Police Involved Crimes in Greeley and Weld County
In Weld County, Colorado, we are taught that police officers in places like Greeley, Lochbuie, and Ft. Lupton are the "good guys" and that they exist to protect us. However, many encounters with police can quickly go wrong and cause good people to be accused of crimes such as:
- Obstruction of a Peace Officer - C.R.S. 18-8-104
- Resisting Arrest - C.R.S. 18-8-103
- False Reporting - C.R.S. 18-8-111
- Assault on a Police / Peace Officer - C.R.S. 18-3-203(1)(c)
- Impersonating a Police / Peace Officer - C.R.S. 18-8-112
- Escape - C.R.S. 18-8-208
- Bribery - C.R.S. 18-8-302
Police Involved Crimes: A Felony or Misdemeanor?
Some of these crimes are misdemeanors and some are felonies, while some can be charged by the 19th Judicial District Attorney as either depending on factors such as whether the police officer was injured during the commission of the crime or whether a weapon was involved.
Examples of Police Involved Crimes
Many times police related crimes are a result of an overzealous or violent police officer. For example, in Weld County, Colorado, resisting arrest (C.R.S. 18-8-103) means that person knowingly prevents or attempts to prevent a peace officer from effecting the arrest by using force, threats, or violence or by creating a substantial risk of bodily injury to the peace officer. What if, however, the police initiate the violence? Our country has been plagued in recent years with images of police brutality. The reality is that a police officer may be rough or violent towards a person during arrest and then charge them with resisting arrest when they show the slightest inclination to fight back or struggle against the brutality.
Why You Need An Attorney for Your False Reporting or Obstruction Charge
What makes defending against these crimes so difficult is the issue of credibility. Without an experienced Weld County criminal defense attorney, it will be your word against the word of a police officer, and the courts almost always find police officers more credible. The Eaton, Evans or Keenesburg police officer is certainly not going to freely admit that he beat anyone up and it definitely won't be a part of his arrest report. A skilled defense attorney, however, can build up a strong case of self-defense and impeach the credibility of the officer as a witness by offering evidence of his past violent history.
Sometimes, police officers and Weld County Sheriff's deputies can appear perfectly harmless. They will be kind to you and ask to hear your side of the story. Do not fall into that trap. The police are not your friends. At best, they exist to enforce laws and punish criminals in order to make themselves look better to their superiors. At worst, the can be extremely violent people looking to abuse their power at every turn. If you have had an altercation with the police, the experienced lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office can help you fight against the government.
Commonly Charged Police Involved Crimes
Assault on a Police / Peace Officer
The law contains special protections for Greeley, Evans, and Windsor peace officers or firefighters where Second Degree Assault may be charged if the officers sustain any injury.
Resisting Arrest
Greeley police or a Weld, Morgan or Logan County sheriff deputy often utilize bullying tactics. These tactics are resisted by the public, which results in being charged with Resisting Arrest.
False Reporting
False Reporting – C.R.S. 18-8-111, is charged in many different circumstances, including the reporting of crimes, tampering with fire alarms, and giving incorrect personal information (such as your name, phone number, address, date of birth or social security number) to the police.
