In recent months, pet-owners have been horrified to discover poisoned meatballs in Colorado parks. One dog became ill after presumably ingesting one of the meatballs. If the instigator of this crime is found, he or she will be charged with Cruelty to Animals. This crime is charged whenever an animal is tormented, injured, harmed, neglected, starved, or killed. People love their pets in Colorado, so if you are facing accusations of Animal Cruelty in Greeley, Evans, or Erie, you need to work with an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney who can fight for your future.
What is Animal Cruelty?
Cruelty to Animals – C.R.S. 18-9-202, is normally a class 2 misdemeanor. But, when an animal is killed, the crime is much more serious. A person who “tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal” will be charged with class 6 felony Cruelty to Animals. In the case of the poisoned meatballs, the individual responsible would face the less serious form of Animal Cruelty, because no animals died as a result. But, if the animal had died, it would be elevated to the felony offense.
Facing Animal Cruelty Accusations? Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing accusations of being cruel to an animal in Weld, Morgan, or Logan County, you need to contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer immediately. This is because an Animal Cruelty conviction will follow you for the rest of your life. Even a misdemeanor offense has serious consequences: You could spend up to 1 year in the Weld County Jail. And if an animal dies as a result of your actions, you could be convicted of the felony, which results in up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The problem withCruelty to Animals charges is that different cultures and societies view animals differently. Texas ranchers view their sheepdogs as a tool rather than a pet. They don’t give them a lot of affection, because it ruins their work ethic. These dogs are kept outside and are treated more like animals than they are here in Colorado. In this part of the country, we treat our pets almost like humans – we buy them special food, beds, and kennels when we leave town. This different view of animals can cause issues when it comes to the justice system. If you have been charged with Cruelty to Animals, you need to contact a skilled criminal defense a lawyer immediately so one bad decision doesn’t ruin your future.
If you or a loved one are facing accusations of Animal Cruelty, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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