Over 10,000 Criminal Cases Handled in the Denver Area

Domestic Violence Lawyer in Denver

Has your loved one been arrested for domestic violence? Are they sitting in jail right now with no bond, and you don’t know how to get them out? The police told you they had no choice but to arrest them, and now you’re desperate for answers. Your family member or partner can’t come home tonight, and you need help immediately.

We understand the panic and confusion you’re feeling right now. At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, we know what you’re going through because we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this situation. With over 22 years of criminal defense practice, we provide immediate guidance and aggressive representation to protect your loved one’s rights and future.

Colorado's Mandatory Arrest Law Explained

When police respond to a domestic violence call in Denver, they must make an arrest if they have probable cause to believe a crime occurred. This isn’t negotiable. Even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to press charges or if it was just a verbal argument, Colorado law requires an arrest. This mandatory arrest policy leaves families blindsided when their loved one is taken away in handcuffs.

Here’s what happens next, and this is what causes so much distress for families. Your loved one must spend the night in jail during a mandatory cooling-down period. No judge will set bond until the next day. Even then, a mandatory protection order must be issued first before any judge will consider bond. This leaves families feeling helpless while their loved one sits behind bars.

Can You Come Home the Night of Being Arrested for Domestic Violence?

Unlike most other criminal charges where bond can be set immediately, domestic violence cases require the arrested person to remain in custody until a judge can issue a mandatory protection order the following day. The police weren’t lying when they said they had no choice. Colorado law mandates this process for all domestic violence arrests.

The judge won’t even consider setting bond until after issuing this protection order. This order typically prohibits any contact between the arrested person and the alleged victim, creating additional complications for families living together or sharing children. Only after this order is in place can the judge address bond, which may include electronic monitoring, GPS tracking, or other restrictive conditions.

This waiting period feels unbearable for families. You want answers now, not tomorrow. You want your loved one home, not spending the night in jail. We understand your frustration, and while we can’t change Colorado’s mandatory detention law, we can help you navigate the next steps and protect your loved one’s rights from the very first court appearance.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Colorado?

Colorado law defines domestic violence broadly, covering various acts between people in intimate relationships. These may include current or former spouses, people who have lived together, people who share a child, or those in dating relationships. The state takes an expansive view of what constitutes domestic violence, which means many situations may be charged under these statutes.

Common charges include harassment, assault, menacing, criminal mischief, and violation of restraining orders. For example, a heated argument that results in a broken phone might lead to criminal mischief charges, while raised voices could result in harassment accusations. Even without physical contact, threatening gestures or intimidating behavior may result in menacing charges.

The following are common types of domestic violence crimes:

  • Physical assault charges range from third-degree assault (misdemeanor) to first-degree assault (felony), depending on the severity of alleged injuries and circumstances.
  • Harassment includes making repeated phone calls, sending unwanted messages, or using obscene language intended to annoy or alarm.
  • Stalking involves following, watching, or repeatedly contacting someone in a way causing emotional distress or fear.
  • Criminal mischief covers damaging or destroying property belonging to a domestic partner, including electronics, vehicles, or personal belongings.
  • Violation of protection orders occurs when someone contacts a person protected by a restraining order, directly or indirectly, via social media or third parties.

The consequences extend beyond criminal penalties, often affecting child custody arrangements, employment opportunities, and housing applications. Understanding these charges helps families prepare for the legal challenges ahead and make informed decisions about defense strategies.

The Legal Process After a Domestic Violence Arrest

Your loved one’s case will move to the Denver County Court or District Court, depending on the severity of charges. Prosecutors, not alleged victims, decide whether to pursue charges. This means cases often continue even when the complainant wants to drop them. The district attorney’s office has experienced domestic violence prosecutors who aggressively pursue convictions.

During arraignment, defendants learn about charges and enter pleas. The judge will issue a mandatory protection order prohibiting contact with the alleged victim. Violating this order, even accidentally, results in additional criminal charges. Bond hearings determine whether defendants may be released pending trial, with conditions typically including no-contact orders and, in some cases, electronic monitoring.

While your loved one waits in custody during that first night, the reality of the situation sets in for everyone involved. Families wonder how long the process will take, whether they can communicate, and what happens next. Having an attorney present at the initial court appearance makes a critical difference in protecting your family member’s rights from the outset.

Why Immediate Legal Representation Matters

Domestic violence charges carry severe consequences extending far beyond criminal penalties. A conviction may result in jail time, substantial fines, mandatory anger management classes, and a permanent criminal record. Colorado’s domestic violence sentencing enhancement means any future criminal charges, even unrelated ones, may result in harsher penalties.

Professional licenses face scrutiny following domestic violence convictions. Teachers, healthcare workers, attorneys, and other licensed professionals may face disciplinary action or license revocation. Security clearances for military personnel and government contractors are often suspended or revoked. Many employers conduct background checks, making employment difficult for those with domestic violence convictions.

Child custody battles become more complicated when domestic violence allegations arise. Colorado courts consider domestic violence history when making parenting time decisions, potentially limiting access to your children. Immigration consequences may include deportation proceedings for non-citizens, making experienced legal representation crucial for protecting your future in the United States.

The sooner you contact an attorney after the arrest, the better we can protect your loved one’s rights. Early intervention allows us to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge weak or false allegations before they solidify into a prosecution narrative. We can also work to modify bond conditions and protection orders to minimize disruption to your family’s daily life.

Contact Shazam Kianpour & Associates

Is your loved one sitting in jail right now on domestic violence charges? Are you confused about the mandatory overnight detention and when they can come home? Don’t wait. Every moment without legal representation puts your family member at a disadvantage. We have successfully defended clients against domestic violence allegations throughout our 22+ years of practice, earning recognition from National Trial Lawyers and Superlawyers. Our personal attention to each case sets us apart from larger firms that may treat you like just another file number.

We offer statewide representation for significant cases and teleconferencing capabilities for those unable to meet in person. Our Denver office provides convenient access to the courthouse and detention facilities, ensuring efficient case management. Contact us today to discuss your loved one’s domestic violence charges and learn how we can protect their rights and future. We understand what your family is going through right now, and we’re here to help.

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