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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

False Imprisonment in Arapahoe County and Aurora | Not What it Seems in Colorado, C.R.S. 18-3-303

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2017 | False Imprisonment |

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False Imprisonment Doesn’t Always Involve Jail in Arapahoe County
If you Google False Imprisonment, you will discover many web sites talking about people who have been wrongfully imprisoned by the government, because the accused won their criminal case. But, according to the Colorado Revised Statutes, that really isn’t the criminal charge of False Imprisonment. In fact, the statute specifically rules out situations where an Arapahoe County Deputy puts an innocent person in the Arapahoe County Jail. This statute exists because governments have the legal authority to detain and imprison people who have been accused of a crime based on probable cause. This always occurs before a person is found guilty in a court of law.

Definition of False Imprisonment in Jefferson County

In Jefferson County, a person may be accused and charged with False Imprisonment if he or she confines or detains another person without their consent, and if that person does not have the legal authority to do so. False Imprisonment is charged as a class 2 misdemeanor unless the victim is held twelve hours or more or if force is used in the imprisonment. In those cases, False Imprisonment, C.R.S. 18-3-303, is charged as a class 5 felony. How blocking a doorway can get you charged with False Imprisonment.

Douglas County False Imprisonment – A Common Domestic Violence Crime

Domestic Violence is not a crime by itself in Douglas County. It is always charged along with another crime and it is an enhancer to that crime. Domestic Violence is charged with any number of charges when there is an intimate relationship between the alleged victim and the defendant. In the heat of an argument, couples often cross the legal line of a fair fight. If an exit is blocked after one party doesn’t want to talk any more, no matter how briefly, someone may be charged with misdemeanor False Imprisonment. It is usually a shock to our clients when they learn how serious and life impacting this offense can be. Many of them would never think of hurting their spouse, but they may not know that blocking an exit can get land them in the Douglas County Jail. When police are called by a neighbor in Castle Rock, and they determine one party kept another party from leaving, someone will most likely be charged with False Imprisonment.

Charged with False Imprisonment in Adams County? What Should You Do Next?

Even when the alleged victim tells Adams County police that they do not want the other party to go to jail, if the police think a crime has been committed, they will make an arrest. Making statements like, “I was only trying to keep her from leaving,” will not help your situation. If you are being investigated for False Imprisonment, the best thing you can do is stay quiet. When you are given the opportunity to make a call, we recommend you contact the best criminal defense lawyers at O’Malley Law Office, P.C. We have helped hundreds of good people in your same situation and we know how to help you get the best possible outcome in your case. So, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.

Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – marcolm