Getting arrested can be a very traumatic experience. Sitting in jail will only result in job loss, depression, and trauma to the separated families. Whatever crime, it is crucial to understand how bail bonds can easily lead to a release.
The domestic violence bail bonds that Denver locals can secure are not that different from bonds of other crimes. The bond fee will still depend on the bail amount for the charge. The only difference is that domestic violence is an offense with stringent bond rules and regulations. Bail amounts can also go higher. Here are seven things you need to know about Denver bail bonds for domestic violence crimes:
How is Domestic Violence defined in Denver, CO?
When people hear of domestic violence, they automatically think of the physical aspect of violence. The Colorado revised statutes, 18-6-800.3 provides that domestic violence can be a crime committed between two individuals who are either family members, or in an intimate relationship.
Physical harm, whether direct, attempted, or conspiracy, are all deemed domestic violence. Examples of physical abuse are hitting, pushing, etc. Verbal abuse includes yelling, intimidating, or sending harassing texts. Lastly, sexual violence can also be deemed as domestic violence.
Colorado’s “Domestic Violence” definition is broad. See the following:
- Intimate partners don’t need to be married or be living together for a domestic violence charge to be initiated.
- Domestic/intimate relationships apply to the following: Spouses, Former spouses, Domestic partners, Children, Boyfriends/girlfriends.
What is the Colorado mandatory arrest policy?
Colorado is a “mandatory arrest state.” The 18-6-803.6 section of the Colorado Revised Statutes requires law enforcement officers to arrest someone accused of domestic violence when they have probable cause to believe a crime occurred.
Determining probable cause at the scene proves challenging for law enforcement officers; thus, occasionally they may make an arrest to separate individuals pending an investigation. This means that arrests are more common than they need to be, which is why in Colorado there’s increased need to avail bail bonds Denver residents can quickly benefit from.
The factors in determining probable cause for a domestic violence arrest are as follows:
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- Intimidation
- Coercion
- Control
- Punishment
- Revenge
If law enforcement officers suspect the occurrence of any of the above factors, they are required to make an arrest.
What are the bail conditions for a Domestic Violence offense?
Should you get arrested, the Colorado court will set your conditions of release, otherwise known as bond conditions. This includes the following:
- Cash
- Property
- Surety
If the accused can’t provide the first two, the third one allows one to obtain the services of a bondsman to secure Denver bail bonds.
The moment you get arrested for Domestic violence, you can invoke the right to remain silent, and then acquire the services of a bondsman to help you stay out of jail until you are required to appear in court.
If there is a high rate of recurrence of the crime, bail may be denied. It is still possible to be granted bail unless the court decides to refuse it if they deem the accused a threat to the victim.
According to the CRS 16-4-201.5, bail is also automatically denied if the root crime is any of the following:
- Murder
- Crime of violence
- Certain sexual assault offenses
- A felony offense where a firearm was used
- And other offenses listed under CRS 16-4-201.5
In 2017, the Colorado House Bill 17-1150 modified the CRS 16-4-201.5 to deny people charged with specific domestic violence offenses or stalking, mainly, if the accused is a habitual domestic violence offender.
What is a “Sentence Enhancer”?
The Colorado justice system does not consider Domestic Violence as a separate crime. Instead, it is referred to in legal terms as a “sentence enhancer” or aggravator. This means that a Domestic Violence charge can be added to other misdemeanors and felony charges such as the following:
- Assault
- False imprisonment
- Harassment
- Menacing
- Violation of restraining order
When domestic violence is added to the other criminal charges, the sentencing will be more severe and will trigger other different requirements, such as mandatory counseling.
What are the fines and punishments for a Domestic Violence conviction?
When you are arrested for a domestic violence offense, you might be convicted of a misdemeanor, and be fined. In addition to that, the offender is also subject to the following:
- Domestic violence counseling, and treatment
- Mandatory protection order – the accused has limited contact with the accuser and any witnesses to the crime, while the case is ongoing.
- Probation – terms will vary on the severity of the offense
When convicted, your parental rights, job opportunities, and eligibility for loans can be negatively affected. Moreover, there might be imposed restrictions on gun ownership, eligibility for military service and government employment, and citizenship status.
Multiple counts of domestic violence charges incur more severe penalties such as a Colorado Class 5 Felony, which slaps the offender with one to three years imprisonment and a fine that could go up to $100,000. On top of that, you will be labeled a habitual domestic violence offender, after three criminal convictions.
What is the Domestic Violence bond amount in Denver, CO?
The bond money for a Domestic Violence charge depends entirely on the root crime the accused has been charged with. For example, the bail amount for petty theft is lower than that of assault.
Remember that in Colorado, domestic violence is a sentence enhancer. This means that the bail amount will be increased when a domestic violence charge has been added to the root crime.
How to post bail for Domestic Violence
Companies who offer bail bonds Denver residents can take advantage of, give an option to the accused when they cannot raise the full bail fee. When charged with Domestic Violence in Denver, you need to learn the bail amount and seek the services of a Denver bondsman. Ask for insight into the actual bond and other costs, and ask them to walk you through the process. They should also be able to give advice or explain the complexities of the court system as it pertains to your violation. In Colorado, bail bond fees cannot exceed 15% of the full bail amount.
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Due to the high costs of full bail amounts, bail bonds are more common. Get your life back quickly with help from a dependable bail bondsman in Colorado.