Stalking charges in Adams County, Colorado can result from situations that include threats and repeated behaviors that cause fear. Annoying someone is not stalking in Colorado. However, continuously following or contacting a person in a way that causes emotional distress can lead to serious criminal charges. When police contact someone about stalking allegations, it is best to exercise the right to remain silent and consult a strategic criminal defense attorney right away.
Adams County Stalking Law
Adams County’s stalking law prohibits threatening others alongside repeated communication. C.R.S. 18-3-602 addresses these violations in Thornton, Brighton, and Commerce City:
- “a person commits stalking if directly, or indirectly through another person, the person knowingly:
- makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, or places under surveillance that person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship; or
- makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person, a member of that person’s immediate family, or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship, regardless of whether a conversation ensues; or
- 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.”
Is Stalking a Felony in Colorado?
Each stalking case is different in Colorado. As a result, ramifications differ as well. A first-time offense of stalking that doesn’t involve any protection orders or parole / probation conditions is a class 5 felony. As an extraordinary risk crime, conviction can result in:
- 1 – 5 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of up to $100,000
However, a second stalking offense within seven years or one that is in violation of a protection order is a class 4 felony. Additionally, stalking that violates a condition of parole or probation is a class 4 felony as well. This can as much as double the period of incarceration and substantially increase the fine amounts.
Top Adams County Defense Attorneys
Consulting the right defense attorney is crucial when stalking allegations exist. This is a complex offense that requires expert analysis from an experienced criminal lawyer. Perhaps you didn’t threaten anyone, the alleged victim was only contacted once, or no emotional distress resulted. Nonetheless, contact our office for an important free consultation. We will thoroughly look over your unique stalking case and recommend next steps in your defense.
If you or someone you know is facing stalking charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the reputable defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.
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