In Weld County, you could be charged with Felony Menacing if you threaten or put another person in fear of their life or at risk of serious bodily injury. Recently, a man in Longmont was charged with Menacing (and other charges) after breaking into a bedroom and trying to stab his ex-wife and her new boyfriend. A Felony Menacing charge can be confusing, and you will need an experienced criminal lawyer to help you get the best possible outcome for your future. Read below to learn more about Felony Menacing in Greeley and Weld County.
In Greeley, Colorado, What is Felony Menacing?
In Greeley, Colorado, the definition of Menacing C.R.S. 18-3-206 is:
(a) By the use of a deadly weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon; or
(b) By the person representing verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon.
In Greeley, Colorado a knife is considered a deadly weapon. Whether the man tried to stab his ex-wife or the boyfriend or just showed it in a threatening manner, the Felony Menacing charge would still apply.
What is Considered a Deadly Weapon in Weld County?
In a Felony Menacing case in Weld County, a deadly weapon includes anything that could produce death or serious bodily injury. Examples of deadly weapons include:
- Guns (including paintball / toy guns if they could reasonably be assumed real)
- Knives
- Baseball bats
- Bottles
- Sticks
- Fists (depending on the circumstances)
Felony Menacing Law is broad in Colorado, even if the accused person did not have a weapon but threatened the use of one, they can still be charged. There can also be a charge of Felony Menacing when the alleged victim did not know there was a weapon, or a non-lethal weapon mimicked a deadly weapon.
What are the Penalties and Sentence for Felony Menacing in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, Felony Menacing is a class 5 felony. A class 5 felony is punishable by 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines.
What Happens in Weld County When Felony Menacing is Accompanied with Other Charges?
In Weld County, Felony Menacing is often not the only charge an accused person faces, because there are other criminal charges that generally accompany this behavior. For example, in the story above the man who attempted to stab his ex-wife was also charged with Second-Degree Assault, First-Degree Burglary, and Criminal Mischief. If the Felony Menacing charge is also a part of a crime of Domestic Violence, the charges will result in an automatic restraining order and other possible penalties.
Misunderstandings can happen, arguments can get out of hand, and people can react poorly to threats that are not actually there. These issues can result in a Menacing Charge, and you will need the help of a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the court system and defend your case. You can benefit from more than 30 years of criminal defense experience.
If you or someone you love has been charged with or arrested for Felony Menacing, 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 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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