Criminal codes in Colorado change over time to better reflect societal concerns. Smartphones have led to a massive increase in distracted driving, forcing state lawmakers to take action to prohibit conduct that could endanger others by implementing new laws that ban texting while driving. If you or a loved one is accused of domestic violence, contact a Lakewood domestic violence defense attorney.
Lawmakers may also make adjustments to existing statutes to facilitate improved public safety and reduce confusion about certain types of criminal charges. As chemists formulate new dangerous drugs, for example, it is necessary to add them to the list of prohibited and controlled substances. Lawmakers also refine the laws that govern domestic violence cases occasionally.
Domestic violence charges are among the most common violent allegations made against people in Colorado. They can also have a profound negative impact on the defendant. Those accused of domestic violence in Colorado typically need to understand state law if they hope to successfully respond to those accusations. How did Colorado lawmakers recently adjust domestic violence statutes?
Lawmakers standardized domestic violence proceedings
The way Colorado authorities have handled domestic violence cases has historically varied from one area to the next. This has caused many challenges for those accused of domestic violence, as they may not know whether they could face charges in municipal court or state court.
Their rights and even the rights of the alleged victim are different in municipal court. In certain scenarios, defendants may be unclear about the rules for trials, which may put them at a disadvantage. New laws in Colorado standardize the approach to domestic violence charges and help ensure the same rules apply at both municipal and state levels.
These new rules may also have a negative impact on someone’s rights when facing charges and may also affect how local authorities communicate with each other about municipal court convictions. All of these changes can have an impact on someone’s domestic violence trial.
There are many different possible responses to domestic violence charges in Colorado, and defendants who know their rights and understand the proper procedure for such cases are in a better position to fight for the best outcome. As such, following any adjustments to state statutes – and seeking legal guidance as necessary – may prove beneficial to those waiting for their day in court.