What Happens After a Westminster DV Arrest
Under Colorado’s mandatory-arrest statute (C.R.S. § 18-6-803.6), Westminster officers who find probable cause must make an arrest, whether or not the alleged victim wants charges filed. Incidents in the Adams County portion of the city are filed at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601 and prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District; incidents on the Jefferson County side go to Golden and the 1st Judicial District. Some municipal-code matters may be heard at Westminster Municipal Court, 3030 Turnpike Drive, Westminster, CO 80030.
The two DA offices run different DV calendars, different fast-track policies, and different plea postures. Venue is one of the first strategic facts Daniel pins down.
The StakesWhy the DV Label Matters
In Colorado, domestic violence is not a standalone crime — it is a sentence enhancer applied under C.R.S. § 18-6-800.3 to underlying charges such as assault, harassment, menacing, and criminal mischief. Its consequences include a mandatory protection order (C.R.S. § 18-1-1001), mandatory certified DV-offender treatment on conviction, state firearm relinquishment plus a permanent federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) (the Lautenberg Amendment), and class 5 felony exposure at a fourth conviction.
Defense StrategyHow Daniel Defends Westminster DV Cases
- Day-one motions to modify bond and protection-order conditions, including return to a shared residence where appropriate
- Challenging the “intimate relationship” element where the statutory definition is not met
- Using 911 audio, body-worn camera, and prior statements to expose inconsistencies
- Self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property
- Resolutions structured to protect firearm rights and avoid a conviction of record
Daniel’s Adams County trial record includes the 2024 dismissal of a multi-count child-abuse prosecution in its entirety at trial. See past results. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Common QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
Will my Westminster DV case go to Adams County or Jefferson County?
The location of the alleged incident controls. Adams-side incidents go to Brighton; Jefferson-side incidents go to Golden; some municipal matters stay at Westminster Municipal Court on Turnpike Drive.
Can the alleged victim drop the charges?
No. Only the DA can dismiss. A recanting complainant is a strategic fact, not an automatic dismissal.
Will a DV conviction affect my gun rights?
Yes. A qualifying conviction triggers state relinquishment and the permanent federal Lautenberg prohibition. Defense strategy centers on avoiding that outcome.
Request a Free Westminster DV Consultation Call 303-831-6111