Legally Reviewed by Shazam Kianpour on September 2, 2026
A Denver Nuggets player was arrested one weekend some years ago. Ty Lawson and his girlfriend were both arrested for alleged domestic violence. Many times only one person is arrested in a domestic violence case, but here both were taken into custody. According to reports at the time, the player’s girlfriend was arrested for domestic violence-related property damage, and he was arrested for domestic violence-related harassment and property damage.
While those charges were misdemeanors, an arrest of this kind can still have a very negative impact on a person’s reputation, whether or not it results in a conviction. If an employer learns that someone was arrested, or later convicted, of a domestic violence offense, they may face professional consequences, especially if that person is a public figure whose case draws media coverage.
Why Both Parties Are Sometimes Arrested
Colorado’s mandatory arrest statute requires officers to make an arrest whenever they find probable cause to believe domestic violence occurred, and that requirement does not disappear simply because both people involved may claim they acted only in self-defense. Our detailed look at Colorado’s mandatory arrest law explains how this statute works and why officers responding to a domestic dispute often have far less discretion than people expect, sometimes resulting in dual arrests when the facts on scene are unclear.
Because an alleged incident like this one often happens on a weekend, those arrested may have to spend one or more nights in jail until a court is available for a first hearing. Prior arrests or driving-related offenses on a person’s record, even unrelated ones, can also factor into how a court views bail or bond conditions in a new case.
When an Accusation Turns Out to Be Overstated or False
Not every domestic violence arrest reflects the full picture of what happened. Emotions run high during a domestic dispute, and officers responding to a chaotic scene sometimes arrest the wrong person or arrest someone who acted only in self-defense. Our overview of how to protect your rights against a false domestic violence accusation covers what to do if you believe you were wrongly arrested or the allegations against you do not reflect what actually occurred.
Your Rights After a Domestic Violence Arrest
When a person has past criminal convictions, it can have a negative impact on how a new case is handled, but every person retains the same core rights regardless of their record. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help someone understand those rights and begin building a defense immediately. Police will often ask a person accused in a domestic violence situation detailed questions about what happened, and anything said in that moment can become part of the case against them later.
Anyone who is arrested should remember they have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions that could be used against them. An attorney can be present during any further questioning to make sure a client does not say anything self-incriminating while a defense is being built. This applies equally whether the person arrested is a well-known public figure or a private individual, and the earlier an attorney is involved, the more options are typically available.
What to Do if You Are Arrested for Domestic Violence in Colorado
If you or a loved one has been arrested on a domestic violence charge, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, ideally before answering any further questions from police. Colorado’s domestic violence cases move quickly through the court system, and early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference in bail conditions, protection orders, and how the case ultimately resolves. Reach out to our office to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Arrests in Colorado
Why did police arrest both people involved in the dispute?
Colorado’s mandatory arrest law requires officers to make an arrest whenever they find probable cause that domestic violence occurred. When the facts on scene are unclear or both people have visible injuries, this can sometimes result in both parties being arrested even if one person acted in self-defense.
Is a domestic violence misdemeanor still a serious charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor domestic violence charge can carry a mandatory domestic violence designation that affects future sentencing, protection orders, and firearm rights, and it can appear on background checks that affect employment and housing.
Do I have to answer police questions after a domestic violence arrest?
No. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Anything said to police after an arrest can potentially be used in the case, so it is generally best to wait until you have spoken with a lawyer before answering detailed questions.
Can a domestic violence arrest affect someone’s career even without a conviction?
It can. An arrest alone, especially one covered by local media, may affect a person’s reputation or employment even before a court reaches any resolution. This is one reason it matters to have skilled legal representation working to resolve the case as favorably and quickly as possible.
About the Attorney
Founding Attorney, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.
Shazam Kianpour defends clients facing domestic violence charges throughout the Denver area, including cases involving dual arrests and disputed or overstated allegations.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.