Obstructing a Peace Officer is charged whenever a person uses or threatens physical force against a Fort Collins Police Officer or other first responder. Unfortunately, it does not take much to be charged with this or another police-involved offense in Larimer County. Interfering with police while they are investigating a crime scene, talking to a witness, or directing traffic will result in criminal Obstruction charges. Depending on the circumstances, you could even be charged with another similar offense along with Obstruction, such as Resisting Arrest or False Reporting. These offenses are often charged as misdemeanors, but can still have lasting and insidious effects on your future.
1. Fort Collins Definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104
The Fort Collins definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104, is as follows:
By this definition, Obstructing a Peace Officer is charged for any use or threat of violence or other physical interference to prevent a Fort Collins Police Officer from performing his job responsibilities. This offense can also be charged for interfering with a firefighter, EMT, rescue specialist, or police working dog.
2. Charges Similar to Obstructing a Police Officer in Loveland and Estes Park
Obstructing a Police Officer shares similarities to other criminal charges in Loveland and Estes Park. Often, these crimes are charged alongside Obstruction of a Police Officer. These charges include:
- Resisting Arrest, C.R.S. 18-8-103 – Using or threatening physical force against a Loveland Police Officer, who is trying to arrest you or another person.
- False Reporting, C.R.S. 18-8-111 – Among other acts, False Reporting is charged when a person knowingly provides false information or a false police report to an Estes Park Police Officer.
- Refusing to Aid a Police Officer – While this offense is no longer part of Colorado law, it is still a municipal offense in many cities. For example, Section 17-65 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code prohibits any person from refusing to assist a Fort Collins Police Officer who requests such assistance.
3. Larimer County Jail Time and Other Penalties for Obstructing a Peace Officer
As a class 2 misdemeanor, Obstructing a Peace Officer is punishable by up to 120 days in the Larimer County Jail and a $750 fine. However, other personal consequences may result from a conviction of this offense. Once you are released from incarceration, you will face an uphill battle finding a job and apartment, or maintaining the personal reputation you once had. Criminal records are publicly accessible, and are therefore destructive to your future – even if you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor.
If you have been charged with Obstruction, don’t wait to contact a top criminal defense lawyer today. We can protect you and your future by representing you at the Larimer County Courts. Obstruction is unfortunately rather easy to for a police officer to charge. Simultaneously, that also means that there are numerous viable defenses that we can use to defend you well at the Larimer County Courts. There is even a possibility that you were wrongly arrested. Don’t wait to call us to secure the representation you need for your Obstruction charges, and let us help you protect your future and freedoms.
Have you been charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today at 970-658-0007 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Rosemary Ketchum