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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence laws in Greenwood Village are governed primarily by Colorado state law and enforced locally by the Greenwood Village Police Department and Arapahoe County courts and prosecutors. Domestic violence can include physical harm, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual assault, and other abusive behaviors when they occur between family members, intimate partners, people who share a child, or current or former household members. Victims can pursue both criminal charges through law enforcement and the prosecutor, and civil remedies such as protection orders through the courts. Local law enforcement and victim-advocate programs work with survivors to address immediate safety needs, obtain protective relief, and connect people with legal help and community resources.
Domestic violence situations often raise urgent safety concerns and complex legal issues. A lawyer can help in many common situations, including:
- Seeking a civil protection order - a lawyer can help prepare the petition, gather evidence, and represent you at the hearing.
- Responding to criminal charges - if you are accused, a criminal-defense lawyer can advise you of your rights and defenses.
- Navigating family law issues - abuse often affects divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, and property division. A family law attorney can pursue protective provisions and temporary orders to protect you and your children.
- Enforcing or modifying orders - if a protection order is violated, or if custody or protection needs change, a lawyer can help enforce or revise court orders.
- Preserving evidence and building a case - attorneys know what evidence is useful for protection hearings and criminal or family court matters, including police reports, medical records, photos, text messages, emails, and witness statements.
- Addressing related civil matters - lawyers can assist with restraining access to shared finances, removing an abuser from a residence, and seeking damages when appropriate.
- Addressing immigration and employment concerns - attorneys with relevant experience can advise on immigration consequences or workplace safety issues tied to domestic violence.
Key legal aspects particularly relevant in Greenwood Village include the following general topics:
- Definition of domestic relationships - Colorado law defines domestic relationships broadly, usually covering current or former spouses, people who share a child, cohabitants, dating partners, and relatives. This definition determines eligibility for protection orders and enhancements in criminal cases.
- Civil protection orders - Courts may issue temporary or longer-term protection orders to prohibit contact, require the respondent to stay away from the victim and their home, and impose other relief such as temporary custody, temporary possession of a residence, or temporary financial support. Emergency or ex parte orders may be available when there is an immediate risk of harm.
- Criminal prosecution - Abusive acts such as assault, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, and violating protection orders can result in criminal charges. Prosecutors decide whether to file charges based on evidence and police reports. Penalties range based on the charged offense, prior history, and circumstances.
- Law enforcement response - Greenwood Village police respond to domestic violence calls. Some departments follow mandatory or strongly encouraged arrest policies when there is probable cause to believe a crime occurred. Police can also help connect victims with victim advocates and resources.
- Firearms and protection orders - Protection orders and criminal convictions for domestic violence can affect firearm rights. Federal and state laws can prohibit possession of firearms when certain court orders or convictions apply, and courts sometimes require temporary surrender of firearms during the order period.
- Confidentiality and records - Court and police records may be public in some respects. Victims can ask courts and agencies about procedures to protect sensitive information, redaction options, or sealing of certain records in limited circumstances.
- Local resources and enforcement - The Arapahoe County courts and district attorney office handle prosecution and civil filings for much of the Greenwood Village area. Victim-witness advocates in the county and in the Greenwood Village Police Department can provide guidance during the legal process.
Domestic violence includes a range of harmful behaviors committed by someone in a qualifying domestic relationship. This commonly covers physical assault, threats or intimidation, stalking, sexual abuse, harassment, coercion, and destruction of property. The specific definition used by a court or prosecutor determines whether a case qualifies for domestic violence remedies and may differ by context - civil protection orders, criminal charges, and firearms restrictions can each use similar but distinct definitions.
To obtain a protection order, you file a petition in the appropriate county court. If the court finds immediate danger, it can issue a temporary or emergency order without the other person present. The order can prohibit contact, require the respondent to stay away from your home, workplace, or children, and may include temporary custody, support, or exclusive use of the residence. A full hearing is typically scheduled where both sides can present evidence before the court decides whether to extend the order.
Police respond to domestic violence calls and may arrest if they develop probable cause that a crime occurred. Many jurisdictions have policies encouraging arrest in domestic violence incidents where evidence supports it. However, arrest decisions depend on the facts, witness statements, physical evidence, injuries, and officer discretion. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for police assistance.
