Experienced Loveland Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Facing domestic violence charges in Loveland, Colorado can plunge you into a whirlwind of emotions, confusion, and a legal system that feels overwhelming. In these critical moments, understanding your rights and immediate next steps is paramount. Every decision and every word spoken after an arrest can profoundly impact your case, putting your reputation, freedom, and future at stake.

At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., our dedicated legal team has been defending the rights of Coloradans for over 30 years. We provide strategic, unwavering defense against domestic violence in Loveland, offering clear guidance and aggressive representation from the very start. We understand the stakes and are committed to protecting your rights and your future.

How Colorado Defines Domestic Violence

To understand your charges, it’s important to know how Colorado defines domestic violence. Unlike many people assume, domestic violence is not a standalone offense in Colorado. Instead, under C.R.S. § 18-6-801, domestic violence is a label (a “sentence enhancer”) that gets added onto another criminal charge.

This designation applies when a person commits or threatens an act against someone with whom they have been in an intimate relationship. This includes:

• Spouses and former spouses
• People who are dating or have previously dated
• Individuals who share a child

Colorado law also extends the definition to include crimes against property, as long as the purpose was to intimidate, retaliate against, or control the other person. This can include things like damaging a partner’s belongings or breaking a phone during an argument.

Because domestic violence is an added designation — not a separate crime — your citation will list an underlying offense such as assault, harassment, or criminal mischief. Once that underlying charge is paired with the DV enhancer, stricter procedures and mandatory consequences apply.

Common Charges Connected to Domestic Violence in Loveland

Domestic violence cases in Loveland span a wide range of underlying criminal charges. Our firm provides experienced domestic battery defense in Loveland and handles cases that involve the following offenses:

Assault (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree)

These charges involve the intentional, knowing, or reckless infliction of bodily injury or attempting to cause such injury.

Harassment

Harassment may include unwanted physical contact, repeated communications, obscene gestures, or behavior intended to annoy or alarm another person.

Menacing

Menacing involves placing someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, either through actions, gestures, or statements.

False Imprisonment

This occurs when a person knowingly restricts another’s ability to leave without their consent or legal justification.

Stalking

Stalking includes repeated actions, messages, or surveillance that causes a victim serious emotional distress.

Child Abuse

Child abuse charges may arise if authorities believe a child’s safety or well-being was threatened or compromised during a domestic incident.

Criminal Mischief

This includes intentionally damaging the property of a partner or family member.

Even allegations that seem minor can become far more serious once the domestic violence designation is added. That’s why clients turn to our attorneys for experienced spousal abuse defense in Loveland and guidance tailored to Larimer County’s specific procedures.

Tampering

Interfering with another person’s property without necessarily causing permanent damage.

Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction in Loveland, Colorado

If you’re convicted of an offense involving domestic violence, Colorado law imposes severe and often long-lasting consequences. These penalties are designed to be strict and can affect nearly every area of your life.

Mandatory Protection Orders

At your first court appearance, the judge will issue a protection order under C.R.S. § 18-1-1001. These orders typically prohibit contact with the alleged victim and may require you to leave your residence — even if your name is on the lease or mortgage. Violating this order, intentionally or not, can lead to additional charges.

Court-Mandated Treatment

Anyone convicted of a DV-related offense must complete a domestic violence evaluation and follow a state-approved treatment program. These programs vary in length and cost and are paid for by the defendant.

Permanent Loss of Firearm Rights

Federal law prohibits individuals with a domestic violence conviction from owning or possessing firearms indefinitely. This can affect careers in law enforcement, security, military service, or any profession requiring firearm access.

Jail or Prison Sentences

Depending on the underlying charge, penalties can range from county jail time for misdemeanors to lengthy prison sentences for felonies. Jail time can sometimes be negotiated down to a work release or in-home detention sentence in many misdemeanor cases.

Fines, Fees, and Additional Costs

Courts may impose fines, supervision fees, treatment costs, and other financial obligations.

Long-Term Consequences

A DV conviction stays on your record permanently and may affect:

• Employment opportunities
• Housing applications
• Security clearance
• Professional licensing
• Child custody or divorce matters, especially if there were children present at the time of the charged conduct

Because of the seriousness of these consequences, it’s essential to secure strong domestic violence legal help in Colorado as early as possible.

What to Do After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Loveland

If you’ve been charged with domestic violence in Loveland, taking the right steps early on can help protect you:

Do Not Give a Statement to Police

You are under no obligation to explain your side of the story during an arrest. Answer only basic identification questions.

Invoke Your Right to an Attorney

Clearly say, “I want to speak to my lawyer.” Once you do, questioning must stop.

Follow the Protection Order Carefully

Avoid any form of contact with the alleged victim — direct or indirect. Violating the order can lead to new charges.

Avoid Social Media Posts

Anything you post could be used as evidence at sentencing.

Contact a Loveland DV Defense Lawyer Immediately

Prosecutors begin reviewing cases quickly. Early representation gives your attorney more time to build a strong defense.

Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Criminal Cases in Loveland

Domestic violence cases often involve intense emotions, conflicting statements, and limited evidence. A thoughtful and strategic defense can make a major difference in the outcome. Our attorneys frequently use the following approaches:

• Challenging False Accusations: Arguments or relationship conflicts can escalate into exaggerated or untrue allegations.
• Self-Defense: If you took action because you believed you were in danger, we work to establish the circumstances that led to your response.
• Disputing the Evidence: We carefully review reports, witness statements, messages, and any available recordings for inconsistencies or errors.
• Identifying Procedural Issues: Improper searches, constitutional violations, or mistakes during the arrest may lead to suppressed evidence.
• Showing Lack of Intent: If your actions were accidental or misinterpreted, the prosecution may not be able to prove criminal intent — a key element in many charges.

These methods form the foundation of how to fight domestic violence charges in Colorado.

Why Choose Our Loveland, Colorado Legal Team for DV Defense?

When you’re facing a domestic violence charge, you need an attorney who understands the nuances of DV law and how Larimer County courts operate. Our firm brings decades of experience, a proactive strategy, and a client-centered approach.

Experience Throughout Colorado, Including Loveland

We have handled domestic violence cases across the state and understand how Loveland and Larimer County prosecutors approach these charges.

Early, Thorough Case Preparation

We believe in getting ahead of the prosecution. Our attorneys analyze evidence early, look for weaknesses, and begin building a defense from the first day.

Focused on Protecting Your Future

A DV charge can affect your job, housing, family, and reputation. We work to minimize the long-term consequences through negotiation, dismissal when possible, or strong trial advocacy.

Clear Guidance During a Stressful Time

Clients trust us for straightforward answers and consistent support. We make sure you understand your options and what to expect at every stage.

If you need criminal defense for domestic violence in Loveland, our team offers skill, experience, and steady representation.

Don’t Face Domestic Violence Charges Alone

A domestic violence allegation can affect your home life, career, and reputation — but you don’t have to handle it by yourself. With experienced legal support, you can take meaningful steps toward protecting your rights and your future.

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. is ready to stand with you and guide you through the next steps.