Two men were arrested after police responded to a complaint regarding animal welfare. According to reports, two police officers were asked to check on a small dog out in the cold last week. The police officers spoke with the owner of the dog, who didn’t want to bring the animal inside. The cops tried to arrest the man, who resisted. During the struggle, another man inside the house intervened, and was also arrested. The two men are facing serious charges, including Obstructing a Police Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-104, Resisting Arrest – C.R.S. 18-8-103, Disorderly Conduct – C.R.S. 18-9-106, Animal Cruelty – C.R.S. 18-9-202, and Assault on a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-3-203. This last offense (Assault on a Peace Officer) is serious and carries a mandatory prison sentence in Weld, Logan and Morgan County.
What is Assault on a Peace Officer?
You will be charged with Assault on a Police Officer if you intentionally cause bodily injury to any person while intending to prevent a peace officer (or firefighter) from performing a lawful duty. “Bodily injury” is defined as “physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical or mental condition.” Because pain is relative and differs from person to person, this offense is often charged after only slight altercations. The two men who were arrested most likely shoved an officer while they were resisting arrest.
Mandatory Prison Sentence for Assault on a Police Officer
This offense is either a class 3 or class 4 felony in Greeley, Johnstown or Evans, which results in a prison sentence from 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Unfortunately, this offense requires a mandatory sentence. If you are convicted, you will spend time in prison. Probation is not a possibility.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
You need to work with an experienced criminal lawyer if you have been charged with Assault on a Peace Officer. Even the slightest physical fight with a cop could result in prison time. We once worked with a man who was charged after he supposedly hit a cop on the back during a riot – we fought hard in his case, and the jury returned a not guilty verdict. We were blessed to have won the case – the young man would have gone to prison if convicted. Don’t put your future in the hands of a worn-out public defender or inexperienced general practice lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Assault on a Peace Officer in Boulder, Elbert, or Yuma County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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