In Fort Collins and Larimer County, Harassment may sound like a minor offense, but under Colorado law, it can result in jail time, fines, a criminal record, and serious consequences for your personal and professional life. It’s also one of the most misunderstood and frequently charged crimes in the state. Whether the charge stems from a heated argument, a text message, or a neighbor dispute, it’s important to understand what harassment means—and what you can do to defend yourself.
Larimer County Harassment Defense Lawyer: What Is Harassment Under Colorado Law?
Colorado defines Harassment under C.R.S. § 18-9-111. The law outlines several different types of behavior that can be considered harassment. You can be charged if you intend to annoy, alarm, or harass another person and:
- Strike, shove, kick, or touch them in a physical, offensive way
- Use obscene language or gestures in public
- Follow someone in a public place
- Repeatedly contact someone by phone, text, email, or social media
- Initiate communication at inconvenient hours, anonymously, or after being told to stop
- Taunt, insult, or challenge someone in a way likely to provoke a violent reaction
Basically, harassment covers a wide range of conduct, from physical contact to digital communication, and it doesn’t always require actual violence.
What Makes Harassment a Crime in Loveland and Estes Park?
The intent behind the behavior that is considered Harassment is critical. To be convicted, the prosecution must prove that you acted with the purpose of harassing, annoying, or alarming someone—not just that the other person felt uncomfortable. This is where a skilled Loveland defense attorney can make a major difference.
What Are the Penalties for Harassment in Fort Collins, Colorado?
Harassment is typically a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail
- A fine of up to $750
- Probation, community service, or mandatory classes
However, certain subsections are charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. Harassment can be more serious in certain situations:
- Bias-motivated harassment (based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation) may be treated as a hate crime
- Domestic Violence Harassment triggers additional penalties, including a mandatory protection order and potential firearm restrictions
Convictions can also impact employment, housing, and immigration status.
Common Examples of Harassment in Colorado
We’ve represented clients in many situations where harassment charges arise unexpectedly:
- Heated arguments between roommates, spouses, or neighbors
- Emotional texts sent after a breakup
- Verbal confrontations in public or online
- Persistent calling or messaging (even without threats)
- Retaliatory accusations in custody disputes
These situations are often emotionally charged and legally complex, especially when there’s no physical violence involved.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Harassment, 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.
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