Obstructing a Police Officer is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person uses physical force against an officer to keep them from doing their job. Often, we see these charges as an add on when peace officers just want to make things worse for the client. They claim the person resisted while being arrested and tack on the Obstructing charge just because they can. However, a case I read about in another state doesn’t seem like the Obstruction charge was trumped up. According to the report, police responded to a Domestic Violence call and when they approached the man involved, he grabbed onto the officer’s gun. The officer was larger than the man and was able to arrest him without anyone getting hurt.
Obstructing a Peace Officer in Larimer County: Definition of Obstruction in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Provider, Rescue Specialist, or Volunteer – C.R.S. 18-8-104 – is:
(b) To assure that animals used in law enforcement or fire prevention activities are protected from harm, a person commits obstructing a peace officer or firefighter when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, he or she knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders any such animal.
By using physical interference to try and stop the officer from doing his job, Obstructing a Peace Officer seems logical to charge.
Sentence for Obstructing an Officer with a Physical Interference in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, Obstructing a Peace Officer is a class 2 misdemeanor. This level misdemeanor is punishable by 3 months to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
If you or someone you love is charged with Obstructing a Police Officer, 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 your free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.