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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

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

Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals Lawyer in Denver

On Behalf of | Apr 26, 2018 | Cruelty to Animals |

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Denver Attorney for Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, C.R.S. 18-9-202

In Denver, Cruelty to Animals occurs whenever an animal is injured. Colorado law does not allow much room in its definition of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals either. In this blog, we will look at examples of each crime and how to avoid being charged under C.R.S. 18-9-202.

Definition of Cruelty to Animals and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals in Jefferson County

The definition of Cruelty to Animals in Jefferson County is: A person commits cruelty to animals if he or she knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence:

  • overdrives,
  • overloads,
  • overworks,
  • torments,
  • deprives of necessary sustenance,
  • unnecessarily or cruelly beats,
  • housing which results in chronic or repeated serious physical harm,
  • carries or confines in or upon any vehicles in a cruel or reckless manner,
  • engages in a sexual act with an animal,
  • otherwise mistreats or neglects any animal, or causes or procures it to be done,
  • fails to provide your animal with proper food, drink, or protection from the weather,
  • abandons an animal,
  • recklessly or with criminal negligence tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal,

The definition of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is met when someone knowingly tortures, needlessly mutilates, or needlessly kills an animal.

Punishment and Sentence for Cruelty to Animals & Animal Abuse in Arapahoe County

As a Class 1 misdemeanor, Cruelty to Animals can be punished by up to 18 months in the Arapahoe County Jail. Aggravated Cruelty to Animals is a class 5 or 6 felony, which means you can be sentenced to the Department of Corrections, and stay there for up to three years. For a first offense, there is a mandatory $500 fine, and for a second, there is a $1,000 fine. How is Cruelty to Animals Like Child Abuse?

Lawyer in Douglas County for Animal Cruelty and Cruelty to Animals Charges

In Douglas County, we see many examples of accidental injuries to animals. Police are quick to charge Cruelty to Animals in the least serious cases. Examples include leaving your dog in a hot car, failing to keep fresh water available for your pet, keeping your animal in the direct sunlight. We have also seen examples where failing to get proper medical care for your injured pet results in charges.

Adams County Defense Attorney for Animal Injury and Animal Cruelty Charges

If you are charged with Animal Cruelty or Cruelty to Animals in Adams County, you need an experienced defense attorney at your side. While we love animals, we realize that accidental injuries occur to animals and you should not be charged with a crime when this occurs.

Call our animal injury defense lawyers at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.