Colorado Domestic Violence Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 16, 2018
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Colorado doesn’t have a specific statute covering domestic violence as opposed to a physical assault or other crime against a stranger. However, the criminal code does define domestic violence as an act or threatened act of violence against a person whom the defendant has an intimate relationship with, such as a a current or former spouse, partner, co-habitant, or co-parent, when the act is used to coerce, control, punish, intimidate, or seek revenge against that person.
Help for Victims of Domestic Violence
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, call 911 during any emergency. To follow up and see if a criminal charge is being pressed, you can contact your local district attorney’s office.
Colorado Domestic Violence Laws Overview
The charges and penalties under Colorado’s domestic violence laws are detailed below. Keep in mind; you can also be prosecuted under a domestic violence statute, the parties involved must have been in an “intimate relationship,” meaning current or former spouses, current or former unmarried couples, or parents of the same child.
Statutes |
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Penalties |
Penalties and Sentencing If a person commits a crime of domestic violence, many aspects of his or her sentencing will be affected, including the following:
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Protection Orders |
Protection Orders
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Colorado Codes and Supreme Court Decisions
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions about Colorado’s domestic violence laws, click on the following links:
Charged with Domestic Violence in Colorado? Contact an Attorney
If you’re facing a domestic violence-related crime charge in Colorado, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You’ll want to tell your attorney what happened, whether there’s a protection order, and if you have guns.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Colorado attorneys offer free consultations.
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