Can you be charged for Impersonating a Police Officer in Weld County? The simple answer is yes, you can – so before you pick your Halloween costume, keep reading below. Impersonating a Peace Officer is a felony offense in Colorado. If convicted, you can face significant time in a Colorado prison, fines, and a criminal record. Below, the top criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office discuss Impersonating a Police Officer, and how we can help you if you have been criminally charged.
Impersonating a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-112, Definition in Colorado
The legal definition of Impersonating a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-112, in Colorado is:
A person who falsely pretends to be a peace officer and performs an act in that pretended capacity commits impersonating a peace officer.
If your plan this Halloween is to only dress like a Greeley Police Officer, then you cannot face criminal charges. However, as stated above, if you “act” or pretend in any way to be a police officer, then you could face criminal charges.
Common Examples of Impersonating of a Police Officer in Greeley, Colorado
When you are facing a criminal charge of Impersonating a Greeley Police Officer, it is important to understand why you were charged. Some common examples of impersonation of a police officer could include:
- Verbally saying you are a police officer
- Showing a police badge to someone and pretending that it’s legitimate
- Directing traffic while in uniform
- Using red and blue lights to try and pull a driver over
- Making an arrest in uniform
It is important to note that there are two elements required to be charged with Impersonating a Peace Officer. The first is identifying as a police officer, whether that is accomplished verbally, showing a badge, or wearing a uniform. The second is then trying to perform “an act” as a police officer, such as making an arrest, pulling a driver over, or directing traffic.
Colorado Prison Time and Other Penalties for Impersonating a Peace Officer in Weld County
Impersonating a Peace Officer is a class 5 felony in Weld County. The penalties for a class 5 felony are 1 to 3 years in a Colorado State Prison, a $1,000 -$100,000 fine, and mandatory parole of two years after release from prison. Felony convictions also result in the loss of the ability to have a firearm or ammunition, or vote while in prison.
Why Hire a Top Fort Morgan, Frederick and Greeley, Colorado Attorney?
In Fort Morgan, Frederick, and Greeley, the seriousness of a felony conviction cannot be overstated. Time in prison and fines alone can be daunting. Additionally, a felony conviction can also have lasting impacts on your where you can work and live, and on your ability to own a firearm. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office know that people can make mistakes, and you shouldn’t have to suffer hefty penalties for one poor choice. Let us help you by representing and fighting for you at the Weld County Courts.