Over 10,000 Criminal Cases Handled in the Denver Area

Domestic Violence Lawyer in Aurora

Is your loved one arrested on domestic violence charges? Are you facing a situation where they must spend the night in jail, and you don’t know when they’ll be released? When someone is arrested for domestic violence in Colorado, the law requires they remain in custody overnight with no bond set immediately. Police officers often tell families there’s nothing they can do because Colorado’s mandatory arrest laws give them no choice when responding to domestic violence calls.

At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, we understand the stress and fear you’re experiencing right now. With over 22 years of experience handling domestic violence defense cases throughout Aurora and the Denver metro area, our firm provides the aggressive legal representation and personal attention your case demands. We know the mandatory hold period creates uncertainty and distress for families, and we’re available 24/7 to guide you through this process and begin building your defense immediately.

Understanding Colorado's Mandatory Hold and Bond Process

When someone is arrested for domestic violence in Aurora, they must spend the night in jail during what’s called a “cooling down period.” Unlike most other criminal charges where bond can be set the same day, domestic violence arrests require the accused person to remain in custody until a judge can issue a mandatory protection order the following day. The judge cannot set bail until this protection order is in place, which means families must wait through an overnight hold before their loved one can be released.

Why the Mandatory Arrest Happens

Colorado’s mandatory arrest laws require police officers to make an arrest when called to a domestic violence scene if they find probable cause that violence or threats occurred between intimate partners or household members. Officers have no discretion in this matter, which explains why they tell families there’s no choice but to take someone into custody. The mandatory hold period and protection order requirement apply to all domestic violence cases in Colorado, regardless of the severity of allegations.

The Impact on Families

This overnight custody period affects not just the accused person but their entire family, creating immediate concerns about employment, childcare, and financial obligations. We help families navigate the challenging first 24 hours and prepare for the bond hearing, where a judge will set bail terms and issue the mandatory protection order that dictates contact restrictions going forward.

What Happens at the Bond Hearing?

The bond hearing typically occurs the day after arrest, once the mandatory overnight hold period concludes. At this hearing, a judge reviews the allegations, considers the accused person’s criminal history and ties to the community, and then sets bond conditions. Before setting bond, the judge must issue a mandatory protection order that prohibits the accused from contacting the alleged victim, returning to a shared residence, or possessing firearms.

Understanding Protection Orders and Bond Conditions

These protection orders remain in effect throughout the criminal case and can be modified only by court order. Violating a protection order creates additional criminal charges and complicates your existing domestic violence case. The bond conditions set at this hearing often include additional restrictions beyond the protection order, such as electronic monitoring, substance abuse testing, or check-ins with pretrial services.

Our attorneys attend bond hearings to advocate for reasonable bond amounts and conditions that allow clients to maintain employment and family responsibilities while their case proceeds. We challenge excessive bond requests from prosecutors and present information about your community ties, employment history, and lack of flight risk to secure the most favorable terms possible.

Common Domestic Violence Charges in Aurora

The most frequently filed domestic violence charges in Aurora include harassment, assault in the third degree, and criminal mischief when committed against an intimate partner or household member. These charges often arise from heated arguments that escalate, misunderstandings during stressful situations, or false allegations made during contentious relationship breakups or custody disputes.

How Charges Are Classified

Third-degree assault becomes domestic violence when committed against a current or former intimate partner, and penalties increase significantly with this designation. Criminal mischief charges may apply when property is allegedly damaged during a domestic dispute, while harassment can be filed for unwanted contact or communication attempts. Colorado law defines domestic violence broadly to include any act of violence, intimidation, or harassment between people in intimate relationships or those who share a child together.

The Consequences of Conviction

Even misdemeanor domestic violence convictions carry mandatory consequences, including court-ordered treatment programs, community service, and potential jail time. The domestic violence designation also results in firearm restrictions and can impact professional licenses, immigration status, and custody arrangements. These consequences make immediate legal representation essential for protecting your rights and future opportunities.

How False Allegations Impact Your Case

False domestic violence accusations are unfortunately common in Aurora, particularly during divorce proceedings or child custody battles where one party seeks a legal advantage. These allegations can arise from misunderstandings, exaggerated claims, or deliberately fabricated stories intended to harm your reputation or legal standing. Mandatory arrest laws require police to make an arrest based on probable cause alone, even when evidence is limited or questionable.

The Lasting Effects of False Accusations

The impact of false allegations extends beyond the courtroom and can damage your professional relationships, community standing, and access to your children. Even when charges are eventually dismissed, the arrest record and initial accusations can continue affecting your life for years unless properly addressed through legal channels. The mandatory protection orders issued at bond hearings immediately restrict your ability to contact family members or return home, creating additional hardship based on unproven allegations.

Our Investigation Process

We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, including reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and examining physical evidence to identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. Our team also works with private investigators when necessary to uncover evidence that supports your version of events and challenges the accuser’s credibility. This comprehensive investigation often reveals motivations for false accusations, such as gaining an advantage in custody disputes or relationship conflicts.

Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Cases

Building an effective defense against domestic violence charges requires careful analysis of the evidence and circumstances surrounding your arrest. Our attorneys examine multiple aspects of your case to identify the strongest defense approach for your situation. The following strategies have proven effective in protecting our clients’ rights and achieving favorable outcomes:

  • Self-defense: When you acted to protect yourself from immediate physical harm or threat of harm from the alleged victim.
  • Defense of others: If you were protecting another person, such as your children, from violence or credible threats.
  • Lack of intent: Demonstrating that any contact was accidental rather than intentional, which is required for most domestic violence convictions.
  • Constitutional violations: Challenging evidence obtained through illegal searches, improper arrest procedures, or Miranda rights violations.
  • Witness credibility issues: Exposing inconsistencies in witness statements, bias, or motivations for false testimony against you.
  • Alternative explanations: Presenting evidence that injuries resulted from accidents, medical conditions, or other causes unrelated to alleged violence.

Each defense strategy requires thorough preparation and presentation of supporting evidence to be effective in court. We tailor our approach based on the specific facts and evidence in your case.

Why Choose Shazam Kianpour & Associates for Your Aurora Domestic Violence Case

Selecting the right criminal defense attorney for your domestic violence case can significantly impact the outcome of your situation. Unlike larger firms that may pass your case to junior associates, we provide personalized attention from experienced attorneys who focus exclusively on criminal defense law. Our firm understands the unique challenges families face when dealing with mandatory arrest procedures and overnight custody holds, and we’re available 24/7 to provide immediate guidance during this stressful time.

Our Experience and Recognition

We have extensive experience working within the Aurora court system and understand local prosecutors’ strategies and preferred plea negotiation approaches. Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases combined and are recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers. This experience allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that less experienced attorneys might miss and develop defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.

Our Unique Background

Our firm’s background includes serving as government public defenders, which provides insider knowledge of how prosecutors build their cases and make charging decisions. We use this knowledge to anticipate prosecution strategies and develop effective counterarguments that protect your rights. We also maintain relationships throughout Colorado’s criminal justice system that benefit our clients during negotiations and court proceedings.

Contact Shazam Kianpour & Associates for Your Aurora Criminal Defense

 

Criminal charges don’t wait for convenient timing, and neither should your response. The decisions you make in the hours and days following an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your future opportunities.

At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, we understand the urgency of criminal defense matters and provide the experienced advocacy you need to protect your rights. Our 22+ years of experience in Colorado criminal law, combined with our commitment to personal attention, sets us apart from larger firms where you may never speak directly with your attorney. We’ve earned recognition from the National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers for our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and begin building your defense strategy.

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