Facing a false Harassment charge in Greeley? Harassment is a common false allegation based crime. The basics involve lies that you intentionally bothered, annoyed or alarmed someone repeatedly; or that you contacted, made obscene gestures, hit someone, taunted another, or that you were following someone in public. Whether you did it or not, you could be criminally charged with Harassment. The O’Malley Law Office attorneys know that any criminal charge can affect your life, job, and criminal record. It is important to have skilled attorneys fighting for you and your future. Below, our attorneys will discuss these 5 things you should know about a Harassment Charge:
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#1. Legal Definition of Harassment in Colorado
In Colorado, the legal definition of Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, is:
A person commits harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she:
(a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact; or
(b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person; or
(c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or
(d) Repealed.
(e) Directly or indirectly initiates communication with a person or directs language toward another person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telephone network, data network, text message, instant message, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium that is obscene; or
(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; or
(h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.
#2. Harassment and Domestic Violence Charges in Weld County
When a person is accused of Harassment, if the alleged victim is also an “intimate partner,” the accused could also face a Domestic Violence (DV) Sentence Enhancer. This means a few things unique to Domestic Violence: First, when there is an accusation of DV, the Greeley Police are faced with a mandatory arrest. Next, because Harassment is a broad charge, any altercation with a person you have or have had a relationship with could end up being Domestic Violence, with a special Sentence Enhancer. Finally, when Domestic Violence is added to another criminal case, the sentence will likely be harsher upon conviction, and the defendant will be required to attend DV treatment classes and lose the right to possess any firearms in the future.
#3 Sentence and Penalties of Harassment in Greeley, Colorado
Harassment convictions in Greeley are often class 2 misdemeanors, with penalties of up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail and up to $750 in fines. However, if you are following someone in public, touching them unwantedly, or harassing a person based on their race, religion or disability it is a class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
#4 Common Related Criminal Charges to Harassment in Weld County
In Weld County Court, it is common for there to be related charges when someone is charged with Harassment. Some common related charges are:
Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-801
3rd Degree Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-204
Stalking – CRS 18-3-602
Disorderly Conduct – C.R.S. 18-9-106
#5 Why Hire a Top Harassment Attorney in Fredrick, Evans, Firestone, or Windsor, Colorado?
Are you facing a Harassment charge in Fredrick, Evans, Firestone, or Windsor? Having a top defense attorney to help you navigate the facts of your case is essential. The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office understand that most Harassment charges happen after an argument between two people especially when there is a relationship between them. Let us learn the details of your case and fight for the best outcome possible.