If you’ve been accused of Harassment in Weld County, you may be facing more serious penalties than you expect. Whether the accusation stems from a heated text exchange, a workplace argument, or a domestic dispute, these charges can have lasting effects on your record, reputation, and future.
At O’Malley Law Office, our Weld County criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients throughout Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Frederick, Firestone, and Fort Lupton against Harassment and related offenses. Here’s what you should know about this common, but often misunderstood, criminal charge in Colorado.
Greeley Harassment Lawyer: What Is Harassment Under Colorado Law?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-9-111, Harassment occurs when someone acts with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, by engaging in specific conduct such as:
- Physical contact: Striking, shoving, kicking, or touching another person unlawfully.
- Obscene gestures or language in public directed toward another person.
- Following someone in a public place without legitimate purpose.
- Repeated electronic or telephone contact, such as text messages, emails, or calls made to harass or threaten.
- Online or social media Harassment including “cyber-bullying” under Kiana Arellano’s Law.
- Insulting or taunting language that’s likely to provoke a fight or violent response.
Because the statute is broad, Harassment charges can arise from domestic disputes, neighborhood conflicts, social media exchanges, or workplace altercations, all situations that may not have involved actual violence.
What are Penalties for Harassment in Firestone and Windsor?
In Firestone, Windsor and across Weld County, Harassment is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but penalties vary based on the facts of the case:
|
Type of Harassment |
Classification |
Possible Penalties |
| Obscene gestures or language | Petty Offense | Up to 10 days in jail and/or fines up to $300 |
| Repeated calls, texts, or online messages | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in jail and/or fines up to $750 |
| Physical contact, following, or bias-motivated Harassment | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,000 |
While Harassment may seem “minor,” a conviction can have lasting consequences, including:
- A criminal record visible to employers and landlords
- Difficulty obtaining professional licenses
- Protective orders that limit contact with alleged victims
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Common Scenarios Leading to Harassment Charges in Weld County
Local law enforcement in Greeley, Evans, and Windsor often file Harassment charges in cases involving:
- Text message disputes between partners or ex-partners
- Arguments at schools or workplaces that escalate verbally
- Social media conflicts perceived as threats or intimidation
- Neighborhood disagreements involving yelling or gestures
- Domestic incidents where emotions run high
Because the law focuses on “intent to harass, annoy, or alarm,” even a single angry message or impulsive post could be used as evidence of Harassment.
Facing Harassment Charges in Greeley or Weld County? We Can Help.
At O’Malley Law Office, we defend clients charged with Harassment, Domestic Violence, and related offenses throughout Weld County, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Firestone, Frederick, Fort Lupton, Johnstown, and Mead. We understand that these charges often stem from emotional misunderstandings or personal disputes, not criminal intent. Our goal is to protect your record, your reputation, and your future.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Harassment, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Yan Krukau