Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, is frequently charged at the Larimer County Courts when a person leaves a dog or another pet in a locked car with the ignition off on a hot day. Such was the case with this Fort Collins man, who was sentenced earlier this year to 2 months in the Larimer County Jail. The man had kept his dog locked inside his car last year while he went off to play golf, ultimately resulting in the dog’s death. He was also sentenced to numerous other penalties, including 100 hours of community service, 2 years of probation, and more. If you have been charged with Cruelty to Animals, act now to protect your future, and contact our top Larimer County criminal defense lawyers today.
Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202 at the Larimer County Courts
Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, is defined as follows at the Larimer County Courts:
(1.5) (a) A person commits cruelty to animals if the person recklessly or with criminal negligence tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.
Animal Abuse Charges are Often Due to Accidents in Fort Collins
More often than not, we see Animal Abuse charges stemming from accidents in Fort Collins. In the case of leaving animals in hot cars, there are many loving pet owners who would never dream of hurting their beloved animals. Unfortunately, they underestimate the amount of time they’ve left Fido in the car, not realizing that the temperature inside is far higher than the temperature outside.
Even if the dog turns out to be okay, these pet owners will likely find themselves charged for confining their pet in a vehicle in “a cruel or reckless manner.” It is also likely that they’ll wind up with a broken window.
Penalties for Animal Cruelty Charges in Loveland and Estes Park
Conviction of Animal Cruelty charges in Loveland or Estes Park can result in stiff penalties, depending on the number of prior offenses the defendant has had. See the table below:
Number of Offenses |
Classification |
Penalties |
| 1st | Class 1 misdemeanor / M1 |
|
| 2nd or subsequent | Class 6 felony / F6 |
|
Regardless of whether you were charged with misdemeanor or felony Cruelty to Animals, it is imperative that you contact a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer ASAP. It’s not just about being able to keep your beloved pets – it’s about protecting every aspect of your future, including your job and your personal reputation. Only an experienced attorney can protect your future. Give us a call today to discuss your case and to entrust your case to the best hands possible.
If you’ve been charged with Cruelty to Animals, remember to be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Do not allow Animal Control to come into your home, and do not discuss your case with them, the Fort Collins Police, or Larimer County Sheriff. Then call (970) 658-0007 to discuss your case with one of our top criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courts is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Erik Mclean