Obstructing a peace officer charges in El Paso County, Colorado involve intentionally disrupting a police officer or firefighter while performing their duties. Anyone who threatens or uses force or violence against a peace officer or their law enforcement animals can face a criminal charge. Due to the potential jail time and substantial fines, accusations or charges of obstructing a peace officer require representation from a strategic defense attorney.
What is Obstructing a Peace Officer in Colorado Springs?
C.R.S. 18-8-104 describes the specific elements of obstructing a peace officer in Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Manitou Springs. Someone commits this crime if they:
- use or threaten to use violence, force, or physical interference,
- against a police officer, firefighter, EMT provider, or rescue specialist,
- to obstruct, impair, or hinder,
- enforcement of the law, the preservation of peace, abatement of a fire, or medical treatment / emergency assistance
Some common examples of obstructing peace officers include making verbal threats to hurt police, trying to stop an arrest, going beyond yellow police tape without authorization, or providing law enforcement with false information.
Even if a person believes a peace officer is acting illegally or overly harsh, interfering with them while they conduct their business is considered unlawful. Additionally, physically harming a police dog or trying to keep one from sniffing for drugs can result in obstructing police charges.
Can You Go to Jail for Obstructing Police in El Paso County?
An accusation of obstructing an officer can result in a class 2 misdemeanor charge in Colorado Springs. When a defendant is found guilty by a jury or a judge, they can be sentenced to 3 – 12 months in county jail. Sometimes, a judge may grant probation based on a few key factors. They will examine the severity of the defendant’s offense and any prior criminal history before reaching a verdict.
El Paso County Criminal Defense Attorney
A charge of obstructing police in El Paso County can be difficult to successfully navigate. Any crime where the alleged victim is a peace officer requires careful, strategic representation from a skilled defense lawyer. We have decades of combined experience defending clients charged with police involved crimes in Colorado.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing accusations throughout El Paso County.
If you or someone you know is facing obstructing a peace officer charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly skilled defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Fred Moon