A man at a Colorado Walmart could face charges of menacing after he pulled a gun on a woman and her children. According to news reports, the man was angry at the woman because she was waiting in a traffic lane to pull into a handicap parking space. The man began yelling at her to move out of the way, and she yelled back at him, telling him to drive around her. The woman then got out of the car to explain the situation (she had a child who was handicapped), when he began yelling obscenities before going back to his car and retrieving a gun. Allegedly, the man then showed the gun to the woman and pointed it at himself, saying he would shoot her, because he had a gun. The woman called 911 and the man drove off – but not before his license plate number was relayed to police. If you ever pull a gun on someone in Weld, Logan or Morgan County, you could face charges of menacing. One moment of weakness and frustration, and the man at Walmart could face prison time.
What is Menacing? A Misdemeanor or Felony
Menacing is charged in Greeley, Johnstown and Thornton whenever a person knowingly places another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury by means of a threat or action. It is normally a class 3 misdemeanor, but when a “deadly weapon” is involved in the threat, it is a class 5 felony. A weapon doesn’t even have to be physically present in order to be charged with menacing – Colorado statute states the person may be charged if they represent “verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon.” In other words, you could be charged for simply stating you have a gun if another person is afraid of “imminent serious bodily injury.”
What is the Sentence for Menacing?
Menacing as a class 3 misdemeanor could result in up to 6 months in jail. If you are charged with class 5 felony menacing, however, you could face up to 3 years in prison. The consequences of a menacing conviction, whether it be misdemeanor or felony, are long-lasting. You could have difficulty finding a job or housing. Don’t let one mistake ruin your life forever. Contact one of our experienced criminal lawyers who will fight for your future, rights and freedom.
Did you pull a gun on someone? If you or a loved one has been charged with menacing in Eagle, Routt or Moffat County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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