A Colorado man has been charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty after he threw a dog from a balcony in retaliation during a fight. He has also been charged with Domestic Violence Assault, because the act of throwing the dog took place during a fight with his girlfriend. It can be difficult to sort through all the charges. Domestic Violence charges are especially difficult. Let’s take a look at each one and how they are charged in Weld, Logan, and Morgan County.
Aggravated Animal Cruelty in Greeley
A person will face charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty – C.R.S. 18-9-203, if they knowingly torture, or needlessly mutilate kill an animal. Because the dog thrown off the balcony died, the man will face serious consequences. Aggravated Animal Cruelty is a class 6 felony, which results in a Department of Corrections prison sentence of up to 18 months.
Assault Domestic Violence in Greeley
In order to understand Domestic Violence (DV) charges in Evans, Erie, and Greeley, it is important to understand that it is not charged on its own. DV is not a crime in and of itself. It is a sentence enhancer which is added to crimes which occur between two people who have been in an intimate relationship (read the overly broad definition of intimate relationship to learn why this crime is charged so often). The Colorado man was charged with Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-203. This is because he got into a physical fight with someone. The label of Domestic Violence was added because the fight occurred with his girlfriend – someone with whom he had an intimate relationship.
The man was also charged with Domestic Violence.
Charged with Animal Cruelty? Call the Best Lawyer
The man charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty didn’t start the argument with his girlfriend, knowing he was going to toss her dog off a balcony. Unfortunately, fights get out of hand and escalate quickly. Now, the man faces serious prison time, and Domestic Violence treatment overseen by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB), if convicted. If you lost your temper and have been charged with a crime like Animal Cruelty, don’t hesitate to contact an aggressive criminal defense lawyer to fight on your behalf in the courtroom. Our skilled attorneys know the difference between a bad plea deal, and a favorable one. They also know how to get a not guilty verdict at trial. Go into court prepared to win.
If you or a loved one faces charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty like the man who threw the dog off the balcony, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – 422737