The best Harassment lawyers in Fort Collins, CO can tell you that Harassment often comes with “friends” – that is, it’s often charged with other crimes. Colorado’s law on Harassment frequently overlaps with other crimes like Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106. Unfortunately, you could face even more penalties if you are convicted of Harassment along with another crime. The good news is that while Larimer County Jail time is a possibility, a top Fort Collins Harassment lawyer can advocate for a sentencing alternative. Don’t wait – call our Larimer County attorneys with over 30 years of experience today, and together, we can protect your future.
What is Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, at the Larimer County Courts?
At the Larimer County Courts, Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, is defined as follows:
(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 (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.
What Other Crimes are Charged with Harassment in Fort Collins?
Harassment is seldom ever charged alone in Fort Collins. Other offenses charged with Harassment include:
- Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 – Domestic Violence is a sentence enhancer that is frequently added to Harassment charges in Colorado. If you are accused of harassing a current or former intimate partner, you will be charged with Harassment as a crime of Domestic Violence.
- Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106 – Disorderly Conduct is sometimes charged when a person makes a “coarse and obviously offensive utterance or gesture” in public. If you direct this obscene gesture or language towards another person, you’ll also be charged with Harassment.
- Violation of a Protection Order, C.R.S. 18-6-803.5 – If a protection order – also known as a restraining order or no-contact order – is in effect against you and you contact the protected party, there’s a chance you could be charged with both Violation of a Protection Order and Harassment.
Could I Go to the Larimer County Jail for Harassment in Loveland?
Larimer County Jail time is a possibility for a Harassment conviction in Loveland. In the worst case scenario, you could be convicted of class 1 misdemeanor Harassment, which is punishable by up to 364 days of jail time and a fine of $1,000. Additional penalties could result if you are also convicted of other crimes in addition to Harassment.
However, a judge has options for sentencing, which is why it’s imperative that you contact a top criminal defense lawyer right away if you have been charged. Your lawyer can advocate for you to instead be sentenced to probation in lieu of jail time. Alternatively, your attorney could fight for a deferred judgment, or even dismissed charges. If you’ve been charged with Harassment, don’t despair – contact a top criminal defense lawyer who will advocate for the best outcome possible in your case.
Have you been charged with Harassment? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – do not discuss your charges with the Fort Collins Police, Loveland Police, or Larimer County Sheriff. Instead, call 970-658-0007 to talk to a top criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience from the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Justice Center is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Keira Burton