Crimes against at-risk persons, C.R.S. 18-6.5-102, are charged whenever a person commits a crime against a person who is particularly vulnerable due to age or disability. Any time a crime involves a victim, the defendant will already face severe penalties if they are convicted. However, if the victim is considered an at-risk elder, at-risk adult, or at-risk juvenile, the potential penalties will increase significantly. If you’ve been charged with a crime with an at-risk victim, don’t wait – give us a call today to discuss your case with a top criminal defense lawyer.
Who is an At-Risk Person in Greeley?
In Greeley, an “at-risk person” is defined by C.R.S. 18-6.5-102 as “an at-risk adult, an at-risk adult with IDD, an at-risk elder, or an at-risk juvenile.” These terms are further defined as follows:
- At-risk adult: Any person who is 70 years old or older, or an adult who is 18 years old or older who has an intellectual and developmental disability.
- At-risk adult with IDD: A person who is 18 years old or older and has an intellectual and developmental disability.
- At-risk elder: Any person who is 70 years old or older.
- At-risk juvenile: Any person who is under 18 years old and has a disability listed under subsection C.R.S. 18-6.5-102 (11).
How are Crimes Against At-Risk Persons Sentenced at the Weld County Court?
Defendants convicted of crimes against at-risk persons at the Weld County Court are sentenced more harshly than other defendants. Often, the classification for a crime is one degree higher when the victim is considered at-risk. This is because it is relatively “easy” to exploit an at-risk person’s vulnerabilities for personal gain. See the table below for a comparison of penalties for Assault in the Third Degree, C.R.S. 18-3-204:
Circumstances |
Classification |
Penalties |
| Victim is not considered at-risk | Class 1 misdemeanor / M1 |
|
| Victim is considered at-risk | Class 6 felony / F6 |
|
Charged with a Crime Against an At-Risk Person? Contact a Top Greeley Lawyer
The penalties for a crime against an at-risk person highlight just how essential it is to contact a top Greeley criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged. Conviction of any crime already comes with severe consequences. However, if you are convicted of a crime against an at-risk elder, at-risk adult, or at-risk juvenile, you will face an even longer sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections, thousands of dollars in fines, and several other penalties.
Don’t let your future be taken from you at the Weld County Court. Let a top criminal defense lawyer protect your future and give you peace of mind by representing you throughout your case.
Have you been charged with a crime against an at-risk person? First, be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not talk to the Weld County Sheriff, Greeley Police, or any other law enforcement about your case – they are helping the District Attorney build a case against you. Then call (970) 616-6009 to talk to one of our top criminal defense lawyers about your case 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 Patrick De Boeck