Impersonating a public servant in Colorado is a crime that involves pretending to be a government employee of some type and then acting in that capacity. This applies to those who falsely claim to be a person that performs governmental functions or is an elected or appointed employee of the government. While police officers are public servants, there is a separate crime (Impersonating a Peace Officer) that applies to pretending to be a cop. Any accusation of impersonating a public servant requires quickly contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney.
What Does Impersonating a Public Servant in Colorado Mean?
C.R.S. 18-8-113 defines the violations of Colorado’s impersonating a public servant law. Someone commits this crime in Denver, Aurora, or Colorado Springs if they:
- pretend to be a public servant (other than a police officer),
- and perform any act in that false role
Impersonation charges of this type can result when pretending to be in positions such as a mayor, city clerk, judge, senator, publicly employed attorney, or firefighter. Additionally, falsely claiming to be and acting as an employee of a city, county, state, or the federal government also applies.
Examples of actions taken that can lead to charges include pretending to be a firefighter and responding to an emergency situation or issuing legal documents acting as a county clerk.
What is the Sentence for Impersonating a Public Servant in Denver?
Pretending to be a public servant in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood is a class 3 misdemeanor. Possible ramifications of conviction include:
- up to 6 months in county jail,
- fines of $50 – $750
When a person pretends to be a police officer and act in that role, the much more serious charge of impersonating a peace officer can result. This crime is a class 6 felony with much harsher consequences than public servant impersonation.
Colorado Impersonating a Public Servant Attorney
A charge of impersonating a public servant in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Boulder has certain ramifications and should involve a strategic criminal defense lawyer. Perhaps your impersonation wasn’t followed by any acts in that capacity or your case involves false identification. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation.
Our defense attorneys have decades of experience representing clients facing impersonation charges throughout Colorado. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans so that skilled representation is a reality for the accused.
If you or someone you know is facing a charge of impersonating a public servant in Colorado, be smart. Contact the top criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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