Domestic Violence Lawyer
A crime of Domestic Violence can be almost any offense committed in the context of an intimate relationship. The most common Domestic Violence crimes are:
- Assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Sexual Assault
- Kidnapping
- False Imprisonment
- Criminal Mischief
Over the past few years, law enforcement has developed new policies, the court system has implemented far-reaching changes, and prosecuting attorneys have taken an active role in zealously enforcing both new and existing domestic violence laws in Colorado. In addition to the special set of procedural rules and sentencing laws that apply to these cases, protective orders and no-contact provisions are also complicating factors in Domestic Violence prosecutions.
Domestic violence cases require the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. The person cannot be given a summons and complaint and ordered to appear in court at some future date; the person must be arrested "without undue delay." After arrest, the person may be released pursuant to procedures adopted in that jurisdiction, or the person may have to remain in custody without bond until seen by a judge. Current policies in most jurisdictions require that a person arrested for domestic violence remain in jail until seen by the judge. In all cases, the conditions of bond include a mandatory protection order forbidding the defendant from having any sort of contact with the alleged victim or his/her residence. In addition to any other sentence imposed by the court, anyone convicted of an offense that fits the broad definition of domestic violence must be ordered into a domestic violence treatment program.
Some domestic violence cases take place in the context of a dissolution of marriage (divorce). The interactions between a divorce case and a related criminal domestic violence case are complex and often confusing. Criminal attorney Mark Langston works closely with (and is married to) Boulder Family Law Attorney Carol Glassman, and this alliance provides a deep wealth of resources and legal know-how in dealing with these complicated situations.
Every domestic violence case is different. Don't rely solely on the advice of family members or friends. Contact Attorney Mark Langston before deciding on a course of action.
The Law Office of Mark T. Langston, P.C.
1881 Ninth Street, Suite 305
Boulder, Colorado
Telephone: 303-440-9684 | Fax: 303-442-0742
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