In one episode of Parks and Recreation, the main protagonist Leslie Knope engages in an act that, if committed in Colorado, would result in her being charged with False Imprisonment at the Larimer County Courts. When Leslie suspects that a teenager has vandalized the Parks & Rec department office, she immediately finds and detains him there for questioning. While the result is humorous, Leslie would certainly be charged with False Imprisonment and several other offenses if she lived in Colorado. Below, our top Fort Collins criminal defense attorneys answer several FAQs on False Imprisonment charges:
1. How is False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, Defined in Larimer County?
False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is defined as follows in Larimer County:
While the name for this offense sounds sinister, it actually does not take much to be charged with False Imprisonment. Doing as little as blocking a doorway or standing in front of another person to prevent him from leaving will result in being charged with this crime.
2. When is False Imprisonment a Domestic Violence Crime in Fort Collins?
False Imprisonment becomes a Domestic Violence offense when the accused person was in an intimate relationship with the alleged victim at any point. What this means for the defendant is that if he is convicted of his False Imprisonment charges, he will be required to pursue DV treatment. He will also be required to relinquish his firearms and ammunition. This is because both state and federal laws prohibit those convicted of misdemeanor DV offenses from possessing or purchasing firearms.
3. Is it False Imprisonment if I Effect a Citizen’s Arrest in Loveland?
In Loveland, you can be charged with False Imprisonment if you attempt to effect a citizen’s arrest, but do so incorrectly. Under C.R.S. 16-3-201, a person may only arrest another when the person being detained committed a crime in the arresting person’s presence. In other words, you can only legally detain another person when that person committed a crime in front of you. Otherwise, you will be charged with False Imprisonment.
4. Is False Imprisonment the Same as Kidnapping in Estes Park?
No. One of the primary differences between False Imprisonment and Kidnapping in Estes Park is that the latter crime generally involves seizing and carrying the victim from one place to another. False Imprisonment only involves confining or detaining the other person.
5. Is False Imprisonment a Misdemeanor or Felony at the Larimer County Courts?
False Imprisonment can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony at the Larimer County Courts. Generally, False Imprisonment is a class 2 misdemeanor. However, if an aggravating factor applied – such as using force or threat, or confining the other person for 12+ hours –he would instead be charged with felony False Imprisonment.
6. What are the Penalties for a Fort Collins False Imprisonment Conviction?
Penalties for a conviction of False Imprisonment in Fort Collins depend on whether the offense was charged as a misdemeanor or felony. See the table below for potential penalties:
Misdemeanor – Class 2 Misdemeanor / M2 |
Felony – Class 5 Felony / F5 |
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Contact the Best Larimer County Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you have been criminally charged with False Imprisonment, don’t wait to contact the best Larimer County criminal defense lawyers today. It doesn’t matter if you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony – this offense will affect multiple aspects of your life. If you are convicted, finding a good, stable job or housing will become next to impossible thanks to your criminal record. This is in addition to the penalties imposed by the Larimer County Courts, including incarceration and fines.
This is why representation by an experienced attorney is vital. We can protect you from penalties like these wrecking your future and finances by defending you throughout your case. Depending on your charges, we may even be able to have the charges against you dismissed. Don’t wait to call us today so that we can help you protect your future.
Have you been charged with False Imprisonment? First, be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not talk to the Larimer County Sheriff or Fort Collins Police about your charges. Then get in contact with a top criminal lawyer at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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