Menacing with a Gun, Firearm or Knife? Denver Attorney
Menacing can Occur in Denver with all types of objects, including a gun, firearm or knife. We’ve even seen police charge Menacing when someone says they were threatened to be hit by another. The object used in a threat does not determine whether Menacing happened, but rather the class / severity of the crime charged.
Douglas County, Colorado Definition of Menacing: Based on Threats
The Colorado definition of Menacing, C.R.S. 18-3-206, is:
- Any threat or physical action, which knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
This is a broad charge in Castle Rock and Douglas County, and covers a huge potential list of conduct. Notice that the definition of Menacing does not include particular weapons, since a weapon is not necessary to be charged.
Penalty and Sentencing for Adams County Menacing
Whether you are charged with Adams County Felony Menacing or Misdemeanor Menacing, is based on the object or item involved in the threat. If someone says you used a deadly weapon like a gun, knife or bottle, it is a Class 5 felony. If you are accused of being more general in a threat and did not possess or display a weapon, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor. “Deadly Weapon” is defined as “any object, which in the manner it is used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.” This can even include “hands”.
Example of Denver Menacing and Self Defense: Road Rage on I-25
We have seen many examples of Denver Road Rage on a packed I-25, where someone gets mad because a driver cut them off. When that person displays a gun – even in self defense, they will likely face charges of Felony Menacing. This can even occur if the other driver was driving so dangerously as to endanger your life. When a gun is displayed, police adopt an hysteria of sorts, and will excuse most any conduct by another driver, just to get a gun crime conviction. Menacing and Self Defense.
We are aware of common defenses to Menacing charges. So are Denver Police. So, don’t talk with police about what happened, or you may ruin your defenses as police try and neutralize them with your own statements. Call Denver’s best Menacing lawyers at 303-731-0719 today. Together, we can protect your future.