Repeated behavior towards another can lead to stalking charges in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. This crime goes beyond harassment or simply being an annoyance. Allegations often include credible threats, continuous contact via text, phone, or social media, or claims that someone has been followed. Serious emotional distress is a key element that law enforcement looks for when speaking with an alleged victim. Occurring in private, public, and even the workplace, a stalking conviction comes with serious penalties. Talk to an experienced defense attorney today if facing a stalking accusation in Larimer or Weld County.
Larimer County Stalking Law
Larimer County’s stalking law prohibits specific, repetitive behaviors towards another person, their immediate family, or an intimate partner. CRS 18-3-602 describes the specific details of stalking throughout Colorado. Law enforcement in Fort Collins or Greeley will pursue charges if they believe you either:
- made a credible threat and repeatedly approached, contacted, communicated with, or followed someone, their immediate family, or intimate partner,
- or repeatedly followed, approached, contacted, placed under surveillance, or communicated with someone, their family member, or intimate partner in a way that causes serious emotional distress
Emails, phone calls, direct messages, and just about any type of communication can be considered unlawful if it meets the above criteria. Sometimes a messy breakup, affair, or difficult divorce can involve stalking behaviors. In these circumstances, a domestic violence enhancement will be added to the charge itself.
Is Stalking a Felony in Fort Collins?
Each stalking case in northern Colorado is unique. Penalties won’t always be the same. As a class 5 felony, a stalking conviction can lead to:
- a prison sentence of up to 4 years,
- fines of $1K – $100K,
- 2 years of parole
However, if stalking occurs as a violation of a protection order or a condition of probation / parole, a class 4 felony applies. This can potentially double the prison sentence and significantly add to the fine amounts.
Northern Colorado’s Top Criminal Defense Lawyers
When facing an allegation of stalking in Colorado, defendants need the best possible representation to protect their future. Our strategic criminal lawyers have decades of combined experience in Larimer, Weld, and Boulder County and are here to help the accused. Our reviews speak for themselves. Perhaps you didn’t make a threat, you were exaggerating, or no one suffered serious emotional distress. Nonetheless, contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense.
Don’t talk to the police about stalking accusations – talk to us. 303-731-0719
Photo by Alex Green