Impersonating police in Jefferson County, Colorado is a crime that goes beyond dressing up like a police officer. Acts of pretending to be police coupled with giving fake credentials, pulling someone over, or making an arrest are what can lead to charges. Simply falsely creating a belief in others that you’re a cop and taking action in that role is unlawful throughout Jefferson, Denver, and Adams County. Contact our office right away if you’re being accused of impersonating police. Below we discuss impersonating a peace officer in greater detail and how our criminal lawyers can help those facing allegations.
Jefferson County Police Impersonation Law
Jefferson County’s police impersonation law prohibits specific acts of pretending to be law enforcement. CRS 18-8-112 addresses impersonation of a peace officer throughout the state of Colorado. You commit police impersonation in Lakewood, Arvada, or Littleton if you:
- falsely pretend to be a police officer,
- AND perform an act while assuming that role
While dressing like police for Halloween isn’t unlawful, doing something a cop would do in their official capacity while in your costume could justify criminal charges. Directing traffic, trying to arrest someone, or showing fabricated credentials could qualify as an act of impersonating a peace officer.
How Bad is Impersonating Police in Lakewood?
A conviction for impersonating law enforcement in Jefferson County can lead to a class 6 felony on your record. Penalties for this offense can include:
- an incarceration sentence of 12 – 18 months,
- 1 year of parole,
- fines of $1K – $100K
In some cases, defendants are accused of acting in this role to commit another crime as well such as assault, theft, or sexual assault. A felony conviction often leads to difficulty finding substantial employment, renting somewhere to live, and passing background checks.
Police Impersonation Lawyer in Jefferson, Denver, and Arapahoe County
An allegation of impersonating police can have a huge impact on your future. Felony offenses such as this require experienced, strategic representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. We have decades of combined experience representing defendants throughout Colorado and our results speak for themselves. Perhaps you weren’t impersonating an officer, you didn’t represent to anyone that you were a cop, or no actions were taken in that pretend role. That said, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique case, as well as recommend next steps in your defense. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make obtaining a determined defense attorney a reality in these uncertain times.
Don’t talk to police about impersonating a peace officer – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-830-0880.
Photo by Logan Weaver