Police Response and Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado
What to expect when Colorado police respond to a domestic violence call and how charges move forward.
Police Response and Domestic Violence Charges in Colorado
What Happens When Police Are Called to a Domestic Incident in Colorado
When someone calls the police for a domestic incident, officers will typically respond to assess the situation. They may speak separately with all involved parties and any witnesses. The goal is to determine if a crime has occurred, the immediate safety of those involved, and whether any laws have been broken.
Understanding Arrest Policies in Domestic Violence Cases
In Colorado, police follow specific guidelines about when to arrest someone in a domestic situation. These are often called mandatory or preferred arrest policies. Mandatory arrest means the police must arrest a person if there is evidence of a domestic violence crime. Preferred arrest policies allow police some discretion based on the situation but encourage arrest when appropriate. These policies are designed to respond quickly to reduce further harm.
Arrest vs. Formal Charges
An arrest occurs when police take a person into custody based on probable cause. This is not the same as being formally charged with a crime. Charging decisions are made later by a prosecutor, who reviews the evidence to determine if the case will move forward in court. Not every arrest leads to criminal charges.
Typical Steps After an Arrest
- Jail: After arrest, a person may be held in jail until a judge reviews the case.
- Bond: Bail or bond may be set to allow release before court dates.
- No-Contact Orders: Courts often issue orders that prohibit contact between the accused and the survivor or other involved parties.
- Court Dates: Individuals will receive information about court appearances related to the case.
Notification to Survivors
Survivors may be informed about hearings, release conditions, or other case updates through court notifications or victim services. This helps ensure they know when and how the criminal process is moving forward.
Interaction Between Criminal Proceedings and Civil Protection Orders
The criminal justice process can occur alongside civil actions like protection orders or family court cases. These separate legal processes have different standards and purposes but may overlap in timing and impact. For example, a survivor may seek a protection order in family court while criminal charges are pending.
This information provides a general overview of how police response and domestic violence charges work in Colorado. It is not legal advice. Each case is unique, and local procedures may vary.
Additional support options and detailed resources can be found through information listed at DV.Support.