Jealousy often plays a part in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park break-ups, and sometimes things go too far and criminal charges, like Stalking are filed. A woman was recently charged with Stalking after putting a tracking device on her ex-boyfriend’s car. The ex began to suspect something after the woman would show up at different locations where he was unexpectedly. He discovered the GPS device and reported it to the police. The woman claims it was just a child custody issue and that it’s all a misunderstanding. It’s a pretty serious misunderstanding, though, as Stalking is a felony in Larimer County.
Larimer County Stalking Attorney: Definition of Stalking in Loveland
The Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County, Colorado law definition of Stalking – C.R.S. 18-3-602(1)(c) – as it relates to the case above is:
(c) Repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, places under surveillance, or makes any form of communication with another person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress and does cause that person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship to suffer serious emotional distress.
Because the woman allegedly placed the GPS device on the car and then followed her ex to various locations, she was charged with this crime. It’s important to note that there doesn’t need to be proof of serious emotional distress. All a person would need to do is claim they felt that distress to meet the criteria of this crime.
Sentence for Stalking Through GPS Tracking Device in Boulder and Larimer County
For a first offense, Stalking is a class 5 extraordinary risk felony in Boulder and Larimer County, punishable by 1 to 4 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines. Upon arrest, a mandatory protection order is entered, preventing the accused from having contact with the accuser. If a protection order was already in place when the Stalking occurred, then it is harshened to a class 4 felony.
If you or someone you love has been accused of, charged with, or arrested for Stalking, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Fort Collins Stalking attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Source: Pixabay-Foundry