Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, is always added to misdemeanor offenses like Harassment and False Imprisonment when the alleged victim is or has been in an intimate relationship with the accused. Even though many Domestic Violence related crimes are misdemeanors, they can be charged as a class 5 felony if it is the defendant’s 4th or subsequent DV offense. While it is rare, it still happens. For example, one Colorado man who was designated a Habitual Domestic Violence Offender recently appealed the conviction after serving his 3-year prison sentence. He lost the appeal, and now the designation will remain on his criminal record for the rest of his life. If you have been charged with a crime of Domestic Violence as a Habitual Offender, time is of the essence. Contact the top Greeley Domestic Violence lawyers today to discuss your case and protect your future.
What are Common Misdemeanor Crimes of Domestic Violence at the Weld County Court?
Believe it or not, it is not difficult to be charged with a misdemeanor crime of Domestic Violence at the Weld County Court. Common misdemeanor DV crimes include:
- False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303
- Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204
- Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111
- Violation of a Protection Order, C.R.S. 18-6-803.5
- Second Degree Criminal Tampering, C.R.S. 18-4-506
Any crime committed against a current or former intimate partner will be charged with a Domestic Violence sentence enhancer.
Habitual Domestic Violence Offender Designation, C.R.S. 18-6-701 (7) in Greeley, CO
The Habitual Domestic Violence Offender designation, C.R.S. 18-6-701 (7), is as follows in Greeley, CO:
Generally, if you commit 4 misdemeanors in your lifetime, that 4th offense is still charged as a misdemeanor. However, if the misdemeanors were all crimes of Domestic Violence, the 4th misdemeanor DV offense is instead charged as a class 5 felony.
Colorado Prison Time + Other Penalties for Habitual DV Offenders
Habitual DV Offender designation can involve Colorado prison time and other penalties if the defendant is convicted. These penalties include:
- 1 – 3 years in a Colorado prison
- Fine of $1,000 – $100,000
- 1 year of mandatory parole after release from prison
- Mandatory Domestic Violence treatment, which the defendant must pay for
Being charged with a crime of Domestic Violence already comes with numerous penalties, which are only exacerbated by Habitual DV Offender status. If you have been charged as a Habitual Offender, don’t wait – give us a call today to discuss your case and get the help you need to protect your future.
Have you been charged with a crime with Habitual Domestic Violence Offender designation? First, be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – do not discuss your case with the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff. Then call 970-616-6009 to discuss your case with one of our top Greeley Domestic Violence lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Court is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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