Criminal impersonation in Jefferson County, Colorado includes acts of unlawfully pretending to be another in an attempt to benefit in some way. If you take actions that make the person you’re pretending to be responsible, damaging criminal charges can follow. Sometimes individuals pretend to be another when pulled over by police to avoid a ticket or arrest. Any allegation of criminal impersonation in Colorado requires consulting an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Jefferson County Criminal Impersonation Law
Jefferson County’s criminal impersonation law prohibits certain actions when a citizen pretends to be someone else for benefit. C.R.S. 18-5-113 describes these specific violations. You commit criminal impersonation in Lakewood, Arvada, or Golden if, pretending to be another person, you:
- marry or pretend to marry someone without them knowing you’re someone else,
- post bail for someone in a civil or criminal case,
- sign a legal document that may be recorded,
- perform an act that could result in legal or financial penalty,
- do something to unlawfully gain benefit or injure / defraud someone
Criminal impersonation is also closely tied to the crime of identity theft. When someone takes out a line of credit as someone else, substantial ramifications exist as well. Two specific ways to avoid criminal impersonation charges is to always seek authorization to use another person’s name or credit and avoid telling police you’re someone else when pulled over.
Is Criminal Impersonation a Felony in Colorado?
Each criminal impersonation case is different in Colorado. The specific facts of the case determine the ramifications. Impersonation is a class 6 felony in Jefferson County that can result in:
- up to 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- fines of $1,000 – $100,000,
- 12 months of parole
Additionally, convicted felons face issues with background checks, finding stable employment, obtaining loans, and general distrust from their community. Don’t let a prosecutor or police scare you into taking an unfair plea deal. Call a defense attorney with your best possible outcome in mind.
Jefferson County’s Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
It is essential that anyone contacted by law enforcement about criminal impersonation exercise their right to remain silent. Providing statements or trying to explain yourself to police will only hurt your defense. Perhaps no impersonation occurred or no underlying crimes were committed. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing impersonation charges throughout Colorado.
If you or someone you know has been charged with criminal impersonation in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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