Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

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

Accessory to Crime, in Jefferson County, Colorado

On Behalf of | Sep 15, 2017 | Accessory to Crime |

Helping a Friend Can be a Crime – Accessory to Crime in Colorado

Helping your friend or family member who is being chased by police, can result in a felony criminal charge of Accessory to Crime, again you. Located under C.R.S. 18-8-105, Accessory to Crime is a law designed to prevent people from receiving assistance from others. Even if a family member is asking for a ride, or a place to stay, you must stay clear if you know they are wanted by police. You can be charged with a felony or petty offense, depending on the crime your friend is accused of. Blog Discussing Accessory to Crime

Legal Definition of Accessory to Crime in Arapahoe County, Colorado

In Arapahoe County, you can be charged with Accessory to Crime if you intentionally “hinder, delay, or prevent the discovery, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for the commission of a crime,” and you render assistance. This definition will be used if you do something on purpose, and your effort is designed to prevent someone from being caught by police officers.

In Douglas County What Does it Mean to Render Assistance?

In Douglas County, “render assistance” means to: Harbor or conceal the other person or a victim or witness; Warn such person of impending discovery or apprehension; Provide such person with money, transportation, weapon, disguise, or other thing to be used in avoiding discovery or apprehension; Stop someone from helping catch the fleeing accused; Conceal, destroy, or alter any physical or testimonial evidence that might help catch the person.

Adams County Accessory to a Crime Charge – You Can’t Help a Friend

Simple things can amount to Accessory to a Crime. Giving someone a place to stay in Brighton, loaning money to your sister for a bus out of town, or calling someone to tell them that the police are waiting outside their apartment. Across Adams County, people want to help family members or friends, and don’t realize the criminal consequences.

Denver, Colorado Accessory to a Crime Attorney

One of the most valuable defenses we can use is to say that the accused did not know, or intend, that their assistance would hinder, delay, or prevent the discovery, detection, apprehension, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for the commission of a crime. Denver Police will try and get you to admit that you were trying to help.

Don’t let your kindness get you charged with a felony. Steer clear of those being pursued by police. Always be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.