Stalking, C.R.S. 18-3-602, is charged in Weld County, Colorado when one person repeatedly follows, watches, contacts, or approaches another. Similarly, Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, can be charged for engaging in unwanted contact or repeatedly calling another person in Greeley. This is where the similarities usually end, however. Harassment is generally a misdemeanor, whereas Stalking is a felony and extraordinary risk crime. In either case, however, it is critical that you contact a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Court if you have been charged.
|
Blog Navigation: Legal Definition of Stalking, C.R.S. 18-3-602, at the Weld County Court Stalking vs. Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, in Eaton and Firestone |
Legal Definition of Stalking, C.R.S. 18-3-602, at the Weld County Court
The legal definition of Stalking, C.R.S. 18-3-602, as used by the Weld County Court, is as follows:
(a) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, or places under surveillance that person… (b) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with the threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person… (c) Repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, places under surveillance, or makes any form of communication with another person…
Stalking can also be charged if one person repeatedly follows, contacts, or watches the victim’s family member or another person close to them.
Stalking vs. Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, in Eaton and Firestone
Stalking shares some similarities with Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111, in Eaton and Firestone. Both crimes can be charged when one person follows another around or repeatedly contacts the other. However, Harassment is still a substantially different charge from Stalking.
One of the most significant differences is the time in which the defendant engaged in the behavior. Harassment generally tends to be a one-time action. By contrast, Stalking is a more chronic, repeated action that can take place over the span of several weeks, months, or even years. Because of this, Stalking tends to carry more serious penalties than Harassment does, especially given that it’s charged as an extraordinary risk crime.
Penalties for Stalking in Greeley, Colorado
Sentencing for Stalking as an Extraordinary Risk Crime
Given that Stalking is an extraordinary risk crime in Greeley, Colorado, one of the most significant penalties is increased time at the Colorado DOC. See the table below for all penalties that could result from conviction:cr
Circumstances |
Classification |
Penalties |
| First Stalking offense, provided that the defendant did not violate a protection order, bond condition, probation condition, etc. | Class 5 felony / F5 |
|
|
Class 4 felony / F4 |
|
If you have been charged with Stalking, don’t despair. Contact a top criminal defense lawyer today, and together, we can protect your future.
Have you been charged with Stalking? Exercise your right to remain silent, and do not talk to the Greeley Police. Then call 970-616-6009 to talk about your charges with one of our top criminal defense lawyers today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio