Harassment is a Misdemeanor and is less serious than Stalking. Stalking is a Felony and involves repeated behavior which leads to serious emotional distress. If you have been charged with Harassment in Larimer County, you should have an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in court. Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, is charged any time one person behaves with the intent to “harass, annoy, or alarm another person.” This crime can be a petty offense or misdemeanor, but is nonetheless a dangerous criminal charge to you as a defendant. Not only is it surprisingly easy to be charged with Harassment in Larimer County, but the consequences of this offense can be far-reaching. Even after you finish serving your sentence after conviction, you will still face numerous personal consequences, including job loss and a criminal record. Don’t let this happen to you. Entrust your future to a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer who will fight for you at the Larimer County Court.
Larimer County Definition of Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111
The Larimer County definition of Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, is as follows:
(a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact; or
(b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person; or
(c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or
(e) Directly or indirectly initiates communication with a person or directs language toward another person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telephone network, data network, text message, instant message, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium that is obscene; or
(f) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate conversation; or
(g) Makes repeated communications at inconvenient hours that invade the privacy of another and interfere in the use and enjoyment of another’s home or private residence or other private property; or
(h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.
In essence, Harassment is charged whenever one person acts in a way that will annoy or alarm another person. Such action can be following another person in a public place, repeatedly calling him, directing obscene language at him in public, and so forth. Stalking is more frequent and is viewed as more dangerous conduct toward a victim.
What are the Differences Between Harassment and Stalking in Fort Collins?
Harassment and Stalking appear to share some similarities, but there are several distinct differences between the two charges in Fort Collins. Stalking, C.R.S. 18-3-602, is charged when one person repeatedly follows, watches, or contacts another person. Similarly, Harassment is sometimes charged when one person follows another in public or repeatedly calls another person. The difference between the two offenses is that Harassment is generally a one-time action, whereas Stalking involves repeated behavior. The intent is also different: Harassment usually involves an intent to alarm or annoy, whereas Stalking is motivated by a desire to intimidate or seek revenge against another person.
What are the Penalties for Harassment in Loveland and Estes Park?
Penalties for a Harassment conviction vary in Loveland and Estes Park. Depending on the action that resulted in the Harassment charge, this crime can be a petty offense, class 2 misdemeanor, or class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties for a conviction of Harassment can include several days or months at the Larimer County Jail and hundreds of dollars in fines. The Larimer County Court may also require the defendant to take a class on decision-making or victim empathy.
Unfortunately, the consequences for conviction of Harassment do not stop there. Even after the defendant has finished serving his sentence, he will face numerous personal consequences. It is immensely difficult for a defendant to find a job after being convicted of a crime in Larimer County because of his criminal record. It can also be a challenge to rent a house or apply to a university.
If you are facing Harassment charges, you need to contact a leading criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney will advocate for you at the Larimer County Court when no one else will. Your lawyer will fight for you to receive the best possible sentencing outcome, whether that means an alternative sentence or even a complete dismissal of your charges. Don’t wait, call the top defense lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office today.
Have you been charged with Harassment? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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