Harassment is a Common Charge From Denver Police Officers
You might wonder if Denver Police Officers have a favorite crime. Our experience is that they do, and Harassment is at the top of their list. It is written so broadly, that most any conduct which is opposed by another person fits the bill.
Definition of Harassment in Adams County and Arapahoe County
The Definition of Harassment in Adams and Arapahoe County, and throughout Colorado, state that a person commits Harassment if, with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, they:
- Touch – strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise touches a person or makes physical contact
- Gesture – in a public place, directs obscene language or an obscene gesture to another person
- Follows – follows after another person in a public place
- Communication – telephones or texts another person to harass or threaten, or being obscene
- Telephone Ringer – makes a phone ring repeatedly with no purpose of legitimate conversation
- Repeated Communication – at inconvenient hours, invades the privacy of another
- Insults – repeatedly insults, taunts or challenges or communicates in offensively course language in a manner to provoke a disorderly response
How a Disagreement Can Turn into Harassment Charges in Jefferson County
After looking over this list, it should be clear why Jefferson County Police love this crime. It is easy to meet the elements of Harassment in most any disagreement. If someone pushes another, they can be charged. If they call them a bad name, they can be charged. If they yell at them, they can be charged. The problem with this crime is that it criminalizes most any form of disagreement. On a daily basis, we all have disagreements. While most of them don’t involve harassing behavior, many of them do. Should everyone in Colorado be charged? Some police officers apparently think so.
Harassment and First Amendment Rights in Douglas County
I realize that we need laws to keep the peace between each of us. Yet, why can’t we express our frustration or anger toward another person without having to worry about being accused of Harassment in Douglas County? This is America and we still have freedom of speech. More than any other crime, our First Amendment rights are put in the crosshairs of the government’s power with Harassment. Read another lawyer’s opinion on Harassment vs. Free Speech.
Denver Defense Lawyer for Harassment
There are many defenses available to a criminal defense attorney defending Harassment charges in Denver and Grand County. So, never give a statement to police about what happened between you and another person. Next, call the best defense criminal defense lawyers at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.