Criminal charges and civil protection orders serve different purposes and can be pursued together or separately. A criminal case seeks to hold the abuser legally accountable through the prosecutor and may result in penalties like jail, fines, and probation. A protection order is a civil remedy focused on immediate safety and control of contact, custody, and residence. Many survivors pursue a protection order for safety while prosecutors decide on criminal charges.
Yes, a court can include temporary custody and parenting-time provisions in a protection order to protect the child and the victim. However, protection order proceedings and family law custody proceedings are separate processes. Custody arrangements can be revisited in family court, and long-term custody decisions typically require a more thorough family law proceeding where courts evaluate the best interests of the child.
Duration varies by case and by the type of order issued. Temporary or emergency orders provide immediate short-term protection until a full hearing. After the full hearing, the court can issue a longer-term protection order for a set period, which can sometimes be extended or renewed. The exact length depends on statute, the judge's findings, and the circumstances of the case.
Keep records that document abuse and support your claims: police reports, medical records, photographs of injuries or damaged property, screenshots or copies of threatening texts or emails, voicemail messages, witness contact information, and a contemporaneous journal describing incidents. Save any legal notices and court documents. If safety allows, back up digital evidence to a secure location and consider giving copies to a trusted person or your attorney.
Courts can sometimes grant exclusive use of a residence to the victim as part of a protection order, but this depends on the facts, legal standards, and available remedies. The court may issue temporary orders about who stays in the home pending further proceedings. You should discuss your goal with a lawyer or advocate so the court can consider appropriate relief at the protection order hearing.
A violation of a protection order is a serious matter and can result in criminal charges against the respondent. If an order is violated, contact law enforcement immediately and report the violation. Keep a record of the incident and any evidence. The victim can also notify the prosecutor or victim-witness services to seek enforcement and possible arrest of the violator.
Reporting abuse or filing a protection order should not alone negatively affect a victim's immigration status, and in some cases victims of domestic violence may be eligible for immigration relief. However, immigration consequences depend on specific circumstances. If you or a loved one has immigration concerns, consult an attorney who specializes in immigration and domestic violence issues to understand options and protections available.
If you need help or legal advice, consider these types of local and state resources:
- Greenwood Village Police Department victim services - for immediate safety help, reporting incidents, and connecting with local advocates.
- Arapahoe County District Attorney - victim-witness assistance programs can explain criminal case procedures and connect victims with services.
- County courthouse self-help centers - many county courts provide forms and guidance for filing protection orders and related family law matters.
- Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence - state-level resource for information, advocacy, and referrals.
- Colorado Legal Services and local legal aid programs - can help low-income survivors with civil legal issues like protection orders, custody, and housing.
- Local shelters and domestic violence service providers - provide emergency housing, counseling, safety planning, and legal advocacy.
- National Domestic Violence hotline and state crisis hotlines - accessible 24/7 for safety planning and referrals.
- Local family law and criminal defense attorneys experienced in domestic violence - for individualized legal advice and representation.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 now. Your safety is the priority. If you are not in immediate danger, consider these practical next steps:
- Create a safety plan - identify safe places, establish code words with friends or family, and plan for quick exits with essential documents and items.
- Preserve evidence - save texts, emails, voicemails, photos, medical records, and police reports. Record dates, times, and details of incidents.
- Contact local police or a victim-advocate - the Greenwood Village Police Department and county victim-witness units can explain immediate protections and help you obtain a protection order.
- Seek medical attention - get documentation for injuries and ensure your health and the health of any children.
- Consult an attorney - speak with a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, family law, or criminal defense to understand legal options and the processes for protection orders, custody, divorce, or criminal cases.
- Use community resources - contact shelters, counseling services, and local advocacy organizations for support, housing, and referrals to legal help.
- Plan for financial and housing needs - consider options to secure funds, change account passwords, and protect your financial safety if you leave or separate from an abuser.
Remember that the laws and procedures can vary by county and individual circumstances. This guide provides general information to help you understand possible options. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified attorney or an advocacy program in Greenwood Village or Arapahoe County.
