Impersonating a peace officer in Denver is an offense that involves pretending to be a cop and acting in that role in some way. Simply dressing as a police officer is not a crime, but if you also pull someone over or show fake credentials, criminal charges can result. Earlier this month, a Colorado man was arrested for impersonating a peace officer after cameras caught him motioning a person to pull over and showing a fake badge. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away if you’ve been accused of pretending to be a police officer in Colorado.
Things to Know About Impersonating a Peace Officer in Colorado
C.R.S. 18-8-112 defines Colorado’s law on impersonating a peace officer. Someone commits this crime in Denver, Stapleton, or Lodo if they:
- falsely pretend to be a police officer,
- AND perform an act in that false role
Even if an offender isn’t dressed as a cop, certain statements or acts that would lead others to believe that someone is a police officer are unlawful. Rest assured, dressing as police for Halloween won’t lead to an arrest, but also doing something that law enforcement would do in their official capacity could. Presenting fake credentials, pulling someone over, directing traffic while pretending to be police, and trying to make an arrest (could also include false imprisonment) are all examples of actions that could lead to charges.
Is Impersonating a Police Officer a Felony in Denver?
Impersonating a peace officer is a class 6 felony throughout the state of Colorado. Conviction can lead to:
- up to a year and a half in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of $1,000 – $100,000,
- 1 year of parole
There are many other crimes often charged along side impersonation, including assault, fraud, and kidnapping.
With a felony on your record, you may experience difficulty finding and maintaining suitable housing, passing certain background checks for employment, and applying for specific licenses. Your trustworthiness and reputation are also in jeopardy, as society can be unforgiving to those with a criminal background.
Denver’s Best Criminal Defense Attorneys
A felony charge such as impersonating a peace officer requires strategic representation from a skilled defense attorney. Consulting an experienced lawyer early on has many benefits and can positively impact the outcome of a case. Look no further than Sawyer Legal Group, LLC for representation in your case. Perhaps you weren’t impersonating an officer or didn’t perform any acts that police would. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique situation and recommend next steps, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome.
If you or someone you know is facing impersonating a peace officer charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the aggressive defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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