A Fort Collins man was arrested earlier this year and charged with Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111. The man, who is a Larimer County Jail deputy, is facing other charges as well: DUI – C.R.S. 42-4-1301 and Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3. According to reports, the deputy allegedly was verbally harassing his ex-wife at her home. After he left, he sent harassing text messages to her. The charges he faces are misdemeanors, but they could result in the loss of his job, family, and future. He would be wise to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can create a strong defense in the Larimer County Court.
What is Harassment in Fort Collins?
Harassment is charged whenever someone (with the intent to annoy, harass, or alarm) another person displays various forms of misconduct, such as harassing the person online or over the phone (even making repeated phone calls could be seen as Harassment), yelling at a person in an obscene, coarse language; follows a person in a public place; or strikes, shoves, or physically touches another person (for a complete definition, view our Harassment page). In the deputy’s case, he has most likely been charged with Harassment because he had a verbal altercation with his ex-wife, and also sent her text messages which were meant to harass or alarm her. Harassment charges are common in Loveland, Windsor and Berthoud, and often stem from an argument or disagreement.
What is the Sentence for Harassment?
Harassment is a class 3 misdemeanor in Larimer, Jackson and Boulder County. If the harassment occurred as a result of racism – then it is a class 1 misdemeanor. If you are charged with a class 3 misdemeanor, you could face up to 6 months in the Larimer County Jail and up to a $50 fine (class 1 misdemeanor is up to 18 months in jail and up to $500 in fines).
Harassment Often Charged with Other Crimes
Harassment is often charged with other crimes. In the deputy’s case, he is being charged with Domestic Violence (DV) because the harassment occurred between two people who had a previous intimate relationship. DV is an add-on crime which is attached to any offense between two people who had an intimate relationship (the definition of this term is very vague and doesn’t require a sexual relationship). Any person convicted of DV will be required to undergo treatment overseen by the Colorado Domestic Violence Offender Management Board.
Why You Need a Good Criminal Defense Attorney
It is important to work with an experienced criminal lawyer if you are facing charges of Harassment. Whether you had a fight with your girlfriend or a fellow student at Colorado State University, a harassment conviction can have a negative impact on your future. Protection / Restraining orders are almost always issued when Harassment is charged, which can greatly limit your freedom. You could lose access to your home, not be able to see your kids, or be unable to own a firearm. Don’t put your future in the hands of an inexperienced attorney or overworked public defender. The seasoned criminal lawyers at our office work hard to get cases dismissed before they even go to trial. We find witnesses to speak on your behalf, and build a strong defense for your case.