Colorado Domestic Violence Lawyer

Facing a domestic violence accusation in Colorado can immediately disrupt your life. A single allegation may trigger arrest, court involvement, and restrictions on your freedom—often before you have a chance to respond. Whether you are dealing with criminal charges, defending against false claims, or seeking legal protection, a Colorado domestic violence lawyer can help you take control and make informed decisions early in the process.

Under Colorado law, officers must arrest the accused if they find probable cause—even if the alleged victim does not want to press charges. Once that arrest occurs, the decision to prosecute falls to the district attorney, not the person who made the accusation. You cannot rely on anyone else to end the case or reverse its course.

At The Law Offices of Susan Deschler, the entire practice is devoted to criminal defense. The firm represents clients across Colorado facing domestic violence charges, DUI, DWAI, and other serious offenses. With a focus on personalized defense strategies, the firm ensures that each case is approached with attention to detail and the goal of protecting your future.

Understanding Colorado Domestic Violence Laws

Colorado does not prosecute domestic violence as a separate crime. Instead, it applies the domestic violence label as a sentencing enhancement to other offenses—such as assault, harassment, or stalking—when the accuser and the accused share a qualifying relationship. These relationships may include current or former spouses, intimate partners, co-parents, or individuals who have lived together.

When prosecutors claim that an offense was committed to control, punish, intimidate, coerce, or retaliate against someone in an intimate relationship, they classify the charge as domestic violence. This designation triggers serious consequences beyond the underlying charge, including mandatory treatment programs, firearm restrictions, and court-issued no-contact orders.

Since domestic violence charges hinge on context and relationship status, every detail matters. A Colorado domestic violence defense lawyer examines whether the alleged relationship qualifies under the law, whether the conduct fits the statutory definition, and whether the evidence supports claims of intent or motive.

How a Colorado Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help You Respond

Once law enforcement makes an arrest, the prosecution moves fast. Investigators collect statements, secure police reports, and start building their case immediately. However, that does not mean you are powerless. A Colorado domestic violence attorney can take early action—requesting discovery, identifying flawed evidence, speaking with witnesses, and filing motions to suppress anything obtained unlawfully.

Not every accusation leads to a conviction. Certain cases may qualify for deferred judgment or dismissal through pretrial negotiation if you have no prior record. Other situations demand a more aggressive defense—disputing intent, exposing false claims, or showing that both parties contributed to the conflict. Every case demands a tailored strategy based on the specific facts, not a one-size-fits-all defense.

Domestic violence charges can take several forms under Colorado law, including:

• Assault—causing bodily injury to an intimate partner or cohabitant;
• Harassment—repeated communication, unwanted contact, or threats that cause emotional distress;
• Menacing—causing someone to fear imminent serious injury through threats or gestures;
• Stalking—engaging in a pattern of behavior that causes fear or emotional harm, often through surveillance or persistent contact;
• False imprisonment—restricting someone’s movement without legal authority; and
• Criminal mischief—damaging shared or personal property in the context of a domestic dispute.

These charges carry serious consequences that can impact your job, child custody, housing options, and even your immigration status. 

Mandatory Arrest and What It Means for You

Colorado is a mandatory arrest state when it comes to domestic violence. This means that if law enforcement believes there is probable cause that a domestic violence offense occurred, they must arrest the suspected individual—even if the accuser does not want them arrested. The officer does not have discretion in these situations.

This policy can result in getting handcuffed based on statements made during high-conflict moments, even when police have no physical evidence and cannot clarify what happened. It is not uncommon for emotions, misunderstandings, or exaggerated claims to lead to arrest and prosecution. 

False Allegations and the Role of a Colorado Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Not every domestic violence charge is based on clear evidence. In some cases, people make false or exaggerated claims to gain an advantage in divorce or custody disputes, to retaliate after an argument, or to force someone out of a shared home. These accusations can be devastating—and they can be difficult to disprove without a strong legal response.

Your lawyer can investigate the motives behind the accusation, examine the timeline of events, and find inconsistencies in the story. If the claim does not hold up, we may be able to seek dismissal, suppress damaging statements, or highlight credibility issues before the case reaches trial.

The justice system must protect the rights of victims—but it also has a duty to protect the rights of the accused. False accusations should not lead to life-altering penalties, and you deserve a lawyer who will fight for your rights and future.

How Protective Orders Work in Colorado

Domestic violence arrests in Colorado almost always result in a mandatory protection order, also called a restraining order. This order prohibits contact between the accused and the alleged victim, including phone calls, text messages, third-party communications, and physical proximity. Violating a protection order is a separate crime that can result in jail time, even before the original case is resolved.

A judge may modify or lift a protection order upon request, especially when both parties agree and the situation does not warrant ongoing restrictions. However, doing so requires a formal process, and until that process is complete, you must adhere to the order. Intentional or accidental violations of the order before a judge lifts it can seriously impact your case.

Working with a lawyer can help you understand the boundaries of a protection order and petition the court for changes if necessary. It can also prevent missteps from being interpreted as violations, especially when shared property, co-parenting, or living arrangements are involved.

Get the Defense You Deserve

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Colorado, you do not have to face them alone. The Law Offices of Susan Deschler is ready to stand by your side, challenge the allegations, and protect your future. Whether you are dealing with a mandatory arrest, a no-contact order, or false claims, you need a lawyer who will dig into the facts and fight for your rights from day one. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.