It is a misdemeanor criminal charge in Weld County when a person hinders or interferes with a first responder, police officer, firefighter, or any other peace officer while they are performing their job in an official capacity. Any type of criminal conviction, including a misdemeanor, can leave you with jail time, a large fine, and a criminal record. So, it is important to hire a skilled defense attorney to be at your side throughout your case. Below, our attorneys will discuss Obstruction of a Peace Officer in Weld County. If you are facing this charge in Fort Collins or Larimer County get help here.
Legal Definition of Obstruction of a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104, in Colorado
In Colorado, the definition of Obstruction of a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104, is:
(1) A person commits obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical services provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer when, 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 by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official authority;
2) Obstruction also occurs when someone knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the prevention, control, or abatement of fire by a firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority;
3) Regarding medical care, an Obstruction occurs when a person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of medical treatment or emergency assistance by an emergency medical service provider or rescue specialist, acting under color of his or her official authority; or
4) As to interference with a volunteer, it is Obstruction when someone knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of emergency care or emergency assistance by a volunteer, acting in good faith to render such care or assistance without compensation at the place of an emergency or accident.
Who is Considered a Peace Officer under C.R.S. 18-8-104, in Greeley, Colorado?
While understanding a criminal charge is important in Greeley, knowing who is considered a Peace Officer within the Obstruction statute is vital. Preventing any of the following people from performing their duties can be considered Obstruction of a Peace Officer:
- any police officer,
- a firefighter,
- an emergency medical services provider rescue specialist,
- a police volunteer,
- a doctor,
- an EMT or Paramedic
- a nurse.
Examples of Obstruction of a Peace Officer in Weld County and Related Criminal Charges
In Weld County, many circumstances can be considered as Obstruction of a Peace Officer. Some examples are: giving false information to a police officer, preventing an EMT or nurse from providing medical care to a patient, not allowing a firefighter to put out a fire, or even preventing an arrest from happening. We had a case where a man refused to open a gate to police who wanted to come in, and he was charged with Obstruction. In many cases, other criminal charges can be related to an Obstruction of a Peace Officer charge, such as:
- False Reporting to Authorities – C.R.S. 18-8-110
- Disarming a Police Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-116
- Impersonation of a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-112
Punishments in Firestone, Fredrick, and Ault, Colorado for Obstruction of a Peace Officer
The punishment in Firestone, Fredrick, and Ault for an Obstruction conviction is a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalties for this type of misdemeanor include up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail and up to $750 in fines. It is also important to note that if there was other criminal conduct to support a separate charge other than Obstruction, you can be charged for that crime separate from the Obstruction of a Peace Officer charge.
Hiring a Skilled Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney
In Weld County, some people hear that they are facing a misdemeanor criminal offense and unwisely go to court on their own and plead guilty, only to find out later that the conviction costs them their job, a promotion, or even their deportation from the United States. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges that you are facing and the unforeseen consequences related to a conviction.