Making threats or committing acts that are meant to strike fear in others can be considered menacing in Thornton, Commerce City, and Brighton. The intent behind your words or actions are an integral element to this offense. Threatening statements are often misunderstood or used to get revenge for prior conflicts. However, a call to law enforcement from someone claiming you’ve made criminal threats can quickly lead to charges. Furthermore, if the situation involves a current or former romantic interest, domestic violence enhancements can apply. If you’re being accused of menacing in Westminster, Broomfield, or Adams County, contact an experienced criminal lawyer right away.
Adams County Menacing
Adams County’s menacing law prohibits threats and acts meant to make someone fear serious injury. CRS 18-3-206 is the criminal code that addresses menacing in Broomfield, Westminster, and Thornton:
(1) “A person commits the crime of menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.”
Prosecutors often try to show that the defendant was aware their threats or acts would cause fear. Just because the victim was afraid, however, doesn’t mean the other person is guilty of menacing. Displaying or using a deadly weapon in these situations will cause the charge to amplify significantly.
How Bad is Menacing in Colorado?
Each and every menacing case is different. The consequences of a conviction won’t always be the same. Cases where a deadly weapon isn’t involved are often a class 1 misdemeanor, possibly resulting in:
- a county jail sentence of up to 12 months,
- fines of up to $1K
However, the display or use of a deadly weapon increases the charge to a class 5 felony. Sentencing in these cases can include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and thousands in fines.
Menacing Defense Attorney
Menacing comes in many shapes and sizes. Strategic representation is a must for those facing accusations. We have decades of combined experience fighting menacing charges throughout Westminster, Broomfield, and Adams County. We’re prepared for your unique case and our results speak for themselves. Perhaps your statements weren’t threats, you didn’t realize your words or actions would scare anyone, or you were acting in self-defense. That said, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation by phone, video conference, or in-person. We will carefully analyze your unique situation, as well as suggest next steps. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make obtaining a defense attorney a possibility for the accused.
Don’t talk to the police about menacing allegations – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-731-0719
Photo by Dmitry Vechorko