What is the maximum sentence for domestic violence in Colorado?

Under C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3 (Sentence enhancer — not a standalone offense; enhances underlying offense), Colorado domestic violence carries a maximum sentence of Depends on underlying offense and a maximum fine of Depends on underlying offense.

What factors enhance a domestic violence charge in Colorado?

In Colorado, domestic violence penalties can be enhanced by: Use of a deadly weapon; Serious bodily injury; Strangulation (§ 18-3-202(1)(g)); Prior domestic violence convictions.

Colorado Domestic Violence Law

Colorado Domestic Violence Defense

Q: Does Colorado have a mandatory minimum for domestic violence?

Yes. Colorado imposes a mandatory minimum of Mandatory arrest; mandatory 36-week domestic violence treatment program upon conviction for domestic violence. This applies unless an exception or diversion program is available.

What you're facing under C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Colorado (CO) domestic violence law.

Offense Class

Sentence enhancer — not a standalone offense; enhances underlying offense

Maximum Penalty

Depends on underlying offense

Maximum Fine

Depends on underlying offense

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Mandatory Minimum

Colorado imposes a mandatory minimum of Mandatory arrest; mandatory 36-week domestic violence treatment program upon conviction for this charge. Charge reductions or alternative sentencing are questions worth raising before the plea is entered.

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Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)

A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Colorado carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to Colorado state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.

Penalty Range in Colorado

StatuteC.R.S. § 18-6-800.3 — Domestic Violence

Minimum Penalty

Maximum PenaltyDepends on underlying offense

Maximum FineDepends on underlying offense

Charge Enhancements

These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Colorado:

Use of a deadly weapon
Serious bodily injury
Strangulation (§ 18-3-202(1)(g))
Prior domestic violence convictions

Colorado-Specific Detail

Domestic violence is a sentence enhancer in Colorado, not a standalone crime. It attaches to the underlying offense (assault, harassment, menacing, etc.) and triggers mandatory treatment, no deferred judgments, and mandatory protection order.

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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Colorado domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.