False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is charged at the Larimer County Courts whenever a person knowingly detains or confines another person without their consent. Generally, False Imprisonment is a class 2 misdemeanor and is punishable by time at the Larimer County Jail and a fine. In some cases, however, it can instead be charged as a class 5 felony, resulting in much stiffer penalties. If you’ve been charged with False Imprisonment, act quickly, and contact a top criminal defense lawyer today.
1. Colorado’s Law on False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303 at the Larimer County Courts
Colorado’s law on False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, as recognized by the Larimer County Courts, is:
The language of this statute often conjures up the image of someone tying up a helpless person and locking the door so they can’t escape. This does happen, and would likely be charged as felony False Imprisonment. Usually, though, it is instead charged in non-violent Domestic Violence situations, when a couple is in an argument and one blocks a doorway to prevent the other from leaving.
2. Misdemeanor vs. Felony False Imprisonment in Fort Collins, CO
Generally, False Imprisonment is a class 2 misdemeanor in Greeley, CO. In some circumstances, however, it can also be a class 5 felony. False Imprisonment is charged as a felony when the defendant:
- Used force or threats of force to confine the other person for 12+ hours,
- Used force or threats of force to confine a child under 18, causing bodily injury or serious emotional distress, and the confinement was part of a pattern of cruel punishment, or
- Confined a child under 18 by tying, caging, chaining, or using another physical restraint, causing bodily injury or serious emotional distress.
3. Larimer County Jail Time and Other Penalties for False Imprisonment in Loveland and Estes Park
Conviction of misdemeanor False Imprisonment in Loveland and Estes Park generally entails some Larimer County Jail time and a fine. However, penalties skyrocket when it is charged as a felony. See the table below:
Class 2 misdemeanor / M2 |
Class 5 felony / F5 |
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If you’ve been charged with False Imprisonment, don’t wait to contact a top criminal defense lawyer. Contact us today so that we can help you protect your future by representing you at the Larimer County Courts.
Have you been charged with False Imprisonment? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then call 970-658-0007 to discuss your case with a top criminal defense lawyer from the O’Malley Law Office today. 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!
Photo by Bich Tran