If you or someone you love has been charged with Stalking in Larimer County, the situation is serious and the stakes are high. Colorado’s Stalking statute is one of the more aggressively prosecuted criminal statutes in the state, and a conviction can carry consequences that follow you for years. Understanding the law and securing experienced legal representation early is critical.
What Is Stalking Under Colorado Law? A Loveland Stalking Attorney Explains
Under C.R.S. § 18-3-602, Stalking occurs when a person repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, surveils or makes a credible threat against another person in a way that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress. Colorado’s definition is intentionally broad, and prosecutors in Larimer County apply it accordingly.
Critically, the alleged victim does not need to prove they were actually frightened. The standard is whether a reasonable person in their position would have been distressed. This makes Stalking charges easier to bring and harder to defend against without skilled legal help.
Larimer County Stalking is a Felony, Not a Misdemeanor
Many people are surprised to learn that Stalking in Colorado is a class 5 felony on a first offense, not a misdemeanor. A conviction can mean:
- 1 to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
- Fines up to $100,000
- Mandatory protection orders
- A permanent felony record affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing
If the alleged Stalking violated an existing restraining order, or if the defendant has a prior Stalking conviction, the charge elevates to a class 4 felony, with even steeper penalties.
Stalking Charges in Fort Collins and Larimer County
The Larimer County District Attorney’s Office takes Stalking allegations seriously, particularly in cases involving domestic relationships, college campuses (given the proximity to Colorado State University), or situations where protective orders are already in place. Law enforcement in Fort Collins, Loveland, and surrounding communities is trained to document and refer these cases for prosecution aggressively.
Contact a Fort Collins Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Charged with Stalking in Larimer County? Don’t wait! Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney can make the difference between a felony conviction and a favorable outcome. Contact our Fort Collins office today for a confidential consultation.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Stalking, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev