If you’ve been charged with the crime of domestic violence in Colorado, you may be surprised at how seriously this crime is taken by the state, even if there is no proof that a crime occurred.  As any domestic violence attorney will tell you; all it takes to appear guilty in the eyes of the district attorney is a 911 call and the word of the accuser.  When you are innocent, it may seem like you no longer enjoy the civil right of being “innocent until proven guilty.” You may also believe that you can easily disprove the allegations and move on with your life.  Not so fast.

According to a recent article by one well-respected Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney (“A Colorado Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help You Make Your Case”), it is imperative to hire a lawyer when charged with this crime.  However, your attorney will not be the only one responsible for building your defensive strategy.  As the defendant, there are several very important steps you can follow to make the process go smoothly and avoid many of the life-changing consequences of a conviction.

Remember, the crime of domestic violence in Colorado is not limited to just physical violence; it also refers to any form of psychological or emotional abuse, including threats and harassment.  With this in mind, you must take the initiative to stop all communication with your accuser and his or her family.

Another tip from this domestic violence attorney is to remain honest at all times with your lawyer.  If you really did the crime, then it’s never a good idea to lie to your attorney.  Rather, you can explain the circumstances and the events that led up to the crime.  An attorney may recommend some form of counseling or behavioral therapy, and where appropriate, a heartfelt apology to the victim.  Taking these steps may result in the charges being dropped.

If you are truly innocent, be prepared to provide your domestic violence attorney with the information he or she needs for your defense.  Has your accuser claimed abuse in the past?  Are they taking any medications that may have psychological or depressive side effects?  What is the nature of your relationship?

If you are being accused of a domestic violence crime in the state of Colorado, look for an experienced Colorado Springs domestic violence attorney with a successful track record defending cases like yours.