I came across an article last week which told an account of a mother who was charged with Assault after attacking a college student in a park. In Larimer, Grand, and Boulder County, people are often charged with Assault. This is because it’s easy to lose your temper in a situation and go a bit too far in your response. Unfortunately, Assault charges can lead to serious consequences. Take heart, however. Assault charges are defensible – the criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office have superior knowledge about Colorado courts and will help you navigate successfully through the system.
Overreaction Leads to Assault Charges
In the article I mentioned above, the mother has been charged with Assault because she attacked a young college student. Apparently, the young woman was taking photographs in the park – and some of them were of some children playing in the park. According to the news, this young photographer didn’t ask the mother’s permission to take the photos. The protective mother confronted the younger woman and demanded she delete the photos. The student didn’t want to talk, so she began walking away when the mother grabbed her and threw her to the ground, trying to take her camera. Obviously, this is an overreaction on the mother’s part. But, we can see where she’s coming from – we live in a scary world, and I wouldn’t want strangers taking pictures of my children, either. Sometimes, overreactions can lead to criminal charges.
[pullquote align=”left” textalign=”center” width=”100%”]Sometimes, overreactions can lead to criminal charges.[/pullquote]Charged with Assault in Fort Collins: What to Expect
There are three different types of Assault in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor, and each carry a different penalty:
- First Degree Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-202
- Second Degree Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-203
- Third Degree Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-204
1st Degree Assault is the most serious, and is charged whenever serious bodily injury is inflicted on a person with a deadly weapon. 2nd Degree Assault is charged whenever bodily injury is inflicted on a person with a deadly weapon, and 3rd Degree Assault is charged whenever a person knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person, or with criminal negligence, bodily injures another person by means of a deadly weapon. If the protective mother lived in Colorado, she most likely would have been charged with Second Degree Assault, because she caused bodily injury (multiple punches and kicks to the student) with a deadly weapon (a foot or fist is considered to be a weapon). A Second Degree Assault conviction in Estes Park, Loveland, or Johnstown can lead to prison time, and for this reason, it’s important to consult a competent attorney if you have been charged with any form of Assault.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Assault, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at our convenient downtown Ft. Collins office at 970-658-0007.
Together, we can protect your future.