Obstructing a Peace Officer in Arapahoe County, Colorado
Last month, a Colorado woman was sentenced to 3 years in prison after committing a variety of crimes, one of which was Obstructing a Peace Officer. She had helped a man evade police after he shot and killed another man. Police Officers like those in Arapahoe County want you to help them in any way you can, and if you make their job difficult for them in any way, they will not hesitate to charge you with Obstructing a Peace Officer.
Douglas County & Jefferson County Definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer
The Definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer states that, “A person commits obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical services provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official authority; knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the prevention, control, or abatement of fire by a firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority; knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of medical treatment or emergency assistance by an emergency medical service provider or rescue specialist, acting under color of his or her official authority; or knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of emergency care or emergency assistance by a volunteer, acting in good faith to render such care or assistance without compensation at the place of an emergency or accident.” (C.R.S. 18-8-104). In other words, if you make a Douglas County or Jefferson County Police Officer’s job tougher, they will charge you with Obstruction.
Adams County Obstruction Penalty & Sentence
Obstruction, more correctly known as Obstructing a Peace Officer, is a class 2 misdemeanor in Adams County. What is the penalty for a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado? If convicted, The minimum sentence is 3 months in jail, a $250 fine, or both. The maximum sentence is 12 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. You don’t want to find yourself in hot water with a Adams County Sherriff or a Thornton Police Officer. If you do not wish to talk with the Police, be polite in your refusal. Do not become aggressive, either verbally or physically.
Denver Defense Lawyer for Obstructing a Peace Officer
If you or a loved one is facing charges for Obstructing a Peace Officer, be smart. Exercise your right to remain silent, and contact our experienced Denver defense lawyers today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Read about the difference between Obstructing a Peace Officer and Resisting Arrest.