Stalking in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker is a more serious act than harassment. While closely related, stalking involves repeated behaviors after a credible threat or those that cause serious emotional distress. Stalking may occur online, in-person, or from a distance and is a felony offense throughout Douglas, Elbert, and Arapahoe County. These repetitious acts against a person’s intimate partner or immediate family also qualify as stalking and are just as costly. Contact an experienced stalking lawyer today if you’re facing accusations of this nature anywhere in Colorado.
Douglas County’s Stalking Law
Douglas County’s stalking law makes specific, continuous behavior towards another unlawful. CRS 18-3-602 (Vonnie’s Law) defines the elements of this crime and what law enforcement looks for when investigating. Police will pursue charges if they believe you:
- repeatedly approached, contacted, communicated with, placed under surveillance, or followed
- a person, their romantic partner, or immediate family member
- after making a credible threat or in way that causes emotional distress
The term repeatedly in these cases simply means more than once. Texts, social media, and emails are often the forms of communication where stalking occurs. However, following people in public or having others do so isn’t uncommon either. This offense can occur in public, privately, in your home, or at work.
How Serious is Stalking in Douglas County?
Stalking is a class 5 felony throughout Colorado but can escalate to a class 4 felony under certain circumstances. As an extraordinary risk crime, a conviction can lead to:
- a prison sentence of up to 4 years,
- fines of $1K – $100K,
- 2 years of parole
However, if this is your second stalking case within 7 years, the prison sentence can double. This longer sentencing also applies if stalking is done on probation or parole or in violation of a protection order.
How to Fight Stalking Charges in 2021 and Beyond
As our world becomes more and more digitally enhanced, committing stalking doesn’t take much. Just because you’ve been charged, however, doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Perhaps no threats occurred, your statements are being exaggerated, or no one suffered serious emotional distress.
Contact our office today to speak with a highly-rated stalking lawyer. We will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and suggest next steps in your defense.
Don’t talk to police about stalking allegations – talk to us. 303-265-1950
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