False Imprisonment Lawyer in Weld County, CO
What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony False Imprisonment?

False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is charged when one person confines or detains another without their consent.  It is frequently charged as a crime of Domestic Violence, as was the case with this Colorado Sheriff’s Deputy, who was charged with False Imprisonment and a slew of other crimes.  Depending on the outcome of her case, the Sheriff’s Deputy could not only face penalties for her criminal charges, but would also be barred from working as a law enforcement officer in Colorado.  If you have been charged with False Imprisonment, especially as a crime of Domestic Violence, don’t wait – contact a top criminal defense lawyer today.

Navigate this blog:

1. Weld County Court Definition of False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303

2. Penalties for False Imprisonment in Eaton and Evans

3. Contact a Top Greeley Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

1. Weld County Court Definition of False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303

At the Weld County Court, False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is defined as:

Any person who knowingly confines or detains another without the other’s consent and without proper legal authority commits false imprisonment.

False Imprisonment is charged any time someone confines another or prevents them from leaving a room or space.  There are defenses to this offense, however, as some relationships or circumstances require using a reasonable amount of force to detain another person.  For example, a parent is allowed to use an appropriate amount of physical force to detain their child for his or her well-being.

2. Penalties for False Imprisonment in Eaton and Evans

Penalties for False Imprisonment vary in Eaton and Evans, depending on the specific actions the defendant took to imprison the other person.  Generally, False Imprisonment is a class 2 misdemeanor, but can also be a class 5 felony in some cases.  False Imprisonment is usually charged as a felony when the defendant allegedly confined a person for 12+ hours, confined the other person with force or threats, or confined a child under 18 in a way that causes serious emotional distress.

Specific penalties for False Imprisonment are listed below:

Misdemeanor False Imprisonment

Felony False Imprisonment

  • 1 – 3 years in the Colorado DOC
  • Fine ranging anywhere between $1,000 and $1,000,000
  • Mandatory parole of 2 years after release from prison
  • Inability to lawfully purchase or own firearms or ammunition

Domestic Violence is also frequently added as a sentence enhancer in False Imprisonment cases.  When this happens, the defendant will be required to enroll in Domestic Violence treatment and relinquish their guns and ammunition.  Both penalties are regardless of whether the defendant was convicted of misdemeanor or felony False Imprisonment.

3. Contact a Top Greeley Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with False Imprisonment, you need to hire a top Greeley criminal defense lawyer.  Regardless of whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, the consequences will have a lasting impact on you and your future.  Don’t wait to hire the best criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Courthouse so that you can leave your future in good hands.  The sooner you call, the better are your chances of having the best possible outcome in your case.


Have you been charged with False Imprisonment?  First, exercise your right to remain silent.  Do not talk to the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff, even if they tell you they’ll help you “prove” your innocence.  Instead, discuss your charges with one of our top criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office by calling 970-616-6009 today.  Together, we can protect your future.

The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!

Photo by Pixabay