Everyone can be charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer in Greeley and Weld County. You don’t have to be a violent criminal. In some cases, all it takes is a moment of frustration with a power-hungry police officer. Let’s look closely at the statute to see how a person could be charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer, and how you can defend yourself.
How is a Person Charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer?
You will be charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-104 in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County if you threaten to use force, violence, an obstacle, or physical interference, and knowingly hinder, impair, or obstruct a police officer, EMT, or firefighter from performing their duty. This statute sounds well and good. Who doesn’t want to police to be able carry out their duties without being harassed? Unfortunately, the statute doesn’t take into account human nature: Police are often power-hungry and their “duty” is often their own personal mission. Let’s look closer at what I mean:
Police Officers Often Have Their Own Personal Motive
Police officers aren’t all like Andy Griffith. They have their own personal motives. Also, many cops think they’re above the law, and will use any excuse to accuse someone of Obstructing a Peace Officer. We’ll give you an example: Let’s say you’re watching an Avalanche game in your living room. Hockey is exciting and cutthroat, so you cheer and scream loudly throughout the game. Your neighbor hears the screaming (they’re not hockey fans, so they don’t understand the passion) and calls the police. When the police arrive, they knock on your door and demand entrance. You know your rights (they don’t have a warrant), so you don’t let them in, tell them to come back when they have a warrant, and lock the door behind them. If the police officer takes this personally, they could break down your door, enter your house, and arrest you. You could be charged with Obstructing a Police Officer. You may not think this is a plausible example. But, if you’ve ever been pulled over by a rude, demanding, angry cop, you know it could happen. We have defended hundreds of good people who have been falsely charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer.
We have defended hundreds of people who have been charged with this offense.
Why You Need an Attorney for Obstruction Charges
It can be difficult to defend yourself against law enforcement in court. District attorneys are afraid of going against the police, so they often press charges even when there is no evidence. A criminal record, even a misdemeanor, can have a negative effect on your life. Don’t ignore the charges against you. Instead, work with a criminal lawyer who has years of experience with crimes against law enforcement officials.