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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Criminal Impersonation In Colorado, C.R.S. 18-5-113

Denver Criminal Impersonation: The Two Parts To Commit The Crime

Criminal impersonation in Denver, Colorado, does not mean you simply pretended to be someone else. If that is all that you did, your case will likely be dismissed before trial. To complete this crime, you must 1) pretend to be someone else and 2) do something to make that person responsible for your conduct or to benefit yourself at their expense. We often see impersonation charges in Denver for people who are pulled over by police and they pretend to be a friend or relative in order to avoid getting arrested (on an outstanding warrant) or getting a traffic ticket. They sign the ticket in the other person’s name, and they fail to come to court.

Definition Of Criminal Impersonation In Jefferson County, Colorado

Colorado criminal impersonation is defined in C.R.S. 18-5-113, and concerns people who pretend to be another and in that capacity marry someone, sign a legal document, file a legal document, subject another to civil or criminal penalties, or unlawfully seek to gain a benefit for himself/herself or another. This crime is a Class 6 felony in Jefferson County, Colorado, and that means it is punishable by fine or imprisonment in prison. Being convicted of a felony will have serious consequences for any person, including difficulty finding employment and housing.

Arapahoe County Identity Theft, Theft And Fraud/Forgery Rolled Into One

We have also seen criminal impersonation charges closely associated with identity theft in Colorado. The identity theft crime involves a larger-scale deception whereby a person takes out credit in the name of another. Some defendants have received loans for houses or personal property, like cars and other recreational vehicles. With this scope of deception and planning, judges and district attorneys are less likely to approve of a probation sentence and will likely seek prison time for the theft and fraud/forgery.

Criminal Impersonation In Douglas County And Adams County, Colorado

To protect yourself from the harsh consequences of criminal impersonation, be careful to always get the permission of someone before using their name or credit.  Never pretend to be someone else when police stops you for a traffic violation. Finally, never talk with police if they start asking you questions about your behavior. Finally, get a free consultation to learn whether you can win your criminal impersonation charges, or whether a plea agreement is the best way out. During our no-obligation meeting, we will explore the criminal court process, with an emphasis on challenges and solutions you will likely encounter in court.

If you or someone you love is facing the possibility that police will file criminal impersonation charges, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and call us at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.

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