Interference with staff, faculty, or students of an educational institution is a charge that often follows threats made towards schools and colleges. Sometimes students will seek attention via a social media post or spread threats towards other students, teachers, or administrators. Late last month, a Colorado boy was arrested for making online threats against two local schools. Any allegations of making a threat towards a school requires representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Colorado’s Law Regarding School Threats
School threats and other interference with educational facilities is addressed in C.R.S. 18-9-109. This law prohibits anyone from threatening bodily injury or death to those working at or attending a public or private school. Specifically, the law states:
- “a person shall not knowingly make or convey to another person a credible threat to cause death or to cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon against:
- a person the actor knows or believes to be a student, school official, or employee of an educational institution;
- or an invitee who is on the premises of an educational institution.”
This offense can come in many forms including actions like posting images / videos of weapons, injured people, or bomb aftermath on social media. Because missing a threat of this magnitude has especially serious ramifications, law enforcement is quick to file charges.
Penalties for School Threats in Colorado
While some behaviors on school grounds regarding unlawful acts are a class 3 misdemeanor, making a threat is a class 1 misdemeanor. This can result in:
- time in county jail,
- probation,
- and fines
These penalties can be impactful to anyone, especially youth. Teenagers often don’t grasp the magnitude of manufacturing a threat against their school until police become involved. At that point, it is best to exercise the right to remain silent and consult a skilled defense lawyer.
Colorado Attorney for Making School Threats
It is important to note that police must obtain parental permission to speak with your son or daughter regarding an accusation of a school threat. School officials often try to interview students as well in these scenarios. It is best to remain silent in these situations and instruct your son or daughter to do the same. Then, contact a strategic defense attorney. We will thoroughly analyze your unique case and suggest next steps. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing charges throughout the state of Colorado.
If you someone you know is facing charges of making a school threat in Colorado, be smart. Contact the experienced criminal lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
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