Domestic Violence
You aren't a criminal, but you've been accused of domestic violence.
What comes next?
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you may be feeling a range of overwhelming emotions. Confusion about how these allegations arose. Hurt that your partner would make unfounded accusations against you. Fear of the future and how these accusations could alter your life.
Don't spiral, but don't wait to contact an attorney, either. Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele of Steele Law, P.C., provides empathetic and aggressive representation for clients accused of domestic violence or charged with related violent crimes.
Speak with us today to discuss your next steps.
Understanding Colorado Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic violence is not charged as a standalone criminal offense in Colorado; rather, it functions as a sentencing enhancement or aggravator. If you were found to have committed domestic violence, the penalties for an underlying offense could be increased due to this aggravating factor.
Colorado law defines domestic violence as an act or threatened act upon a person with whom you are or have been involved in an intimate relationship. It can also include crimes against property or animals, especially when used as a method of power and control.
"Intimate relationships" can refer to relationships with anyone you have lived with, been romantically involved with, or shared children with.
Domestic violence can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, harassment, stalking, strangulation, or related acts. Stalking, harassment, and emotional abuse may have taken place in person or via digital communication methods. One element of psychological abuse can also include economic abuse, or controlling a partner's financial resources.
Criminal charges that sometimes accompany the domestic violence sentencing enhancement include:
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- Assault
- Harassment
- Child abuse
- Violation of protective orders
- False imprisonment
- Criminal mischief
If you have been accused of domestic violence and are facing other criminal charges, now is the time to contact a criminal defense lawyer who has experience in this practice area.
Unique Considerations for Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado
Colorado has a few unique processes for handling domestic and sexual violence charges. Understanding these considerations can help you better prepare for your case. Our attorney will also ensure that you have all of the relevant information to make informed decisions about the legal process.
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- Mandatory arrest: Colorado officers are required to arrest an alleged domestic violence perpetrator if they find probable cause that domestic violence has occurred when responding to a scene.
- "No-drop" policy: Once charges have been filed against an alleged perpetrator, the decision to pursue or dismiss charges falls on the prosecutors, even if the victim decides to withdraw charges.
- Enhanced penalties for offenses: Being convicted of domestic violence on top of other violent charges can lead to increased sentencing severity. Having an experienced attorney on your side from day one is key.
- Protective orders: The court automatically issues a mandatory protection order after domestic violence charges are filed. Violating this order could lead to additional charges or penalties.
Domestic violence charges in Colorado are nuanced, and neglecting to understand their complexities can leave you vulnerable to additional or more severe penalties. Before taking any other actions after receiving charges, contact an attorney for legal guidance.
Possible Defenses Against Accusations of Domestic Abuse in Colorado
A strong domestic violence defense may involve refuting accusations of violence altogether or proving that actions were justified. Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele has 25+ years of experience defending clients facing domestic violence charges. Any of these defenses may help strengthen your case, depending on the circumstances:
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- Self-defense: You may claim that you were acting in self-defense against a partner who was exhibiting violent behavior toward you or threatening violent actions. You may also be able to claim that you were defending another family member or child who was at risk of physical harm.
- Victim dishonesty: In some cases, alleged victims of domestic violence accuse partners of abusive behaviors that were not actually present. Your attorney may look for holes in the abused person's story or a lack of other evidence of abuse.
- Lack of intimate relationship: Your attorney could also help you challenge the charges by proving that your relationship with the alleged victim does not meet the definition of an "intimate relationship." In this case, the domestic violence statute may not apply.
- Procedural issues: Sometimes, defending domestic violence charges involves challenging the way officers handled the arrest and subsequent legal process. If officers arrested you without probable cause, failed to read your Miranda Rights, or made other procedural errors, your attorney may be able to fight to have certain types of evidence dropped in your case.
Representation for Cases Involving Same-Sex Relationships
Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele represents all clients charged with domestic violence regardless of sexual orientation, but she has specific experience with cases involving same-sex couples.
We especially understand the unique considerations of domestic violence cases involving lesbian couples compared to heterosexual relationships. If you are facing accusations of sexual abuse or physical violence against a same-sex partner, reach out to Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele today.
