In Weld County, Harassment is charged when one person engages in behavior with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. This offense is frequently charged with a Domestic Violence / DV sentence enhancer. DV is added as a sentence enhancer when the alleged victim was in an intimate relationship with the defendant at any point. This means that if the defendant and victim were ever in a romantic relationship or marriage, or are co-parents of the same child, Domestic Violence will be added to the Harassment charge. If you have been charged with Harassment as a DV crime, it is critical that you contact a top criminal defense attorney to get the best possible results for your case. Read below to learn more about Harassment as a DV crime, then call our offices for help with the specifics of your case.
Legal Definition of Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, in Greeley, Ault, or Milliken, Colorado?
The legal definition of Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, in Greeley, Ault, Milliken, and across Colorado is:
A person commits harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she:
(a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact; or
(b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person; or
(c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or
(e) Directly or indirectly initiates communication with a person or directs language toward another person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telephone network, data network, text message, instant message, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium that is obscene; or
(f) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate conversation; or
(g) Makes repeated communications at inconvenient hours that invade the privacy of another and interfere in the use and enjoyment of another’s home or private residence or other private property; or
(h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.
Colorado Courts Definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3
The definition of Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3, as it is used in Colorado courts, is:
It is important to understand that Domestic Violence is not a criminal offense in and of itself. Rather, it is a sentence enhancer that increases the penalties of the original criminal offense.
Punishment for DV Harassment Conviction in Weld County | Will I Go to the Weld County Jail for a Domestic Violence Crime?
In Weld County, Harassment can be a petty offense, class 2 misdemeanor, or class 1 misdemeanor, depending on the action that resulted in criminal charges. Penalties for a Harassment conviction can range anywhere between 10 to 364 days in the Weld County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines. However, when the victim and defendant currently are or previously were in an intimate relationship, then a Domestic Violence sentence enhancer can be added to the Harassment charge. This has several implications in a defendant’s criminal case, especially at sentencing. If convicted of the Harassment charge with the DV sentence enhancer, the defendant could face additional penalties of mandatory DV treatment classes and relinquishment of firearms and ammunition.
Why Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado DV Harassment Lawyer?
A top DV Harassment lawyer who can represent you well at the Weld County Courts in Greeley is essential. Criminal charges can impact your job, housing, freedoms, and even your social standing. This is especially the case in DV cases. People convicted of crimes with Domestic Violence sentence enhancers are viewed as “wife beaters,” which can be detrimental to their reputation and employability. Our lawyers have over 30 years of experience successfully representing our clients and helping them maintain their freedoms. We will learn the details of your case and fight for you.
Are you facing a charge of Harassment with a Domestic Violence sentence enhancer? Do not talk to the Greeley Police, who are gathering evidence against you. Instead, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Contact the best criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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