to an overloaded public defender’s office. Contact Perkins Law today to schedule your free confidential consultation.
