Domestic Violence Lawyer in Denver
Personal Representation When A Domestic Violence Charge Turns Your Life Upside Down
If you have been arrested or charged with domestic violence in the Denver area, you are probably worried about what happens next. Colorado treats these cases very seriously, and a single allegation can lead to mandatory arrest, a strict protection order, and long term consequences for your record, job, and family. You do not have to try to face this alone.
Why Work With Me On Your Domestic Violence Case
When you are accused of hurting someone close to you, trust becomes a central issue. You need to know that your lawyer is not only experienced, but also actually paying attention to the details of your life and your case. At my firm, I do not pass clients off to associates or paralegals. When you hire me, you work directly with me, and I am the one who reviews the evidence, speaks with the prosecutor, and appears with you in court.
Over the course of my career I have handled thousands of criminal matters in courts in and around this area, including a significant number of domestic violence cases. That experience gives me a realistic view of how prosecutors and judges tend to approach these allegations, which helps me assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. I take the time to understand what actually happened from your perspective, because police reports and charging documents rarely tell the whole story.
In many cases, it can be helpful to work with private investigators, medical professionals, or other trusted specialists to examine injuries, substance use, or events leading up to the incident. I draw on a network of reliable professionals when the facts call for it, always with an eye on what is practical and helpful for your defense. I also know that cost is a real concern for most people facing criminal charges, so I focus on affordability and I am open about fees during your free consultation, including discussing possible payment arrangements when appropriate.
How Colorado Defines Domestic Violence
Domestic violence in Colorado is different from what many people expect. It is usually not a separate crime by itself. Instead, it is a legal label that can be added to many different underlying charges, such as assault, harassment, criminal mischief, or menacing, when the alleged victim has a certain kind of relationship with the accused person. This label affects how the case is handled and what penalties the court can impose.
Colorado law applies the domestic label when the people involved are or were in an intimate relationship. That can include spouses, dating partners, former partners, and parents of a child. The label can also apply in situations involving threats, property damage, or violations of protection orders, as long as the underlying incident is connected to that type of relationship. Because of this structure, two people accused of the same basic conduct can face very different consequences depending on whether the domestic element is alleged.
Key Features Of Colorado Domestic Violence Cases
There are some features of Colorado domestic violence cases that often surprise people. One is the mandatory arrest policy, which means that when police believe there is probable cause to think a domestic incident occurred, they generally make an arrest rather than simply separating the parties. Another is the mandatory protection order that typically goes into place when charges are filed. This order can control contact, residence, and even firearm possession while the case is pending.
Many cases arise out of heated arguments, alcohol use, complicated relationship history, or misunderstandings, and the legal system does not always capture that complexity. Part of my role is to help the court and prosecutor see more than just a single snapshot in a report and to understand the broader context of what happened.
What Happens After A Domestic Violence Arrest In The Denver Area
Understanding the process that follows an arrest can reduce some of the fear you may be feeling right now. After a domestic violence arrest, a person is typically taken to jail for booking. Release can occur through bond or personal recognizance, depending on the specific allegations, prior history, and local practices. The first court appearance is often scheduled quickly, sometimes the next business day, which leaves very little time to prepare without help.
At that first appearance in Denver County Court, Arapahoe County Court, or another nearby court, the judge usually reviews the charges, addresses bond conditions, and issues a mandatory protection order. That order often prohibits contact with the alleged victim, can require the accused person to leave the shared home, and can include firearm restrictions. The exact terms of the order depend on the facts of the case and the information the court receives at that hearing.
The Role Of The Prosecutor
Another point that confuses many people is who controls the case. In Colorado, the decision to file or dismiss charges belongs to the district attorney, not the alleged victim. Even if the other person later wants to drop the case, the prosecutor can still move forward. At the same time, informed defense advocacy can influence how the prosecutor views the situation, what plea offers are made, and how the case is presented to the court. I work with clients to prepare for these early hearings so they are not standing alone, unsure of what to say or how to respond when the judge speaks to them.
What You Should Do Right Now If You Are Facing Charges
When a domestic violence case is new, the steps you take in the first days can affect your options later. One of the most important things you can do is avoid making statements about the incident to law enforcement or to others, including on social media, without first speaking with a lawyer. Even comments you think are harmless can be taken out of context and used against you, and once something is said or posted, it is very difficult to undo.
It is also critical to follow the protection order exactly as it is written, even if the other person seems to want contact or suggests that the order is not a big deal. Violations of protection orders are separate crimes and can result in additional charges, stricter bond conditions, and a more difficult position in the underlying case. If changes to the order are appropriate, such as allowing limited contact for parenting issues, those requests should go through the court with the help of an attorney.
