People in Weld, Morgan and Logan County are charged with Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111, and they’re not even sure what happened. That’s because Greeley, Johnstown and Windsor police charge people with harassment when nothing else fits. It’s like the wild card of crimes. If there is an incident where people are angry, such as road rage, a fight at a bar, or simply a boyfriend repeatedly calling his girlfriend after a breakup, the police usually charge them with harassment.
What is Harassment in Weld County?
A person will be charged with harassment if, “with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she:”
- Hits, shoves, kicks, strikes, or subjects another person to physical contact.
- Makes an obscene gesture at another person in a public place.
- Follows someone in or around a public place.
- Calls, texts, emails, etc. another person in a way that harasses them, threatens physical harm or property damage, or communicates something that is obscene.
- Calls someone repeatedly without wanting to have a legitimate conversation.
- Repeatedly tries to make communication with another person at inconvenient hours (i.e. the middle of the night).
- Repeatedly insults, challenges, or taunts someone in an offensive language in a manner that is likely to provoke a violent response.
The Connection Between Harassment and Domestic Violence
Because this law is so vague and includes words such as “annoy” and “alarm,” people often commit the crime of harassment in Weld, Broomfield and Larimer County without even realizing what is happening. A woman who uses offensive language in a text to her abusive boyfriend, or a boyfriend who calls an ex-girlfriend over and over again to reconnect can be charged with harassment. Often, harassment is the base crime on which the sentence enhancer of Domestic Violence – C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 is added. Domestic violence (DV) is added when a crime is committed between two people who have (or have had) an intimate relationship. In most cases, harassment is a class 3 misdemeanor, which could have a possible Weld County Jail sentence. A domestic violence harassment conviction will have a very negative affect on your life. You will have to undergo mandatory classes, and will lose your right to bear arms. Don’t take charges of harassment in Weld County lightly – work with an experienced lawyer who can be your advocate in court.
If you or a loved one has been charged with harassment in Greeley, Fort Lupton or Brighton, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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