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Assault and battery cases in Greenwood Village are governed primarily by Colorado state criminal law and by local law-enforcement and court practices in Arapahoe County. People commonly use the terms assault and battery together to describe unwanted physical contact, threats, or attempts to cause harm. Colorado law defines and prosecutes violent and threatening conduct by looking at the actor's intent, the victim's injuries or fear, and whether a weapon was used. While local police in Greenwood Village investigate incidents and make arrests, prosecution is handled by the county or state prosecutors. Outcomes can include criminal penalties, protective orders, and separate civil claims for damages.
There are many situations where you should strongly consider hiring a lawyer for an assault or battery matter in Greenwood Village:
- You have been arrested or charged with assault, battery, menacing, or a related crime and need defense representation at arraignment, plea negotiations, and trial.
- You are the alleged victim and want to obtain a protective order, pursue a criminal complaint, or file a civil suit for damages.
- You believe you acted in self-defense and need help preserving evidence, witness statements, and presenting a legal argument to police or the prosecutor.
- You face possible enhancements, such as charges involving a weapon, serious bodily injury, or domestic violence allegations that can change penalties and court procedures.
- You risk collateral consequences such as immigration effects, loss of firearm rights, professional licensing problems, or employment consequences.
- You need help negotiating diversion programs, deferred sentences, or record-sealing options after a conviction or dismissal.
Key aspects of local and state law relevant in Greenwood Village include the following:
- State law controls most criminal definitions and penalties. Offenses can range from petty or misdemeanor assaults to felony assaults, depending on severity, intent, and use of a weapon.
- Elements the prosecutor must prove commonly include an act, intent or recklessness, and either injury or a reasonable fear of imminent harm. Lesser offenses may cover threats or offensive touching without serious injury.
- Domestic violence allegations are treated with particular attention. An assault allegation arising in a domestic context can trigger additional protections for victims, different charging practices, and special procedures in court.
- Protective or restraining orders can be sought by victims through the court system. Violating a court order is a separate criminal offense with its own penalties.
- Police in Greenwood Village investigate reported incidents, collect evidence, and forward cases to the county district attorney for charging decisions. Prosecutors in Arapahoe County determine whether to file charges and which charges to bring.
- Penalties vary by offense level. Possible consequences include fines, jail or prison time, probation, community service, mandatory counseling or education programs, restitution, and for some people loss of firearm rights.
- Civil liability is separate from criminal prosecution. Even if criminal charges are dismissed or not filed, a victim can bring a civil lawsuit for assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Common usage varies, but generally assault refers to the threat or attempt to cause harm that puts someone in reasonable fear of imminent injury, while battery refers to the actual unlawful physical contact or injury. Colorado statutes group many violent acts under assault-related offenses and also criminalize related behaviors such as menacing and harassment. The protection and penalties depend on the facts and severity.
If you are under arrest, stay calm and do not resist. Ask for an attorney immediately and exercise your right to remain silent except to provide basic identification. After release, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to review the police report, advise about bail or pretrial release, and plan your response.
Yes. Self-defense is a recognized legal defense when you reasonably believe force is necessary to protect yourself or others from imminent unlawful force. The reasonableness of your belief and the proportionality of your response are critical. A lawyer can help gather evidence and witness statements to support a self-defense claim.
If a court issues a protective order, you must follow its terms immediately. Violating the order can result in arrest and additional criminal charges. You have the right to contest the order in court and should consult a lawyer to prepare for hearings and to advise on permissible contact and compliance.
Possibly. Certain criminal convictions can have serious immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of naturalization. Convictions can also affect professional licenses, employment opportunities, and background checks. If you are not a U.S. citizen or hold a regulated professional license, consult an attorney promptly to assess risks.
Penalties depend on the offense level and circumstances. Less serious offenses may carry fines and short jail terms, while assaults involving serious bodily injury, a weapon, or special victims can lead to felony charges and longer prison sentences. Courts may also impose probation, restitution, mandatory programs, and firearm restrictions. A lawyer can explain likely penalties given the facts of your case.
Yes. Prosecutors review evidence and may dismiss or reduce charges if proof is weak, witnesses are unavailable, or after negotiation with defense counsel. A strong defense, credible evidence of self-defense, or successful diversion efforts can result in reduced charges or dismissal. Prompt and skilled legal advocacy improves the chances of a favorable outcome.
While misdemeanor matters may seem minor, they still carry criminal records and potential jail time, fines, and other consequences. A lawyer can negotiate plea agreements, seek diversion or deferred judgment, and represent you in court to protect your rights. For many people, hiring counsel is advisable.
Case length varies. Some matters are resolved quickly through dismissal or plea negotiations, while others go through multiple pretrial hearings and a trial that can take months or longer. Factors include court schedules, investigation needs, whether you or the victim request continuances, and whether the case proceeds to trial.
Yes. Criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits are separate. A victim can pursue a civil claim for assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional harm to seek money damages, restitution, or injunctive relief. Winning a civil case requires proving liability by a lower standard than a criminal conviction. Consult a civil attorney to evaluate timing and evidence issues.
Useful local and state resources include:
- Greenwood Village Police Department for reporting incidents and obtaining police reports
- Arapahoe County District Attorney's Office for information about criminal prosecutions in the county
- Colorado Judicial Branch for court procedures and local court locations
- Colorado Revised Statutes for the text of criminal laws
- Colorado Bar Association and local bar associations for lawyer referral services
- Colorado Legal Services for low-income civil legal help
- Victim-Witness Assistance Program in Arapahoe County for support and information about victims rights
- Local domestic violence and victim support organizations for safety planning and advocacy
- Crime victim compensation programs in Colorado for help with medical and counseling expenses
If you are in immediate danger, contact 911 right away. For non-emergencies, consider these steps:
- Seek necessary medical attention and document all injuries with photos and medical records.
- Preserve evidence: keep clothing, take dated photographs, write down what happened as soon as you can, and collect contact information for witnesses.
- Obtain a copy of any police report and review it with an attorney.
- If you are a victim and feel unsafe, consider requesting a protective order and reach out to victim services for safety planning.
- If charged, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney promptly to discuss bail, arraignment, and defense strategy. If you cannot afford private counsel, ask about a public defender.
- If you are a victim considering a civil claim, consult a civil attorney about timing, evidence preservation, and damages.
- Keep records of all communication related to the incident and avoid unnecessary contact with the other party unless advised by counsel or allowed by a court order.
Working with an attorney familiar with Greenwood Village and Arapahoe County practices will help you understand local procedures, preserve your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.
