A domestic violence charge can upend your life before a single day in court. In Lakewood and throughout Jefferson County, these cases move quickly, mandatory protection orders take effect almost immediately after an arrest, and the consequences of a conviction follow you far beyond any sentence. The situation demands someone who can move just as fast.
Shazam Kianpour & Associates has handled thousands of criminal cases across the Denver metro area, including a high volume of domestic violence matters in Jefferson County. Mr. Kianpour graduated with honors and was top of his class in criminal law, and he has spent more than 20 years building relationships with prosecutors and courts all across Colorado. When you call our firm, you are not handed off to a junior associate. You get a cohesive team of attorneys who have worked together for over a decade and treat every case as a shared responsibility.
Colorado law treats domestic violence as a sentence enhancer rather than a standalone charge. Under C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, it is added to an underlying offense — assault, menacing, harassment, stalking, or even criminal mischief — when the alleged act involves an intimate partner or someone with whom the defendant has had a significant relationship. That attachment changes everything: prosecutors have less flexibility to remove the designation during plea negotiations, a mandatory protection order goes into effect at arrest, and a conviction can result in a lifetime federal prohibition on firearm possession.
Lakewood cases are typically filed in Jefferson County Combined Court in Golden. Jefferson County prosecutors take these charges seriously, which makes early legal involvement critical.
After an arrest in the Lakewood area, you will likely be held until a bond hearing, at which point the court will impose a mandatory protection order restricting contact with the alleged victim. That order may also require you to leave a shared home. The conditions are not optional, and violating them can result in additional charges on top of the original case.
The pace of these cases works against defendants who wait. Physical evidence fades, witnesses recall details differently over time, and prosecutors may file charges based on initial police reports before you have had a chance to tell your side. Contacting a Lakewood domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible gives your legal team time to investigate independently, review body camera footage, evaluate witness statements, and identify inconsistencies in the prosecution’s account.
Domestic violence cases are often more legally complex than they appear on the surface. Accusations arise in the middle of emotionally charged situations, and the evidence is rarely as straightforward as police reports suggest. Our attorneys look at each case individually and identify the defense strategies best suited to the specific facts.
Some of the defenses that may apply in Lakewood domestic violence cases include:
A strong defense begins with a thorough investigation. Because the domestic violence designation is difficult to remove once attached, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case early gives your attorney the most leverage.
Our firm is not a revolving-door operation. Mr. Kianpour, Eric Chenoweth, and the rest of our team have worked together for more than a decade, and they approach every case the way a tight-knit team approaches any serious problem: collectively, with each person watching the other’s work and your case never falling through the cracks. We are Colorado parents who understand what is at stake when a criminal charge threatens your family, your home, and your future.
Mr. Kianpour began his career as a government state defender, which means he understands how prosecutors think and how cases are built from the inside. He has tried a wide range of felony and misdemeanor cases, including domestic violence matters, and has developed an extensive network of relationships within the Colorado criminal justice system. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.
Our office is located in Denver, approximately 15 minutes from Lakewood via I-70 West. We are available to Lakewood clients across the full range of criminal defense matters and appear regularly in Jefferson County courts.
Not automatically. In Colorado, the decision to pursue charges belongs to the prosecutor, not the alleged victim. Even if the complaining witness recants or asks that charges be dropped, the state may proceed based on other available evidence. That said, a recantation is relevant and can significantly affect how the case develops. An attorney who regularly handles domestic violence matters in Jefferson County will know how to use that information effectively.
A mandatory protection order is imposed by the court at your first appearance after a domestic violence arrest and restricts contact with the alleged victim. It remains in effect during the pendency of the case. A no-contact order may be broader or more specific depending on the circumstances. Violating either can result in new criminal charges. Our team can review any orders in your case and explain exactly what they require.
Yes. A domestic violence conviction under Colorado law triggers a federal prohibition on firearm ownership and possession under the Lautenberg Amendment. This applies even to misdemeanor convictions. If gun rights are a concern in your case, that is a factor your attorney needs to weigh in evaluating any potential plea agreement.
Timelines vary depending on the severity of the charges, the amount of evidence, and the court’s docket. Misdemeanor cases can move quickly, sometimes resolving in a few months. Felony matters may take considerably longer. Throughout that process, the protection order remains in effect, which is one reason why building a strong defense early matters.
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, P.C., 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, a dual prosecution and defense background, and more than 10,000 cases handled set us apart from larger firms where you may never speak directly with your attorney. Reach out through our contact form to schedule your consultation, and we will begin building your defense strategy without delay.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.
