Criminal Impersonation occurs in Douglas County, Colorado when a person pretends to be someone else as a means of gaining benefit of some kind. Sometimes this offense is known as false impersonation. Behaviors such as taking money from someone via fraud or pretending to be someone else to avoid a traffic ticket can be charged as criminal impersonation.
A wide range of consequences exist for a conviction of criminal impersonation in Colorado. Consulting an experienced criminal impersonation lawyer is critical if you or someone you know is facing charges.
What is Criminal Impersonation in Douglas County, CO?
C.R.S. 18-5-113 defines the conduct of Criminal Impersonation in Colorado. Someone commits this crime when they:
- knowingly assume a false identity while,
- marrying or pretending to marry another person (who is unaware of the falseness),
- posting bail or surety for a person in a court action, civil or criminal,
- sign a legal document which by law might be recorded, with the intent to pass off the document as true,
- perform an act that if completed by the person being impersonated, would result in legal or financial penalty,
- perform an act to unlawfully gain a benefit for themselves, or another, or to injure / defraud another person
Punishment for Criminal Impersonation in Douglas County
Conviction of criminal impersonation in Colorado can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on specific facts of the case. For example, knowingly assuming a fake identity that could subject another to liability is a misdemeanor offense. Possible ramifications in these cases can include:
- up to 364 days in county jail,
- a maximum fine of $1K
Felony criminal impersonation involves knowingly assuming a fake identity and getting married, confessing a judgement, or becoming a bail or surety. Potential consequences may include:
- 12 – 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
- a fine of $1,000 – $100,000.
Additionally, a Colorado felony on your record can lead to other damaging issues. Problems with passing background checks, applying for specific licenses, finding gainful employment, or even obtaining a loan can all become your reality. Furthermore, those close to you or know of your offense can make negative assumptions about your character and trustworthiness.
With steep penalties such as these, reaching out to a skilled criminal defense attorney is the best course of action.
Douglas County Criminal Impersonation Lawyer
In order to successfully fight criminal impersonation charges, a determined defense attorney should be consulted early on in the process. The facts matter in each and every case and vital evidence must be preserved as soon as possible.
In order to achieve the best outcome, it is crucial that defendants:
- not speak with law enforcement,
- or provide statements of any kind
Doing so can only hurt your case. Instead, contact our reputable defense lawyers for a free consultation. We will sit down with you to discuss your unique situation and outline next steps.
Don’t talk to police about criminal impersonation – talk to us. 303-731-0719
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