False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is charged in Greeley, CO when one person confines or detains another without that person’s consent. Often, this definition conjures up an image of locking up another person inside a room, but this is usually not the case. False Imprisonment is instead often charged for much less, such as standing in another person’s way during an argument so that they can’t leave. If you’ve been charged with False Imprisonment, don’t wait to contact our top Greeley criminal defense lawyers to discuss your case. Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience and numerous defenses that we can use to successfully represent you.
Colorado’s Law on False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303 in Greeley
Colorado’s law on False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is as follows in Greeley:
You don’t have to lock up another person in a room to be charged with this crime. Most of the time, we see people charged just for blocking a doorway or exit during an argument. It really doesn’t take much to be charged with False Imprisonment.
Penalties for False Imprisonment in Severance and Ault: Weld County Jail Time, Fines, and More
Penalties for a conviction of False Imprisonment in Severance or Ault depend on the circumstances behind the act. False Imprisonment can be charged as a class 2 misdemeanor or class 5 felony. See the table below that can result from either charge:
Class 2 misdemeanor False Imprisonment |
Class 5 felony False Imprisonment |
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Learn more about the differences between misdemeanor and felony False Imprisonment here.
Are There Defenses to a False Imprisonment Charge at the Weld County Court?
Yes, there are several defenses to a False Imprisonment charge at the Weld County Court. Some of these defenses include:
- You did not confine or detain another person knowingly.
- You lawfully effected a citizen’s arrest when you witnessed a crime taking place in your presence.
- You acted to prevent another person from hurting themselves or committing suicide.
- You’re a caretaker for an elderly patient with dementia, and you had to block them from leaving their room so they wouldn’t hurt themselves.
Our Greeley criminal defense lawyers have a full arsenal of defenses available to use in your case beyond the ones listed above. Give us a call today to discuss your case and secure the representation you need, and together, we can protect your future.
Have you been charged with False Imprisonment? First, be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent. Never talk to the Weld County Sheriff or Greeley Police about your case. Instead, call 970-616-6009 to discuss your case with a top Greeley criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years of experience today. 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 Bich Tran