Colorado Law for Obstructing a Peace Officer | Greeley Obstructing a Peace Officer Attorney
In Greeley, Colorado, Obstructing a Peace Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Rescue Specialist, or Volunteer occurs when a person hinders any of these personnel from performing their duties. Our location in the college town of the University of Northern Colorado, means that we defend many cases of Obstructing a Peace Officer. We have seen plenty of cases involving rowdy college kids who are trying to defend their friends or who have had too much to drink. There have also been many cases where a Weld County Sheriff Deputy or Greeley Police officer doesn't receive the respect or cooperation they feel they deserve, and so they charge this crime.
What is Obstructing a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104, in Weld County, Colorado?
In Weld County, Colorado, it is a violation of Obstructing a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104, as follows:
- By using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official authority;
- Knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the prevention, control, or abatement of fire by a firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority;
- Knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of medical treatment or emergency assistance by an emergency medical service provider or rescue specialist, acting under color of his or her official authority; or
- Knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of emergency care or emergency assistance by a volunteer, acting in good faith to render such care or assistance without compensation at the place of an emergency or accident.
Basically, if you knowingly make the job of an officer, a firefighter, medical staff, or an emergency volunteer more difficult, than you could be charged for Obstructing a Peace Officer. At times like this, you need the help of a Christian criminal defense lawyer, committed to your protection.
How is Obstruction of a Peace Officer Sentenced in Eaton, Evans and Lyons, Colorado?
In Eaton Evans and Lyons, Colorado, if you’re convicted of Obstruction of a Peace Officer, then you’re facing a class 2 misdemeanor. A class 2 misdemeanor punishment consists of: possibly 3 to 12 months in the Weld County Jail, probation, and a fine between $250 and $1,000.
Obstruction of a Peace Officer in Windsor and Frederick - Purposefully Vague Terminology?
Colorado law purposefully uses vague terminology and definitions for the Obstruction of a Peace Officer law in Windsor and Frederick, Colorado. By keeping the terminology vague and open to many different interpretations, Windsor and Frederick police are able to charge this crime when people cause even the smallest inconvenience to them. If you have a fence around your yard, and police want to enter your property, can they charge you with Obstruction? Some would say ‘yes,’ and others would say ‘no.’ When an officer tries to arrest someone for Disorderly Conduct, and their friend gets in the officer’s face trying to defend them, is that person ‘impairing’ the officer or ‘hindering’ them? Or is that person simply exercising their right to free speech? It is all up to an officer’s interpretation. And, if you hurt their feelings, you are going to the Weld County Jail.
Police Abuse of Power – Don’t Let Greeley Police Bully You
Greeley police like to abuse their power to get what they want from you. Don’t let them do this. Yes, always be respectful of officers. They have the power to charge you with other crimes against them when they get their feelings hurt. Police also know that many people aren’t aware of their rights, and they take advantage of this. They are not allowed to search your phone, your car (what isn’t in plain sight), or your home without a warrant or your permission. Politely, “just say no.”
If you’ve been accused of Obstructing a Peace Officer for simply acting within your rights, call our office today. Treatment like this is unfair and illegal, and we won’t stand for it. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced defense attorneys, so we can begin work immediately.