Harassment is not an uncommon charge in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our top criminal defense lawyers frequently receive phone calls from people who have been charged with this offense. It often comes as a surprise to these people – they may have never even intended to harass another person by their actions. So when they find themselves in handcuffs or they are cited for Harassment, they then call us so that we can represent them well at the Larimer County Courts and allay their confusion. Some of the questions we receive are answered by our top criminal defense lawyers below:
1. How Do the Larimer County Courts Define Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111?
The Larimer County Courts define Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, as any of several actions committed with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. Some of these actions listed in Colorado’s Harassment law include:
- Striking, shoving, or kicking another person.
- Following another person in a public place.
- Repeatedly calling another person at inconvenient hours.
- Publicly directing obscene language or an obscene gesture at another person.
2. Is Harassment the Same as Stalking in Fort Collins?
No – Harassment and Stalking are two separate crimes in Fort Collins. Generally, Harassment involves a one-time act of offensive behavior directed towards another person. By contrast, Stalking generally involves repeated behavior committed over several days, weeks, months, or even years. The outcome is also different: the alleged victim in a Stalking case will purport “serious emotional distress” as a result of the defendant’s behavior. However, Harassment usually only involves annoyance or alarm to another person.
3. When is Harassment a Domestic Violence Crime in Loveland and Estes Park?
Harassment is frequently charged as a Domestic Violence crime in Loveland and Estes Park. Domestic Violence / DV is added as a sentence enhancer to Harassment charges if the defendant was in an “intimate relationship” with the alleged victim at any point. What this means is that if the defendant and victim were at any point in a romantic relationship or marriage, or they are the parents of the same child, the defendant will be given a DV sentence enhancer. If convicted of Harassment, the defendant will then be required to pursue DV treatment, and will also lose his ability to own or purchase firearms and ammunition.
4. Is Text Harassment a Crime in Berthoud?
Yes, “text harassment” is a crime in Berthoud. One way that Harassment can be charged is by texting another person to:
- Harass them.
- Threaten bodily injury or property damage.
- Make a comment, request, suggestion, or proposal that would be considered “obscene.”
“Text harassment” is also often referred to as “cyberbullying.”
5. How Does Harassment Get Charged with Other Crimes in Laporte?
Harassment is often charged along with other crimes in Laporte. The language of Colorado’s Harassment law is broad and easily intersects with other crimes. For example, Harassment can be charged with Disorderly Conduct if the defendant publicly directed obscene language or an obscene gesture at another person. This is because one way Disorderly Conduct is charged is by making a “coarse and obviously offensive” utterance or gesture in public if it could immediately disrupt public peace.
6. Talk to the Best Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
If you have been charged with Harassment, don’t panic – talk to the best Fort Collins criminal defense lawyers today. There are several viable defenses to a Harassment charge, and an experienced attorney can examine your case to discern the best defense. We will then fight for you throughout your case, whether we are by your side in the courtroom or we are negotiating with the District Attorney via email. We can secure a favorable plea bargain on your behalf and may even be able to have the charges against you completely dismissed. Don’t wait to contact us so that we can help you maintain your freedoms and protect your future.
Have you been charged with Harassment? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – talking to the Fort Collins Police will only incriminate you at the Larimer County Courts. Then get in contact with a top criminal defense lawyer with 3 decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today by calling 970-658-0007. 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 Vera Arsic