You can be charged with Obstruction of a Police Officer very easily in Larimer County. For example, last week in Wisconsin, a young woman was pulled over for driving recklessly in snow conditions. The woman didn’t have her identification on her, but she provided her name to the officer. She had recently moved from Colorado, so she didn’t know her new address. The police officer had “no choice” but to arrest her to prove her identity. After putting her under arrest, the woman admitted she had lied and given her sister’s name and information in order to avoid jail. She has been charged with Obstruction. In Colorado, she could also be charged with felony Criminal Impersonation – C.R.S. 18-5-113. Police involved crimes can be very difficult to fight in court – don’t stand alone. Work with a criminal defense attorney who can be your advocate in the courtroom.
What is Obstruction?
Obstruction, otherwise known as Obstructing a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-104, is charged when a Fort Collins, Loveland or Estes Park police officer is hindered from completing their duty. The statute states:
“A person commits obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical service provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official authority.”
Obstruction is as Simple as Providing Wrong Information
The woman from Colorado didn’t do anything violent when she spoke with the police officer. She simply gave the wrong name. But, because this “physical interference” hindered the “enforcement” of the law by a police officer performing his “official duty,” she was charged with obstruction.
What is Criminal Impersonation?
A person can be arrested by the Larimer County Sheriff’s deputy for criminal impersonation if they “knowingly” assume a “false or fictitious identity” and “in such identity” he or she performs “an act that, if done by the person falsely impersonated, might subject such person to an action or special proceeding, civil or criminal, or to liability, charge, forfeiture, or penalty.” It is also charged when a person, under a false identity, “confesses a judgment, or subscribes, verifies, publishes, acknowledges, or proves a written instrument which by law may be recorded, with the intent that the same may be delivered to be true.” Because the woman said she was her sister – and while assuming the identity of her sister, subjected her sister to a criminal charge. This offense is a class 6 felony, and could result in up to 18 months in prison.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Lawyer
Crimes involving the police in Fort Collins, Windsor and Berthoud are always complicated. Courts, District Attorneys and judges don’t like it when police are hindered in their work. It is difficult to make your case when such a bias exists against you. Don’t’ stand alone in court and fight against the police. Work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can fight on your behalf and make a strong case in your defense.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Obstructing a Police Officer or Criminal Impersonation in Weld, Larimer or Grand County, 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 970-658-0007, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
Source: http://host.madison.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/using-sister-s-name-leads-to-jail-for-madison-woman/article_537ec39b-79e0-5e68-82fc-c88f8b3c80af.html