A Commerce City man was charged with Disorderly Conduct (C.R.S. 18-9-106) and having a dog at large after he allegedly threatened his neighbor with a shovel. Apparently one neighbor was shoveling snow this winter when his neighbor’s dog came running out towards him. He said he just used his shovel to “shoo” the dog away, but the dog’s owner became irate and threatened to hit him with his own shovel. Many misdemeanor cases filed in Arapahoe, Broomfield, and Adams County are a result of neighbors acting, well, un-neighborly.
Dog Barking Can Lead to Disorderly Conduct and Harassment Charges
A great number of neighbor disputes begin with dogs. Dogs barking at all hours of the day, dogs running onto a neighbor’s property, or dogs biting someone. Once a dispute begins, it can quickly escalate out of control to the point that one neighbor is threatening the other or both neighbors take the fight to the next level and get physical with each other. At the O’Malley Law Office, we have had many clients charged with Disorderly Conduct or Harassment (C.R.S. 18-9-111) for fighting with their neighbors or threatening them. Childish disputes about animals or how your neighbor constantly parks in front of your house should not lead to criminal charges, but often do when one neighbor calls the police. Many times, even though both neighbors are equally at fault, it is the one who calls the Aurora, Centennial, or Castle Rock police that becomes the “victim” in a criminal case. The police seem to take sides and the first to call usually is seen as the side for police to join.
You Need a Lawyer When Going to Court
If your neighbor has accused you of a crime like Menacing, Disorderly Conduct, or Harassment, you must be represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney. If an argument is merely verbal, there are First Amendment issues that should be litigated in your case. Misdemeanor consequences are serious and can lead to substantial fines, probation, and jail time.
Don’t let a crazy neighbor falsely accuse you of any criminal charges, get you arrested and ruin your life. If you have court coming up in Denver, Jefferson, or Douglas County, one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you. So, be smart exercise your right to remain silent and call us today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.