Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, is a broad offense in Greeley, CO that covers several different acts of mistreating animals. Withholding food and water, overworking, not providing adequate shelter, or beating an animal are just a few different ways you can be charged with Animal Abuse in Colorado. This time of year, it’s especially common to be charged for leaving a dog in the car with the windows rolled up. You could also instead be charged with Aggravated Cruelty to Animals if you knowingly and “needlessly” torture, mutilate, or kill an animal. If you have been accused of Animal Abuse, don’t wait – contact a top criminal defense lawyer today to represent you at the Weld County Court.
Colorado’s Law on Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202
Colorado’s law on Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202, is:
(b) Any person who intentionally abandons a dog or cat commits the offense of cruelty to animals.[/su_quote]
Notice that there are several ways you can be charged with Animal Abuse in Colorado, even if you never meant to hurt an animal. Even accidentally subjecting an animal to harm could result in criminal charges.
Cruelty to Animals vs. Aggravated Cruelty to Animals in Weld County
In Weld County, you can be charged with Cruelty to Animals or Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, depending on how you allegedly abused an animal. According to C.R.S. 18-9-202 (1.5)(b), Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is charged when a person:
(I) Knowingly tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal; or (II) Knowingly kills or causes serious bodily injury that results in the death of a law enforcement animal, whether the law enforcement animal is on duty or not on duty.
Weld County Jail / Colorado DOC Time + Other Penalties for Animal Abuse in Greeley
Animal Abuse carries numerous penalties in Greeley, including Weld County Jail and Colorado DOC time. See the table below for possible penalties that can result from conviction:
Classification |
Circumstances |
Penalties |
| Class 1 misdemeanor / M1 | First Animal Abuse offense |
|
| Class 6 felony / F6 | Second or subsequent Animal Abuse offense |
|
| Class 4 felony / F4 | Aggravated Animal Abuse |
|
If you have been accused of Animal Cruelty, always be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Never discuss your charges with the Greeley Police or the Weld County Sheriff. Then get in contact with a Greeley criminal defense lawyer with decades of experience by calling the O’Malley Law Office today at (970) 616-6009 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Court is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Pranidchakan Boonrom