Legally Reviewed by Shazam Kianpour on August 25, 2026
Domestic violence is not a welcome part of anyone’s holiday season, but for many people, spending time with family this year will mean that old tensions and conflicts have the opportunity to flare up in ugly, destructive ways. Family tensions flared far out of control for one Colorado man recently, and he stands accused of serious charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly committing some serious acts of violence towards his own mother.
Police were alerted to the situation when the victim’s husband called to report that the man had shoved his mother several times, pushing her to the ground and beating her in the face with her own arm, then punching her several times before grabbing a wooden chair and breaking it across her back. The caller claimed that he had attempted to intervene and was also assaulted.
Police reports indicate that the woman had been dragged through the home and locked in a room with her three young grandchildren, leaving her with severe contusions and lacerations around her face and neck, including what appeared to be blood coming out of one of her ears. The victim was rushed to an emergency room and treated for her injuries.
In addition to attempted murder, the man is facing a litany of other charges. These include first and third-degree assault, three counts of child abuse, false imprisonment, kidnapping and resisting arrest, among others.
It is easier than you might think for a situation to spiral out of control, even if it does not reach the shocking heights that occurred in the victim’s home that night. If you have experienced a moment of exceptionally poor judgment and are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to get the best representation that you can. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that you are able to get the help that you need and protect your rights before the court.
Source: ABC 7 The Denver Channel, “Man facing charges after brutally beating his own mother, Grand Junction police say,” Oscar Contreras, Dec. 16, 2016
How Colorado Defines Attempted Murder
Colorado divides murder into degrees, and attempted murder charges mirror that structure. Attempted first-degree murder generally requires the prosecution to show a specific intent to kill along with a substantial step taken toward carrying it out, while attempted second-degree murder involves a knowing act that could result in death without necessarily requiring the same premeditation. Both are among the most serious felony charges in the state, and both carry the potential for lengthy prison sentences if a person is convicted.
Because the charge focuses on intent and specific actions taken, rather than only on the outcome, the specific facts of how an incident unfolded matter enormously to how the case is prosecuted and defended.
How Domestic Violence Charges Escalate in Colorado
Colorado does not treat “domestic violence” as a standalone charge. Instead, it is a designation that attaches to an underlying offense, such as assault, harassment, or a more serious charge, when the incident occurs between people with a qualifying relationship. That designation can affect bond conditions, sentencing, and whether a person can possess a firearm going forward.
Cases involving multiple alleged victims or multiple charges arising from one incident, such as an arrest stemming from a domestic violence call, often involve overlapping charges that each require their own evidentiary support. Reviewing how second-degree assault is charged as a felony in Colorado can help someone understand how these related charges are structured and how they may connect to a more serious count.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Serious Violent Crime Cases
Facing charges of this severity means every piece of evidence, from police reports to witness statements to physical evidence at the scene, needs careful review. A criminal defense attorney examines how an investigation was conducted, whether statements were obtained properly, and whether each individual charge is supported by the evidence the prosecution has gathered.
If you or a family member is facing a serious violent crime charge or a domestic violence-related charge in Colorado, contact our team to discuss the situation and your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attempted Murder and Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado
What is the difference between first and second-degree attempted murder in Colorado?
Attempted first-degree murder generally requires proof of a specific intent to kill and a substantial step toward that goal. Attempted second-degree murder involves a knowing act that could cause death, without necessarily requiring the same level of premeditation.
Is domestic violence its own criminal charge in Colorado?
No. Colorado attaches a domestic violence designation to an underlying charge, such as assault or harassment, when the alleged incident occurs between people who have a qualifying relationship. The designation can affect bond conditions and sentencing.
Can a single incident lead to multiple felony charges in Colorado?
Yes. A single incident can result in several charges filed at once, such as assault, false imprisonment, or child abuse, each carrying its own elements that the prosecution must prove separately.
How does a domestic violence designation affect a person’s rights?
A domestic violence designation can influence bond conditions, no-contact orders, and whether a person may possess a firearm while the case is pending or after a conviction.
What should someone facing a violent crime charge do first?
Avoid discussing the incident with investigators without an attorney present, and reach out to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so evidence and witness statements can be reviewed early in the case.
About the Attorney
Founding Attorney, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.
Shazam Kianpour is the founding attorney of Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., where he has handled thousands of criminal and traffic cases throughout the Denver area, including DUI, assault, domestic violence, and sex crime defense. He is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.
Written by
Shazam KianpourDenver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.