For many families in Larimer County, school-related trouble is expected to stay within the walls of the school with detention, suspension, or a meeting with administrators. But incidents at local schools such as Fort Collins High School, Rocky Mountain High School, Fossil Ridge High School, Poudre High School, Loveland High School, or Berthoud High School can sometimes escalate beyond school discipline and result in juvenile criminal charges for Interference with a School.
When this happens, parents are often caught off guard by how quickly law enforcement and juvenile court become involved.
What Is Interference with a School in Colorado? A Fort Collins Juvenile Defense Attorney Explains
Under Colorado law, Interference with a School generally involves conduct that disrupts or obstructs the lawful operation of a school or a school-sponsored activity. These cases often begin as disciplinary issues within the Poudre School District, Thompson School District, or other local districts, but escalate when school resource officers or police are called.
Examples of situations that may lead to charges include:
- Classroom disruptions that escalate into confrontations with staff
- Refusing to leave campus at schools like Lincoln Middle School or Preston Middle School when directed
- Physical or verbal altercations involving teachers, administrators, or school security
- Group behavior, protests, or pranks that disrupt classes at high schools such as Fossil Ridge or Loveland High
- Social media threats or online conduct tied to school operations
What starts as a disagreement or emotional outburst can quickly turn into a juvenile delinquency case.
Why These Charges Are More Serious Than They Sound
Parents are often reassured that juvenile court is “different” or that the charges are “minor.” While juvenile cases are handled separately from adult criminal cases, the consequences can still be long-lasting.
Potential outcomes may include:
- Juvenile probation or court supervision
- Mandatory counseling or behavior programs
- Community service
- Suspension, expulsion, or transfer within the school district
- A juvenile record that may affect future school discipline or opportunities
For students attending competitive or college track schools like Fossil Ridge High School or Rocky Mountain High School, these consequences can be especially disruptive.
School Discipline vs. Juvenile Criminal Charges: Larimer County Interference with a School Lawyer
One of the most confusing aspects for parents is the overlap between school discipline and criminal prosecution. Schools such as Fort Collins High School or Loveland High School can impose discipline, but they do not control whether criminal charges are filed.
That decision is typically made by:
- School resource officers
- Local law enforcement agencies
- The Larimer County District Attorney’s Office
As a result, a student may face both school penalties and a juvenile court case at the same time.
What Parents Should Do If Their Child Is Charged
If your child attends a Larimer County school and is accused of interfering with school operations, it’s important to act quickly:
- Do not allow your child to speak with police or school resource officers without an attorney present.
- Request copies of incident reports, witness statements, and school disciplinary records.
- Do not assume the case will automatically be dismissed or diverted.
- Contact a Larimer County juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible.
Early legal intervention can sometimes keep the case out of formal court proceedings altogether.
Final Thoughts: Call the O’Malley Law Office for Your Child’s Case
Juvenile Interference with a School charges can arise at any school in Larimer County, from Fort Collins and Loveland to Wellington and Berthoud. These cases often move faster than parents expect and can carry consequences far beyond a single school year.
If your child is facing of Interference with a School, contact the expert juvenile defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007. Having the right legal guidance early can make all the difference in resolving the case and safeguarding your child’s future.
Image by Giovanna Cornelio from Pixabay