Charges for Obstructing a Peace Officer come up frequently in Weld County, Colorado, including in cities like Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Fort Lupton, Johnstown, Milliken, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Kersey, Eaton, LaSalle, and Platteville. Many people are surprised to learn that this offense can be charged even when no one is injured and no property is damaged.
Local Weld County Case Shows How Obstruction Charges Arise
According to a recent report involving the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested a suspect following an extended investigation tied to an incident near Aims Community College in Greeley. In addition to the underlying allegations, the suspect was charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer, along with other offenses.
Situations like this are common throughout Greeley, Evans, and Fort Lupton, where obstruction charges are often added during arrests, not necessarily because of a new crime, but because officers believe someone interfered with their duties. As a Weld County criminal defense attorney, this is a familiar pattern: a tense interaction, confusion or fear during police contact, and suddenly an additional misdemeanor charge that can complicate an already serious case.
What Is “Obstructing a Peace Officer” Under Colorado Law?
Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-8-104, a person commits Obstructing a Peace Officer when they knowingly use or threaten force, physical interference, or an obstacle to hinder an officer who is performing official duties.
This statute applies across Weld County, including Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken, Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono.
Importantly, Colorado law makes clear that:
- Speech alone is not obstruction
- Simply questioning police or remaining silent is not a crime
- Physical interference or threats are the key elements
A Greeley criminal defense attorney or Weld County defense lawyer will closely analyze whether the officer’s account actually meets the legal definition required for a conviction.
Common Situations That Lead to Obstruction Charges in Weld County
People charged in Evans, Eaton, Kersey, LaSalle, or Platteville often tell the same story: “I didn’t think I was doing anything illegal.”
Obstructing charges often arise during:
- Traffic stops in Greeley or Windsor
- Arrests on unrelated warrants in Fort Lupton or Firestone
- Domestic disturbance calls in Frederick or Johnstown
- Crowd or bystander interactions in smaller towns like Milliken or Dacono
A Weld County criminal defense attorney can often challenge whether the alleged conduct truly involved physical interference or whether officers misinterpreted the situation.
Penalties for Obstructing a Peace Officer in Weld County
In most cases, Obstructing a Peace Officer is charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado. A conviction can carry:
- Up to 120 days in jail
- Fines up to $750
- A permanent criminal record
Even in smaller communities like Kersey, Eaton, or Platteville, these penalties can affect employment, housing, and future background checks. This is why speaking with a Weld County criminal defense attorney early can make a significant difference.
Talk to a Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney Before Pleading Guilty
If you or a loved one is facing Obstructing a Peace Officer charges anywhere in Weld County, like Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Fort Lupton, Eaton, Kersey, LaSalle, or Platteville, do not assume the charge is minor or unavoidable. An experienced Weld County criminal defense attorney can evaluate the facts, protect your rights, and help you avoid long-term consequences from a momentary interaction with law enforcement.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer, 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 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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