Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, is frequently charged with Domestic Violence in Greeley, CO. This takes place when the defendant is accused of harassing an intimate partner, even if the two people split up well before the incident took place. When Harassment is charged as a crime of DV, it is usually due to one person repeatedly contacting the other. The first person might call or text the other, trying to understand why they broke up or make amends after an argument. Instead of reconciling, however, the second person will usually call the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff on the first person. They are then charged with Harassment as a crime of Domestic Violence.
1. Colorado’s Law on Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111
Colorado’s law on Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, with the subsections we see most frequently charged with Domestic Violence, is as follows:
(f) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate conversation; or
(g) Makes repeated communications at inconvenient hours that invade the privacy of another and interfere in the use and enjoyment of another’s home or private residence or other private property.
When Harassment is charged with DV, it is usually because of one of the circumstances listed above. When one partner is “ghosted” by the other, they will often try to contact them repeatedly to try to figure out what’s going on. They are then surprised when the Greeley Police show up to effect an arrest against them.
2. Intimate Relationships: How Harassment is Charged with DV in Greeley
How is Harassment charged with Domestic Violence in Greeley in the first place? It all depends on whether the defendant and the alleged victim were ever in an intimate relationship. C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 (2) defines an “intimate relationship” as a current or previous relationship between:
- Spouses.
- Romantic partners, such as a boyfriend and girlfriend.
- Co-parents of the same child.
When it comes to a romantic relationship, the Weld County Courts must consider the essence and length of time of the relationship, as well as how often the two partners saw each other. See People v. Disher, 224 P.3d 254 (Colo 2010).
3. Penalties for Harassment Charged with DV at the Weld County Courts
A defendant convicted of Harassment as an act of DV at the Weld County Courts may face the following penalties:
- Up to 120 days at the Weld County Jail.
- A fine of up to $750.
- Mandatory Domestic Violence treatment, which the defendant must pay for.
- Relinquishment of all firearms and ammunition. State and federal laws prohibit those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of Domestic Violence from possessing guns.
If you have been charged with Harassment and Domestic Violence, your situation is not hopeless – but you need to act quickly and contact a top criminal defense lawyer. Call us today to discuss your case with a compassionate and dedicated lawyer with over 30 years of experience successfully representing clients charged with Domestic Violence offenses.
Have you been charged with Harassment as a crime of Domestic Violence? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Do not talk to the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff, and do not contact the alleged victim. Then call 970-616-6009 to discuss your case with one of our top criminal defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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