How I Build a Defense in Domestic Violence Cases?
Every domestic violence case has its own facts and history, so my defense work always starts with careful listening. I review the police reports, charging documents, and any available body camera footage or 911 recordings, and I compare them to your account of what happened. I look for gaps, inconsistencies, or assumptions in the official story, including whether officers correctly identified the primary aggressor or whether important details were left out.
Physical evidence and medical information can also play a role. When appropriate, I may work with medical professionals to evaluate the nature and timing of injuries, or with private investigators to interview witnesses and gather information that was not captured in the initial police investigation. This can be important in cases that involve self defense claims, mutual confrontation, or allegations that seem exaggerated compared to what actually occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for a first domestic violence charge?
Whether you go to jail on a first domestic violence charge depends on many factors, including the specific allegations, your prior record, and the policies of the court and prosecutor handling your case. In some situations, courts may consider options such as probation, treatment, or other alternatives to extended jail time, especially for people with little or no prior criminal history. However, there can still be short term jail exposure, particularly right after arrest or if there are alleged violations of bond or protection orders. When we speak, I will review the charges, your background, and the court involved, then explain the range of possible outcomes so you have a realistic picture of your risk. From there, we can talk about strategies that may reduce that risk and protect your future.
Can the alleged victim drop the domestic violence charges?
The decision to move forward with or dismiss domestic violence charges belongs to the district attorney, not the alleged victim. Even if the other person later asks for the case to be dropped or refuses to cooperate, prosecutors in Colorado often continue with the case if they believe they have enough evidence. That said, the wishes and cooperation level of the alleged victim can still play a role in how the case is handled and what options may be on the table. Part of my job is to understand the prosecution’s position, provide them with additional context when appropriate, and look for ways to resolve the case that take into account the realities of the relationship and the incident. I can explain how that process tends to work in the specific court where your case is filed.
How will a protection order affect where I live and see my children?
A mandatory protection order can have an immediate impact on your living arrangements and your ability to see your children. In many domestic violence cases, the order initially prohibits contact with the alleged victim and may bar you from returning to the shared home, even if your name is on the lease or mortgage. If children are involved, the order can affect how and when you are allowed to see them, especially if the children were present during the incident or are listed on the order. Violating any term of the order can result in new criminal charges and stricter conditions.
What should I tell the court at my first appearance?
At your first appearance, it is usually best to say as little as possible about the facts of the case and to let your attorney speak on your behalf. The court typically focuses on issues such as bond, the protection order, and setting future dates, not on deciding guilt or innocence at that moment. Statements you make in open court can be recorded and later used by the prosecution, even if you did not intend to admit anything.
Will I work directly with you or mostly with staff?
When you hire Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C., you work directly with me. I personally handle each case rather than assigning it to an associate or relying on paralegals to manage critical decisions. That means I am the one who reviews your file, prepares you for court, and stands next to you when you appear before the judge.
I do have support staff who assist with scheduling and administration, but legal strategy and courtroom advocacy remain my responsibility. Many clients find it reassuring to know that the attorney they meet during the consultation is the same person who will be by their side throughout the case. If you have questions or concerns, you will be able to discuss them with me, not just with intermediaries.
What can I do to help my defense in a domestic violence case?
You can help your defense by being proactive, careful, and honest with your lawyer. As a first step, do not talk about the incident with anyone other than your attorney, and do not post about it online. Preserve any messages, photos, or other information that may be relevant, but do not try to edit or clean up anything connected to the case. Bring what you have to our consultation so we can determine what is useful and what is not.
It may also be helpful to begin addressing underlying issues that contributed to the situation, such as alcohol use, anger, or relationship conflict. Voluntarily engaging in counseling or classes can sometimes demonstrate to the court and prosecutor that you are taking the matter seriously, although this should be done thoughtfully and in coordination with your defense strategy. When we meet, I will talk with you about specific steps that fit your circumstances and the court where your case is pending, so that your efforts support your defense rather than complicate it.
Talk With Me About Your Domestic Violence Case
Domestic violence charges carry serious consequences, but you do not have to face those consequences alone or in the dark. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights, improve your options, and reduce the chance of making decisions that are difficult to undo later. As a domestic violence attorney in the Denver area, I will listen to your side of the story without judgment and explain how the law and the local courts apply to your situation.
From my offices in Denver and Greenwood Village, I offer free initial consultations to people accused of domestic violence offenses in this region. During that conversation we can review your charges, discuss upcoming court dates, and talk openly about fees and possible payment arrangements. If you decide to move forward, you will know that the lawyer you spoke with is the one who will personally handle your case.
To schedule your free consultation with Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C., call (720) 809-8262 today.
