Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204, is charged differently when the alleged victim is a Greeley Police Officer or other law enforcement officer. Usually, to be charged with Third Degree Assault, you need to cause minor bodily injury to another person. However, Assault on a Police Officer can be charged for just forcing an officer to come into contact with a bodily fluid – including spitting on them. If you’ve been charged for assaulting a police officer, don’t wait – contact our experienced Greeley criminal defense lawyers today.
Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204 at the Weld County Court
Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204, is defined as follows at the Weld County Court:
(a) The person knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person or with criminal negligence the person causes bodily injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon; or (b) The person, with intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person whom the actor knows or reasonably should know to be a peace officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical care provider, or an emergency medical service provider, causes the other person to come into contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine, feces, saliva, mucus, vomit, or toxic, caustic, or hazardous material by any means, including throwing, tossing, or expelling the fluid or material.
Differences Between Third Degree Assault & Assault Against a Greeley Police Officer
Normally, Third Degree Assault is charged when a person causes bodily injury – that is, minor pain – to another. However, the threshold Assault Against a Greeley Police Officer or other law enforcement officer is much lower. All you have to do is force the officer to come into contact with a bodily fluid, intending to harass, annoy, or threaten them. So if you do as little as spit on a police officer, you will likely be charged with 3rd Degree Assault.
Penalties for Assault Against a Peace Officer in Fort Lupton and Ault: Weld County Jail Time and Fines
Assault on a Peace Officer comes with more severe penalties in Fort Lupton and Ault. Third Degree Assault is a class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a possible sentence of up to 364 days in the Weld County Jail and/or a fine of $1,000. However, if the alleged victim is a police officer, the maximum possible sentence doubles – meaning that you could be sentenced to up to 728 days of jail time. That’s nearly 2 years behind bars just for spitting on a police officer.
If you have been charged for assaulting a police officer, you need to call our experienced Greeley criminal defense lawyers – fast. Misdemeanor charges, especially those involving a police officer, can mean serious repercussions for your future. Give us a call today to discuss your case and get the representation you need to protect your future.