Fort Morgan Domestic Violence Attorney

Bruno Lilly LeClere

At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, our Fort Morgan domestic violence defense lawyers provide personalized legal advocacy to defendants. You deserve zealous legal representation—no matter the specific nature of the charges. If you or your family member was arrested and charged with domestic violence in Morgan County, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Fort Morgan domestic violence defense lawyer. 

Domestic Violence: Colorado Law

Unlike some other jurisdictions, Colorado does not have a specific, standalone domestic violence charge. Instead, the offense is considered to be an “enhancer” in our state. Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3), domestic violence is defined as an act or threatened act of violence upon someone with whom the perpetrator is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. It also includes any other crime against a person or property, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the perpetrator is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. As it is an enhancer or “aggravating factor,” a domestic violence charge can lead to more severe penalties for the defendant.  

How Does Colorado Define an “Intimate Relationship” for Domestic Violence?

In Colorado, an “intimate relationship” for the purposes of domestic violence is defined as a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time. 

We Defend All Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Fort Morgan

Were you arrested for a domestic violence offense in Fort Morgan? You need to take immediate action to protect your rights, freedom, and future. At Bruno Lilly LeClere, PLLC, we are a boutique criminal defense firm that takes on all types of domestic violence charges. Along with other domestic violence cases in Fort Morgan, our attorneys have the experience to defend you against: 

• Assault: Physical assault can lead to a domestic violence charge if the victim and the offender have an intimate relationship. In Colorado, assault in the context of domestic violence can fall into three categories. First-degree assault (the most serious) involves causing serious bodily injury intentionally with a deadly weapon. Second-degree assault often involves intentionally causing bodily injury with a weapon, while third-degree assault includes knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person
• Stalking: Stalking is another offense that can carry a domestic violence enhancement. Stalking in Colorado involves repeatedly following, approaching, contacting, or surveilling another person or someone with whom they have a relationship in a manner that causes them emotional distress or reasonably causes them to fear for their safety. 
• Unlawful Sexual Contact: Unlawful sexual contact in Colorado is defined as touching of the intimate parts of another person without their consent, or coercing someone to touch another’s intimate parts without consent. An intimate relationship between the parties is an aggravating factor and can lead to more serious domestic violence charges. 

An Overview of Defenses Against Domestic Violence 

Arrested for a domestic violence offense in Fort Morgan? You may have questions about how exactly you should defend yourself against the charge. The answer depends on a wide range of case-specific factors. Some of the defense strategies against domestic violence include: 

• False Allegation: In some cases, false allegations of domestic violence are made. Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. You can challenge false allegations. 
• Self-Defense: Self-defense may be a viable option for defending certain domestic violence allegations.

Why Trust Our Fort Morgan Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer?

Facing a domestic violence allegation in Morgan County? You need experienced legal representation. Our attorneys Havilah Louise Bruno Lilly and Andrew LeClere are committed to helping people navigate challenging criminal charges. We are proactive. Along with other things, our Fort Morgan domestic violence defense lawyers are prepared to: 

• Listen to what happened and explain your rights and your options; 
• Investigate the incident in question—gathering all key evidence; and
• Develop a personalized domestic violence defense strategy. 

Domestic Violence Charges in Fort Morgan: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Domestic Violence a Felony in Colorado?

Domestic violence in Colorado can be charged as a felony depending on the circumstances and severity of the case. If the act of domestic violence involves severe physical harm, the use of a weapon, or if the perpetrator has previous convictions for similar offenses, felony charges are likely. Indeed, many domestic violence cases are felonies. 

Can the Victim Decide to Drop a Domestic Violence Charge in Colorado?

In Colorado, the victim of domestic violence cannot unilaterally decide to drop the charges once they have been filed. Colorado has a “no-drop” policy for domestic violence criminal cases. The decision to continue with or drop the charges rests with the prosecutors, not the victim. The policy is in place to prevent the potential coercion of victims into dropping charges by their abusers.

Will a Domestic Violence Charge Have Family Law Implications?

It can. A domestic violence charge can have a major impact on family law matters in Colorado, particularly those involving child custody and child visitation rights. Courts may view a parent with a domestic violence charge as a risk to the child’s well-being. Your family law rights may be a consideration when developing a defense strategy.