Harassment is a common Domestic Violence crime we see in Loveland and Fort Collins. This is because the statute is pretty broad and most of the time when one partner calls the police on another, law enforcement find a way to make the actions fit. There is a wide variety of actions that the Colorado law constitutes as Harassment. It can range from pushing someone to calling someone repeatedly, or even insulting someone. This is what makes it so easy to charge in Larimer County.
Larimer County Harassment Defense Attorney: How is Harassment Charged in Colorado?
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111 – is:
(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
(d) Repealed.
(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.
Examples of Domestic Violence Harassment in Fort Collins
Here are some examples of DV Harassment cases that could be charged in Fort Collins, Colorado:
- Matt pushes his girlfriend Amy out of his way as he tries to leave the house during an argument.
- Jessica calls her husband over 50 times while he is out with friends because she was angry he left the house.
- Aaron and Laura are out at a bar in downtown Fort Collins. They get into a disagreement and Laura goes to leave the bar. Aaron follows and they are seen walking around the streets of downtown with Laura yelling for Aaron to leave her alone. Police are called and Aaron is arrested for Harassment – following in a public place.
Harassment as an Act of Domestic Violence – What Does DV Mean in Colorado Criminal Cases?
Domestic Violence (DV) is a sentence enhancer that can be added to any crime when the two people involved have been or currently are in an intimate relationship. When a crime like Harassment is deemed an act of Domestic Violence, there is a mandatory arrest. It doesn’t matter if the victim wants the person arrested or not – there must be an arrest. And, the person arrested must sit in custody and wait to be seen by a judge. This is so a mandatory protection order can be entered. Usually, the order will prevent contact between the accused and the victim. While this can be an important protection in some Domestic Violence cases, most of our clients and their victims find it to be an annoyance and an imposition on their lives.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Harassment, 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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