In Weld County, you will need a lawyer if you are charged with Obstructing a Passageway or Highway. Recently in Colorado Springs, protesters were charged when they blocked I-25 and created an unsafe environment on the highway. During the protest, traffic was diverted to keep the protesters safe. Police charged them with Obstruction of a Passageway. You can learn more about Obstruction of a Highway or Other Passageway below or call the O’Malley Law Office with questions specific to your case.
What is Obstruction of a Highway or Other Passageway in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado the definition of Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway – C.R.S. 18-9-107 – is:
An individual or corporation commits an offense if without legal privilege such individual or corporation intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(b) Disobeys a reasonable request or order to move issued by a person the individual or corporation knows to be a peace officer, a firefighter, or a person with authority to control the use of the premises, to prevent obstruction of a highway or passageway or to maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire, riot, or other hazard.
(2) For purposes of this section, “obstruct” means to render impassable or to render passage unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous.
(3) An offense under this section is a class 3 misdemeanor; except that knowingly obstructing the entrance into, or exit from, a funeral or funeral site, or knowingly obstructing a highway or other passageway where a funeral procession is taking place is a class 2 misdemeanor.
When the protesters blocked I-25, they were intentionally blocking the highway for the protest and they were rendering the highway unusable and unsafe. They were then charged with Obstructing a Highway or Other Passageway.
What is Included as “Other Passageways” in Obstruction of a Highway or Other Passageway in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado Obstruction of a Highway or Other Passageway the definition of “other passageways” is very broad. Included in the definition of “other passageways”: a street, sidewalk, waterway, entrance to a building, elevator, railway, or stairway.
What is the Sentence for Obstructing a Highway or Other Passageway on Weld County?
In Weld County, Obstructing a Highway or Other Passageway is a class 3 misdemeanor. The sentence for this class 3 misdemeanor includes up to 6 months in Weld County Jail and up to $750 in fines.
It is also important to note that if the Obstruction of a Highway or Other Passageway blocks a funeral, funeral site, or funeral procession then the punishment is a class 2 misdemeanor. The sentence for a class 2 misdemeanor is 3 to 12 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
What is a “Protesting Offense” in Greeley, Colorado?
While the protesters in the above case were charged with Obstruction of a Highway, there are also other charges that can result in Greeley, Colorado when a person decides to protest. Protesting offenses happen when someone:
- Disrupts a lawful assembly (interfering with a meeting, procession, or gathering by physical action, verbal utterance, or any other means).
- Disobeys a peace officer’s reasonable request to move.
- Blocks the use of an entrance, hallway, sidewalk, street, or other passageway.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Obstructing a Highway or Other Passageway in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best traffic and criminal defense lawyers from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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