In Greeley Colorado, you can face a criminal charge if you neglect, abandon, or abuse an animal that you are responsible for. In Jefferson County recently, a man was charged with Animal Cruelty after the police were called. Neighbors called Lakewood Police after they heard screaming and yelping from a dog. When the police responded, an injured dog was found and the owner was charged. The injured dog taken to a shelter to have its injuries cared for. Read below as our Animal Abuse attorneys discuss Animal Cruelty charges. If you are facing Animal Cruelty charges in Fort Collins, Colorado, get help on your case here.
Definition of Animal Cruelty, C.R.S. 18-9-202, in Weld County Courts
The Weld County definition of Animal Cruelty, C.R.S. 18-9-202, is:
(b) Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.
(1.5)(a) A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she recklessly or with criminal negligence tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
(b) A person commits aggravated cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
(c) A person commits cruelty to a service animal or a certified police working dog or certified police working horse if he or she violates the provisions of subsection (1) of this section with respect to a service animal, certified police working dog, or certified police working horse, as those terms are defined in section 18-9-201(2.3) , (2.4) , and (4.7) , whether the service animal, certified police working dog, or certified police working horse is on duty or not on duty.
In the case above, the owner mistreated the dog to the point that it needed veterinarian treatment for its injuries. This case could fall under 1(a) of the above statute. The statute is broad and can be left open for interpretation by the police and their District Attorney colleagues. When the case is stacked against you, it is important that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
Penalties and Sentence for Animal Cruelty in Greeley, Colorado Court
The sentence and penalties for an Animal Cruelty conviction, in Greeley, depend on the extent of an animal’s injuries, whether the defendant has a prior conviction for animal abuse, and whether the court finds that the case is “aggravated.” If yours is a first conviction and the cruelty was not “aggravated,” then the sentence is a class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of 6 – 18 months in the Weld County Jail, $500 – $5,000 in fines, and appropriate classes such as an anger management treatment program. If it is an “aggravated” Animal Cruelty first offense or Animal Cruelty without aggravation, a subsequent offense is a class 6 felony with penalties of 1 – 1 ½ years in prison, $1,000 – $100,000 in fines, 1 year of mandatory parole, an anger management treatment program, and a court order prohibiting the ownership or contact with pets for 3 – 5 years.
What is Considered “Aggravated” Animal Cruelty in Weld County?
“Aggravated” Animal Cruelty, in Weld County, is when the treatment of the animal involves one who is “knowingly” tortured, needlessly killed, or maimed. In short, it is a more extreme neglect or treatment of an animal.
Why Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado, Attorney for an Animal Abuse Charge?
In Greeley, it is important to have a top skilled Animal Abuse attorney representing you. When facing an Animal Abuse charge even a misdemeanor conviction can land you in the Weld County Jail, facing large fines, huge Vet bills, and possibly paying for an anger management program. Our defense lawyers study your case and the law with you. Some of our defenses to discuss include::
- It was a false report, no cruelty took place.
- The injury was an accident.
- It was self defense because the animal attacked the defendant.
- The animal injury was caused by someone else.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Cruelty to Animals in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Animal Cruelty criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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