This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. For most of us, this means a three day weekend. Everyone has big plans, whether it be camping, having a barbecue, getting the boat onto Horsetooth Reservoir, taking the first hike of the year, or simply kicking back and relaxing in the backyard. No matter how you decide to spend the holiday, keep in mind how easy it is to be charged with a crime in Larimer County. The police are out in full-force – keeping an eye out for drunk drivers and disorderly behavior. Here are a few crimes which are easily charged while everyone is out having a good time:
Disorderly Conduct Charges in Fort Collins:
Whenever the police see behavior they don’t know what to do with, they charge Disorderly Conduct. This is a catch-all crime. You can be accused of this criminal offense for making too much noise (maybe you’re having a big barbecue and start playing games), making offensive gestures or using offensive language (you got cut off while driving to the lake and started yelling at the other driver), or fighting (maybe you got into a fight with a neighbor and it became heated). Whatever happened, if you are contacted by the police regarding Disorderly Conduct charges, you need to quickly contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can fight the misdemeanor charges against you.
Trespassing Charges in Loveland
Even the most law-abiding people are charged with Trespassing in Colorado. That’s because it’s easy to cross boundaries into private property without knowing it. Whenever a person unlawfully enters or remains on another person’s property, they will be accused of Trespassing. Be careful when you are out hiking; don’t cross a boundary or fence, or you could face criminal charges.
Harassment Charges in Estes Park:
If you direct obscene or offense language or gestures at another person, you could face Harassment charges, if the contact was done with the intent to “harass, annoy, or alarm” them. If the same motivation is the reason behind following someone, shoving another person, or contacting someone repeatedly, you could face criminal charges. This offense is easily charged in Colorado, and is often the result of a fight after a misunderstanding, or road rage incident. Don’t lose your temper and face Harassment charges.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI) Charges
Fort Collins, Johnstown, and Berthoud police are on the lookout for drunk drivers after a night at bars in Old Town – especially on holiday weekends like Memorial Day. If you are pulled over this weekend under suspicion of DUI, remember these three things:
- Don’t Roll Down Your Window all the Way: There is no law against not rolling your window down all the way when an officer approaches your car. Don’t give the police anything to go on as they observe you for signs of alcohol consumption. Be respectful, but hand your license and registration through a small portion of your window.
- You Aren’t Required to Participate in Roadside Maneuvers: If the police officer asks that you participate in roadside tests (such as walking a line, saying the alphabet backwards, etc.) you have the right to decline, and you should. No one (drunk or sober) can successfully complete those tests, and they will be used as evidence against you if you are charged with DUI.
- The Officer Must Have Probable Cause: If the police officer places you under arrest, be respectful and don’t fight his decision. You will be taken to jail, where they will administer a blood or breath test (these are mandatory). Even if the test shows you were above the legal limit, you will be able to fight the charges if: 1) The officer didn’t have a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity when he pulled you over in the first place, and 2) the officer didn’t have enough evidence to arrest you for DUI. This is called “probable cause” for arrest.
Don’t give up if you have been charged with a DUI or DWAI. An experienced DUI defense attorney in Fort Collins will have the knowledge and expertise needed to fight these charges against you in court.
If You are Charged with a Crime, Contact a Defense Lawyer Immediately
If you are charged with a crime this weekend, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. We offer same-day jail visits. We will meet with you and provide hope and create a plan of action. We also offer a free initial consultation in our downtown Fort Collins office. You have nothing to lose by gaining more information about your situation. Contact us today to protect your future!
If you or a loved one is charged with a crime this Memorial Day weekend in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free initial consultation at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – Mrs_Shaffer1