When accused of Menacing in Greeley, Colorado, a criminal lawyer will be needed. Recently in Denver, a man was charged with menacing and Attempted Murder, after an incident where he allegedly tried to take a dog and car from a Tattoo Shop owner. He then fired shots at the business and owner. No one was injured in the altercation and the motivation for the incident is unknown. However, due to the use of a deadly weapon, the punishment for the menacing charge will be much more serious. In this case and similar cases, the need for a criminal lawyer who knows the court system is very real.
What is the Definition of Menacing in Colorado Courts?
In Colorado Menacing is defined by C.R.S. 18-3-206:
In the case above, when the suspect showed off the weapon, that provided the basis for his being accused of Menacing. It is easy to understand how the store owner felt his life was in danger. When a person feels that they are being threatened with serious bodily harm – either verbally or with a weapon, then a Menacing charge can be made. Serious bodily harm is when a person feels an impending risk for possible death, serious risk of permanent disfigurement, or loss of limb or organs. The firing of the gun gives rise to the more serious charge of Attempted Murder.
Penalties for Menacing Charge in Weld County, Colorado
In Weld County, Colorado, Menacing sentencing can for either a class 3 misdemeanor or a class 5 felony. Menacing is a class 3 misdemeanor when the threat of serious bodily injury is only a verbal or physical threat and without the threat of a weapon. The sentence in a menacing charge changes to a class 5 felony when the defendant is accused of using or threatening that they have a deadly weapon.