Obstruction of a Telephone or Telegraph Service is one of the most commonly charged misdemeanors in Weld County, especially in cases involving Domestic Violence. What many people don’t realize is that simply taking someone’s phone during an argument or interfering with their attempt to call for help can result in mandatory arrest, a Domestic Violence tag, and serious long-term consequences.
As criminal defense attorneys who regularly represents clients in the Weld County Courthouse in Greeley, we often see this charge filed when emotions run high and law enforcement receives a 911 call. What starts as a verbal disagreement can quickly turn into a criminal case with significant legal and personal repercussions.
Here’s what you need to know about how Weld County handles Obstruction of a Telephone Service charges and what your defense options may be.
Greeley Obstructing a Telephone Attorney: What Is Obstruction of a Telephone Service in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 18-9-306.5, a person commits obstruction of telephone or telegraph service if they knowingly prevent or attempt to prevent another person from using a phone or communication device.
In Weld County, this charge is most often added when someone allegedly tries to:
- Stop a partner from calling 911
- Take or hide a phone during a fight
- Break a phone or throw it across the room
- Pull a charger so the phone dies
- Prevent a roommate or spouse from contacting family or law enforcement
- Physically block access to a phone
Even if the person never actually makes a call, the attempt to interfere is enough for the Weld County DA to file this charge.
Why Obstruction of a Telephone Service is Common in Weld County Domestic Violence Cases
Weld County law enforcement follows strict Domestic Violence protocols. If officers believe someone interfered with a phone during a dispute, the charge is almost always filed with a DV enhancer.
A Domestic Violence tag (DV) triggers:
- Mandatory arrest under Colorado law
- Immediate issuance of a mandatory protection order (MPO)
- Temporary loss of firearm rights while the case is pending
- Possible Domestic Violence treatment if convicted or placed on probation
- Harsher plea negotiations with the Weld County DA
Even if both parties want the case dismissed, the DA, not the victim, decides how the case proceeds.
Penalties for Obstruction of Telephone Service in Eaton, Erie, and Evans
Obstruction of a Phone is a class 1 misdemeanor, the highest level of misdemeanor in Colorado.
Penalties may include:
- Up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- A permanent criminal conviction
- Supervised probation with strict compliance requirements
- Mandatory Domestic Violence classes (if DV tagged)
- Substance abuse or anger management treatment
- A long-term no-contact order
Weld County judges and probation officers are known for being firm about compliance, especially in DV cases.
How These Cases Typically Begin in Weld County
Most Obstructing a Phone charges arise from:
- Heated domestic arguments
- Breakups or relationship disputes
- Conflicts between roommates or family members
- Alcohol-related incidents
- Emotional moments where someone grabs or hides a phone
A single call to Greeley PD, the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, or a town police department (Evans, Windsor, Frederick, Firestone, etc.) can lead to an arrest, even if tempers have cooled by the time officers arrive.
Weld County prosecutors frequently rely on:
- Body camera footage
- 911 recordings
- Statements made during the incident
- Physical evidence (damaged phone, charger pulled out, etc.)
- Witness statements
Notably, the alleged victim cannot simply “drop the charges.” Only the District Attorney can do that.