A California woman is being charged after she pulled a gun on a neighbor who was trying to do yard work. According to police, the woman became agitated by the loud noise that the neighbors leaf blower was making, so she grabbed her gun and headed outside. She was so upset that she pointed the gun at the surprised man, and threatened to shoot him if he didn’t stop. The man called 911, and the cops arrested her. If she had been in Larimer County, she would have been charged with Menacing – C.R.S. 18-3-206. If she had simply threatened or yelled at the man without a gun, she most likely would have been charged with Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111.
What is Menacing in Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park?
You will be charged with Menacing in Larimer County if you threaten someone, either with a gun or other weapon, or by saying that you have a gun (even if you don’t actually have one), in a manner that causes them fear of bodily injury. Menacing is normally a class 3 misdemeanor, which could land you in the Larimer County Jail for up to 6 months. But, because the woman threatened her neighbor with a gun (a deadly weapon), she will be charged with a class 5 felony. Unfortunately, a felony is much more serious – you could go to the Colorado Department of Corrections for up to 5 years, and face a fine up to $100,000.
Charged with Menacing? Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Larimer County:
It is important to understand that a conviction of Menacing can greatly affect your future. One moment of frustration (like the woman’s anger about the noise of the leaf blower) could result in a lifetime of regret for that decision. Even if you plead to a criminal offense in order to get out of jail, it will be on your record (and it isn’t sealable if you plea). Here at the O’Malley Law Office, we understand that even a misdemeanor on your record can have a negative effect. You could lose your job and your home if you have to go to jail. We treat every case as if our client’s life depended on the outcome. We will work hard to get a complaint settled before any formal charges can be filed. You don’t want a criminal record in Fort Collins, Berthoud or Johnstown.