Being accused of False Imprisonment in Greeley and Weld County, Colorado can be confusing and stressful, especially if you didn’t think you were doing anything wrong. This charge is often filed in the context of domestic disputes, altercations, or misunderstandings that escalate. But make no mistake, False Imprisonment is a criminal offense and can lead to jail time, a permanent record, and other serious consequences.
At O’Malley Law Office, we help people facing False Imprisonment charges throughout Colorado. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get from clients.
Weld County False Imprisonment Lawyer: What Is False Imprisonment in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 18-3-303, False Imprisonment occurs when someone knowingly confines or detains another person without legal authority or consent.
In plain terms, it means restricting another person’s freedom to leave, even temporarily, without a legal reason to do so.
False Imprisonment Defense Attorney in Greeley: What Are Some Common Examples of False Imprisonment?
In Greeley, False Imprisonment can occur in many situations, including:
- Blocking someone from leaving a room or vehicle
- Locking a door during an argument and refusing to let someone out
- Physically restraining someone
- Holding someone against their will, even briefly
- Detaining someone during a domestic dispute
It often arises in the context of Domestic Violence or heated relationship arguments, but it can also happen in situations involving friends, coworkers, or even strangers.
Is False Imprisonment a Felony or a Misdemeanor in Erie, Colorado?
Well, it depends on the circumstances.
Misdemeanor False Imprisonment (most common):
- Charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor
- Penalties: Up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail and/or a $750 fine
Felony False Imprisonment:
- If force, threats, or intimidation were used, or the person was detained for 12 hours or more, it may be charged as a Class 5 felony
- Penalties: 1–3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines
Evans False Imprisonment Attorney: Can False Imprisonment Be Charged Alongside Other Crimes?
Yes. In Evans, it’s often filed with other charges, such as:
- Domestic Violence (sentence enhancer)
- Harassment
- Assault
- Menacing
- Child Abuse
- Kidnapping (in extreme cases)
If False Imprisonment is connected to a domestic relationship, a mandatory protection order will likely be issued, and firearm rights may be restricted.
What’s the Difference Between False Imprisonment and Kidnapping in Weld County?
The main differences between False Imprisonment and Kidnapping in Weld County are:
|
False Imprisonment |
Kidnapping |
| Detaining someone without authority | Moving someone from one place to another |
| Can be brief or non-violent | Usually involves force, threat, or deceit |
| Often a misdemeanor | Always a felony |
False Imprisonment is sometimes seen as a lesser-included offense of kidnapping.