Obstructing a Police Officer or Peace Officer in Greeley, Colorado, is a charge that can happen if you anger the police, you are not helpful to them or do not help them in the way that they want. This can happen even if their demands or requests are not reasonable. This charge can also be what police are using to enforce “stay at home” orders in the wake of the COVID – 19 pandemic. Recently, one Butte Montana resident found that Obstruction of a Police Officer can be charged this way. The resident was accused of violating the “stay at home” order while having a party at his residence, with the charge ending up being Obstructing a Peace Officer. When faced with these charges, a criminal lawyer who knows the court system is important. They understand how the system works and can help with your defense. After all, not everyone charged with a crime is guilty of something.
Definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer in Weld County
The Definition of Obstructing a Police Officer is found in C.R.S. 18-8-104, which states:
By using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace, or the control or abatement of a fire, by a peace officer or firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority.
Simply put, this statue is to encourage people to aid police and firefighters in doing their jobs, while also protecting them from harm / harassment. While this law intends to do a good thing, it is often misused by police. In the above story, there is a need to have residents to comply with the stay at home order. However, under the Colorado Obstruction statute, having a party would be hard to fit under the Obstruction of a Peace / Police Officer law, unless the resident refused to break up the party, even after being asked nicely by the officers.
Examples of Obstructing a Police Officer or Obstructing a Peace Officer in Greeley, Colorado
In Greeley, Colorado, Obstructing a Peace Officer or Police Officer can be anything from arguing with them, refusing to let police onto your property or refusing to give them information when you are talking with them. Unfortunately, many police officers are under the impression that they have the right to come on to your property or have you talk to them no matter what. It is always best that when you are having to deal with the police that you remain respectful and stay out of their way. You do not have to talk to them, but we recommend that remaining respectful to even rude officers can be helpful to you in the end. After all, they can and do arrest people they don’t like, simply because they don’t like them. And, contrary to what many people believe, police officers are people and some people lie when you make them angry or embarrass them.
Sentence for Obstructing a Peace Officer in Weld County
Obstructing a Peace / Police is a Class 2 misdemeanor in Weld County. A class 2 misdemeanor has the possibility of three to twelve months in jail, a $250-$1,000 fine, community service hours, and most likely probation. This crime is often overcharged and District Attorneys pursue charges even if the facts do not support their case. To receive the best possible outcome you need a criminal lawyer who will fight for you.
If you have been contacted by a Greeley, Colorado police officer involving a possible Obstruction of a Peace Officer charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call us right away at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
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