Stalking charges in Arapahoe County can result when someone repeatedly takes actions against another causing serious emotional distress. This can include making threats, following a person, continuously approaching them, persistently contacting them by phone or text, or placing them under surveillance. Doing these things to someone’s family member or romantic partner is considered stalking as well. While some human interactions are often misunderstood, an allegation of stalking shouldn’t be taken lightly. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney today if you’ve been contacted by police or are facing allegations of this nature.
Arapahoe County Stalking Law
Arapahoe County’s stalking law prohibits specific predatory behaviors in Aurora, Centennial, and Englewood. CRS 18-3-602 defines this serious crime throughout Colorado. Someone commits stalking if they:
- make a credible threat towards another,
- AND in connection to that threat,
- repeatedly contact, communicate with, approach, or follow that person or their intimate partner or family
Additionally, these behaviors void of a credible threat can lead to stalking charges as well if the actions could and do cause serious emotional distress in the alleged victim. With a high percentage of communication done electronically, aggressive or malicious emails, texts, posts, and direct messages can lead to stalking charges.
Will I Go to Jail for Stalking in Aurora?
Each and every stalking case is different. Penalties for conviction won’t always look the same. There are certain factors that can aggravate this charge. For a first time offense, stalking is a class 5 felony. As an extraordinary risk crime, defendants face:
- up to 4 years in prison,
- fines of $1K – $100K,
- 2 years of parole
However, the prison sentence can as much as double for a second or subsequent stalking offense within 7 years. Stalking in violation of a protection order or condition of probation / parole is also a class 4 felony.
What to Do if Charged with Stalking in Colorado
The first step is to exercise your right to remain silent when contacted or confronted by police. Providing them with statements or information about the case usually has no benefits, only detriments. Next, connect with a skilled criminal lawyer. Perhaps you only communicated once, didn’t threaten anyone, or it didn’t cause serious emotional distress. That said, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique situation and recommend next steps in your defense, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make determined representation a reality in these uncertain times.
Don’t talk to the police about stalking charges – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-731-0719.
Photo by Craig Whitehead