Harassment and Disorderly Conduct are sometimes charged together in Larimer County, Colorado, especially after road rage incidents. Such was the case with this Fremont County District Attorney, who was charged with both crimes earlier this year. The DA had stepped out of her vehicle to confront another driver, whom she claimed almost hit her with his own car. During the confrontation, the DA directed her middle finger and several expletives at the other driver. Initially, the driver did not pursue action against the District Attorney, but chose to press charges after learning of her occupation. If you have been charged with Harassment, Disorderly Conduct, or both, don’t wait, and contact a top criminal defense lawyer today.
1. How Do the Larimer County Courts Define Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111?
As it relates to disturbing public peace, the Larimer County Courts define Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, as follows:
(b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person.
This particular subsection of Harassment is charged for actions like shouting an expletive at another person in Old Town Fort Collins, or flipping the bird at another driver while driving on Highway 34 in Loveland. This form of Harassment is usually charged following road rage incidents, in which colorful words are exchanged during a confrontation between two or more drivers.
2. Fort Collins Definition of Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106
Disorderly Conduct, C.R.S. 18-9-106, is defined as follows in Fort Collins:
(a) Makes a coarse and obviously offensive utterance, gesture, or display in a public place and the utterance, gesture, or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace.
It is not uncommon for Disorderly Conduct to also be charged with Harassment when a person publicly uses “offensive” language or gestures. If the defendant’s actions resulted in “an immediate breach of the peace,” they could then be charged with both Disorderly Conduct and Harassment.
3. Sentences for Disorderly Conduct and Harassment in Loveland and Estes Park
In Loveland and Estes Park, a person charged with both Harassment and Disorderly Conduct for publicly using obscene language or gestures will be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor and petty offense, respectively. The defendant may be sentenced to the following penalties for each charge:
Harassment – Class 1 Misdemeanor / M1 |
Disorderly Conduct – Petty Offense |
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The good news is that if a defendant is sentenced to the Larimer County Jail, the judge may allow them to serve the sentences concurrently rather than consecutively. However, the best case scenario is that your lawyer works on your behalf to secure a plea bargain for you. You could serve probation instead of time at the Larimer County Jail. Depending on your case, the charges against you could even be completely dropped thanks to the efforts of a top criminal defense lawyer. If you have been charged with either or both offenses, don’t wait to contact the best attorney to represent you at the Larimer County Courts.
Have you been charged with Harassment and Disorderly Conduct? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. 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 Vera Arsic