Obstucting a Peace Officer
Charges in Douglas County, Colorado
If you make a Douglas County Sheriff’s job tougher, and they can’t find something else to charge you with, chances are they will charge you with Obstructing a Peace Officer, C.R.S. 18-8-104. This crime can be applied to so many scenarios, such as telling an officer the wrong direction of where someone ran, not giving an officer your name, or refusing to vacate a residence after receiving an eviction notice. Even locking a door, and thus creating an additional obstacle for a Castle Rock Police Officer, could result in Obstructing a Peace Officer (aka Obstruction) charges.
Castle Rock Definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-104
In Castle Rock, Lone Tree, and Parker, Colorado, the Definition of Obstructing a Peace Officer is as follows:
(1) (a) A person commits obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical service provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official authority; knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the prevention, control, or abatement of fire by a firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority; knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of medical treatment or emergency assistance by an emergency medical service provider or rescue specialist, acting under color of his or her official authority; or knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of emergency care or emergency assistance by a volunteer, acting in good faith to render such care or assistance without compensation at the place of an emergency or accident.
Example of Obstructing a Peace Officer in Colorado
Last year, a story that made national news involved a 22 year-old being charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer. Outside of a bar in Fort Collins, an police officer forced a woman to the ground after she resisted arrest, cussed at him, and hit him. Last month, The Coloradoan released an article informing the public that after a very lengthy court process including a mistrial and a delayed trial, the officer was cleared of any wrongdoing and the woman was found guilty. Part of the article that stood out to me was where the woman’s defense attorney is mentioned wishing that “the jurors were more understanding that people don’t respond “instantaneously” to police officers’ commands.” Especially in cases where the accused is drunk or under the influence of drugs, it is unreasonable for police officers to expect immediate response and obedience. When someone is confused and not completely cognitively present, it is understandable that they could be frightened and lash out or hesitate to respond.
Castle Rock Lawyer for Obstructing a Peace Officer
Call Us at 303-265-1950
If you are being charged with Obstructing a Peace Officer in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, or Sedalia, be smart. Exercise your right to remain silent and contact the criminal defense lawyers at O’Malley and Sawyer today at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
