VAWA, or the Violence Against Women Act, is a federal law enacted during the Clinton administration. This law provides a means for battered spouses to obtain a green card without the assistance of the U.S. citizen, or legal permanent resident, who is abusing them. Either a man or woman can submit a petition under VAWA.
If one is applying as a battered spouse under VAWA, they must have been married to the U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and have lived together at some point, or if they are divorced, they must be able to show that the abuse they suffered is related to the divorce. One must also show that the marriage was entered into in good faith.
A person merely living with their abusive partner would not be eligible for VAWA immigration relief. Similarly, an abusive partner who is neither a citizen nor a legal permanent resident will not provide one with VAWA immigration relief.
Additionally, domestic violence may also give an individual a path to permanent status via a U-Visa. Where an individual may not qualify to self-petition under VAWA, they may seek a U-Visa. An abusive relationship with a citizen or legal permanent resident is unnecessary in seeking a U-Visa. The individual needs to have helpful information for law enforcement, and show serious mental or physical injury due to abuse. A U-Visa allows a three year stay in the country, with the ability to apply for a green card in the future.
Because of VAWA and U-Visa, non-citizens may have significant motivation to fabricate allegations of domestic violence, because of how such allegations would facilitate and expedite a path to long-term legal status in this country. In some domestic violence cases, a defense put forth by your criminal defense lawyer may focus on an accuser’s knowledge of these laws and utilization of this knowledge in fabricating charges for their own benefit.
Attorney Diego has successfully asserted such a defense in prior cases. If you believe such a defense may be implicated in your case, contact Denver Domestic Violence Attorney Kimberly Diego today for a free consultation at (720) 257-5346.
Arson charges in Colorado carry severe legal consequences, making it imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape and available defense strategies. Being accused of intentionally setting fire to property can be overwhelming and distressing, but with the right knowledge and legal guidance, you can effectively navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. We aim to empower individuals facing these serious allegations by exploring key aspects of
Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA) charges are serious offenses that aim to combat organized criminal activity within the state. If you or someone you know is facing COCCA charges, it is crucial to understand the implications, legal framework, and potential consequences involved.
Overview of COCCA
COCCA is a state law designed to target and dismantle organized criminal enterprises operating in Colorado. It allows prosecutors to bring enhanced charges against
Police accountability has been a pressing issue in the United States for many years, as high-profile cases of police brutality and misconduct have brought attention to the need for reforms to increase transparency and accountability. In 2020, the state of Colorado passed a new police accountability law, one of the most comprehensive in the country, aimed at addressing these concerns. The law includes a range of provisions, including the requirement
