Facing a felony charge in Fort Collins and Larimer County is overwhelming, especially when the charge is Impersonating a Peace Officer under C.R.S. § 18-8-112. Many people accused of this crime never intended to deceive anyone. They may have used a badge purchased online, flashed emergency lights they installed for off-road use, or made statements during a heated argument that were misunderstood.
But the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office takes these charges seriously, especially when the alleged impersonation occurs on the road, near the CSU campus, or during interactions with minors. Local police agencies, including Fort Collins Police Services, Loveland Police Department, and the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, frequently file this charge when someone appears to be asserting law enforcement authority they don’t actually have.
If you’re facing this allegation in Larimer County, here’s what you need to know.
What Counts as Impersonating a Peace Officer in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, the prosecution must prove two things:
- You pretended to be a peace officer, AND
- You intentionally tried to get someone to submit to your supposed authority or rely on it. You must perform an act only a law enforcement agent would be allowed to do.
This means it’s not illegal simply to own gear, clothing, or equipment similar to what law enforcement uses. You must also use that appearance, or a statement, badge, or action, to influence someone else.
This is often where misunderstandings arise, especially during road rage incidents or verbal arguments where emotions escalate.
Impersonating a Peace Officer Attorney in Fort Collins: Common Ways This Charge Arises in Larimer County
Working with clients in the Larimer County Justice Center in Fort Collins, we commonly see this charge filed in situations like:
- Someone flashing aftermarket emergency lights during a traffic dispute
- Using a badge or ID, real or fake, during an argument
- Security guards or bail bondsmen exceeding their authority
- Individuals telling someone, “I’m with the police” or “I work for law enforcement”
- Wearing tactical gear stamped with “POLICE” or similar markings
- Attempting to pull someone over on county roads or I-25
- Miscommunication in public settings like Horsetooth Reservoir, CSU events, or Old Town Fort Collins
Larimer County police agencies are especially cautious in cases involving driving behavior, because Colorado has seen several past impersonation-related traffic incidents statewide.
Penalties for Impersonating a Peace Officer in Larimer County
Impersonating a Peace Officer is a Class 5 felony.
Potential penalties include:
- 1–3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
- $1,000 to $100,000 in fines
- A felony conviction on your permanent record
- Probation with strict conditions
- Loss of firearm rights
- Long-term impacts on employment, licensing, education, and immigration
Even if prison is unlikely, the felony label alone can affect every aspect of your life.
Why Larimer County Treats Impersonating a Police Officer Charge Seriously
The Larimer County DA often argues that impersonation endangers public trust and can lead to dangerous situations, particularly during traffic stops or when a person feels intimidated into complying.
You may receive harsher scrutiny if the incident involved:
- A traffic stop-like scenario
- A minor or vulnerable adult
- A weapon, holster, or tactical gear
- Prior police contact
- Road rage or intoxication
- An incident in a high-traffic area (Old Town, campus, or busy roads)
However, many cases do not involve malicious intent and a strong defense can highlight the big difference between a misunderstanding and intentional deception.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Impersonating a Peace 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 a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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