Impersonating a peace officer in Boulder County is a crime that involves pretending to be police and taking further action under that disguise. Whenever a person presents themselves as a peace officer and acts in that false role, criminal charges can follow. Earlier this month, authorities began investigating reports of someone dressed in a police uniform driving a sedan with police lights. Accusations or charges of impersonating a peace officer require immediately contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney.
What Does Impersonating a Peace Officer Mean in Colorado?
C.R.S. 18-8-112 describes the specific elements of impersonating a peace officer in Colorado. A person commits this crime in Boulder or Longmont when they:
- falsely pretend to be a police officer,
- and take action in that fake role
This goes beyond simply dressing as a cop for a clever Halloween costume. There must be some action taken in that role such as showing fake credentials, pulling a driver over with red and blue lights, trying to make an arrest, or verbally representing to others that you’re a police officer.
A closely related but lesser offense to pretending to be police is known as impersonating a public servant. This crime is a class 3 misdemeanor.
What is the Sentence for Impersonating a Police Officer in Boulder?
Impersonating a peace officer is a class 6 felony throughout the state of Colorado. A conviction can potentially result in:
- 12 to 18 months of incarceration,
- fines of $1,000 – $100,000
A year of parole after completing a period of incarceration can apply as well. However, it isn’t uncommon for impersonating a police officer to include other criminal conduct. Some cases involve a person pretending to be police and then committing theft, assault, or fraud. Penalties for both offenses can substantially increase the time behind bars and fines.
Boulder Defense Attorney for Impersonation Charges
Whether facing charges for impersonating a peace officer in Boulder, Longmont, or Superior, skilled representation is crucial. Prosecutors might overcharge or add charges in an attempt to manipulate defendants into taking unreasonable plea deals. Combat this by contacting one of our strategic criminal defense lawyers today. We offer a free initial consultation where we can carefully look over your unique impersonation case and suggest next steps. The best possible outcome is our priority and we are relentless that pursuit.
If you or someone you know is facing impersonating a peace officer charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo Credit: Unsplash – Jp Valery