Attorney Margaret Teigen Steele Supports Clients Accused of Intimate Partner Violence
Are you facing accusations of domestic violence and related violent charges in Englewood, CO? Steele Law Criminal Defense, provides experienced representation and legal guidance.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be scary and emotionally draining. Let us fight for your rights and protect your way of life.
Consult Our Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Do you need legal representation in any of these criminal law practice areas or require legal guidance outside of these categories?
Request a consultation with Steele Law Criminal Defense today at 303-907-1504 to learn how we can assist you.
Our Practice Areas
Domestic Violence
Restraining Orders
Assault and Menacing
Sex Offenses
Theft and Burglary
Drug Possession and Distribution
Probation Revocations
DUI/DWAI/DUID
Traffic and DMV Hearings
Vehicular Assault/Homicide
Sealing Criminal Records
Gun Charges
Hear From Past Clients
I value building long-term relationships with my clients, and your future success is extremely important to me.
The Steele Law Criminal Defense Difference
You may picture criminal defense attorneys as confrontational and abrupt. I take a different approach—my focus is on helping you gain peace of mind, knowing your case is in experienced, dedicated hands.
Compassionate Yet Aggressive
I understand the scope of emotions you may be feeling. I approach your case aggressively because I care about your outcomes and your future.
Personalized Attention
Steele Law Criminal Defense is a boutique law firm where you receive personalized, individual attention. I only take on select cases to ensure full dedication.
Thorough Preparation
Criminal cases are never straightforward. I prepare for all possible outcomes so we are never caught off guard throughout your legal process.
Privacy & Discretion
I handle all cases with the utmost privacy. I understand how charges can affect your reputation and do everything to protect it.
Transparent Communication
Staying informed helps you feel in control. You can reach me any time via phone, text, or email with questions.
Proven Experience & Results
With years of experience as a former prosecutor and defender, I have a track record of successful outcomes. I leverage this expertise to fight for the best possible resolution in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the alleged victim drop domestic violence charges in Colorado?
No. Once a case is filed the district attorney controls it entirely, and the alleged victim cannot dismiss it. Colorado law goes a step further: a court cannot accept a plea that drops the domestic violence designation unless the prosecutor states on the record that the case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Prosecutors routinely go forward when someone recants. This surprises almost every client who calls expecting the case to go away.
Is domestic violence a separate criminal charge in Colorado?
No. Domestic violence functions as a sentence enhancer attached to an underlying charge such as assault, harassment, criminal mischief, or false imprisonment. If the court finds on the record that the offense included an act of domestic violence against someone you have or previously had an intimate relationship with, the enhancer adds mandatory consequences on top of the base charge, including a court-ordered treatment evaluation and program.
Will a domestic violence conviction cost me my gun rights?
Yes. Federal law bars anyone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony from possessing firearms or ammunition, and that prohibition does not expire when your sentence ends. You will also be ordered to relinquish firearms while the mandatory protection order is active during the case. For many clients this is the single strongest reason to fight the domestic violence enhancer rather than accept it in a plea.
Do police have to arrest someone on a domestic violence call in Colorado?
Yes. If responding officers have probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred, Colorado law requires an arrest without undue delay, and they cannot mediate the dispute and leave. Officers are not required to arrest both parties when each claims to be a victim, and where both show signs of a struggle they have to identify the predominant aggressor. That is why people are arrested after mutual arguments and after calling 911 themselves. The arrest reflects the statute, not a conclusion about guilt.
What happens at my first court appearance in a domestic violence case?
The court issues a mandatory protection order at or before your first appearance. It typically prohibits contact with the alleged victim, which can mean you cannot return to a home you share or retrieve your belongings without a court-approved civil standby. Violating that order is a separate charge even if the protected person invited the contact. Understand the exact terms before you leave the courthouse.
Representation Across the Denver Metropolitan Area
My legal practice is based in Englewood, CO, but I travel to clients across the greater Denver Metropolitan Area.
If you are located outside of these areas, feel free to reach out to discuss how I can assist you.
Contact Us
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Steel Law Criminal Defense
333 W. HAMPDEN AVE, SUITE 710
ENGLEWOOD, CO 80110
In the meantime, review our 10 things to do once you’ve been arrested.