Obstruction of a Peace Officer is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County when a person tries to stop police officers or other emergency personnel from doing their job. The definition of this crime is vague and leaves much to interpretation. And guess who is doing this interpretation? The police. Anytime they feel that something you have done is keeping them from doing their job, they will arrest you and charge you with this crime.
Obstruction of a Peace Officer in Fort Collins: Definition of Obstructing a Police Officer
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer, Firefighter, Emergency Service Provider, Rescue Specialist or Volunteer – C.R.S. 18-8-104 – is:
So, the vital components of this crime are:
- Using or threatening the use of:
- Violence;
- Force;
- Physical Interference; or
- Obstacle.
- Using one of the elements above against law enforcement to:
- Obstruct;
- Hinder; or
- Impair.
Again, these terms are very broad. Let’s say you are filming a police officer that you think is being unreasonable. The officer approaches you and tells you to put the phone down. You don’t, and he gets closer. You hold the phone up to record and protect yourself. He can claim that you used an obstacle (the phone) to try and hinder him from doing his job. It’s sometimes as simple and ridiculous as that.
Sentence for Obstruction of a Peace Officer in Loveland and Estes Park
Obstructing a Peace Officer is a class 2 misdemeanor. This level crime is punishable by 3 months to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines.