It’s important to be aware of and to understand Denver, Colorado’s laws, as breaking them can result in penalties such as a jail or prison sentence, fines, probation, parole, sex offender treatment, and counseling, depending on the crime. Our goal at Sawyer Legal Group is to help you protect your future, whether before or after you have been charged with a criminal offense in Denver. Today’s topic: Menacing, C.R.S. 18-3-206.
Menacing Definition in Arapahoe County
In Arapahoe County and throughout Colorado, the definition of Menacing is:
“(1) A person commits the crime of menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Menacing is a class 3 misdemeanor, but, it is a class 5 felony if committed:
(a) By the use of a deadly weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon; or
(b) By the person representing verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon.” (C.R.S. 18-3-206). Menacing is a good example of how a class 3 misdemeanor can jump to a Felony, with just one extra variable: a deadly weapon, or even pretending you have one.
Example of Menacing in Jefferson County
I read a story recently about a 5th grader who was being bullied by an 8th grader. The 8th grader was threatening to bring a knife to school to hurt the younger student. This is a good example of why we need to make sure that our kids, as well as ourselves, understand Colorado’s laws. This girl probably does not realize that she could end up incarcerated in the Department of Youth Corrections (DYC) for her threats. If a crime is serious enough, juveniles can be charged as adults, facing the same consequences. Only children below 10 will not be charged with a criminal offense in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Douglas County Lawyer for Menacing Charges
All to often, people in Douglas County are unaware of Colorado’s laws. They may know something is illegal, but they don’t not know what it takes for a petty offense to become a misdemeanor, or a misdemeanor to become a felony. If you are being charged with Menacing in Castle Rock, Parker, or Lone Tree, be smart. If contacted by police, politely exercise your right to remain silent, and contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers today at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Read more about Menacing charges in Colorado.