Interference with educational institutions is a crime in Jefferson County that involves making threats to schools. Whether in writing by mail or posted on a social media platform, threatening a shooting or other harmful act can lead to criminal charges. Earlier this month, an 18-year-old student was arrested for interference with educational institutions after allegedly writing a threat of a shooting on a bathroom stall. Charges surrounding making threats to schools is a serious offense and requires consulting a skilled criminal defense lawyer if facing accusations.
What is Interference with Educational Institutions in Colorado?
C.R.S. 18-9-109 describes the specific elements of interference with staff, faculty, or students of educational institutions. We see this crime charged when a student at a school posts violent material on various social media platforms. Sometimes images of weapons, firearms, or pervious school shootings are found on a student’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram page in reference to the school they attend or another school. Due to the seriousness of these situations, law enforcement gets involved quickly and can file charges against your son or daughter.
Penalties for Interference with Educational Institutions in Jefferson County
The consequences for a conviction of interference with education institutions depend on the specific facts of the case. Interference with a school in Lakewood, Golden, or Arvada that doesn’t involve threats of death or bodily injury is a class 3 misdemeanor. However, when a violent threat towards a school’s faculty, staff, or students exists, a class 1 misdemeanor applies. Time in county jail, substantial fines, and periods of time on probation are all potential ramifications.
Jefferson County Criminal Defense Attorney
Because threats of violence directed at schools often involve juveniles, it is important to speak with a defense attorney before talking with school officials or law enforcement. We have decades of experience representing juvenile clients facing criminal charges throughout Colorado. Perhaps your son or daughter wasn’t aware of the severity of what they were posting or made a poor choice under peer pressure from others. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We offer affordable fees and flexible payment plans for those facing accusations of criminal acts in Lakewood, Littleton, and Golden.
If your child or someone you know has been charged with interference with educational institutions, be smart. Contact the top criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your child’s future.
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