Harassment charges in Douglas County can stem from many different behaviors and actions. Whether by stalking, cyberbullying, or repeatedly calling someone you intend to harass, annoy, or frighten another person, criminal charges can follow. Harassment in Castle Rock, Parker, and Highlands Ranch is a misdemeanor offense that has amplified penalties if the conduct is because of another person’s race or religion. Consulting an experienced harassment defense lawyer is especially essential if facing accusations or charges.
Douglas County’s Harassment Law
C.R.S. 18-9-111 defines the specific elements of Harassment in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker. The law states:
A person commits harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she:
- (a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact; or
- (b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person; or
- (c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or
- (e) Directly or indirectly initiates communication with a person or directs language toward another person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telephone network, data network, text message, instant message, computer, computer network, or computer system, or other interactive electronic medium in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium that is obscene; or
- (f) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate conversation; or
- (g) Makes repeated communications at inconvenient hours that invade the privacy of another and interfere in the use and enjoyment of another’s home or private residence or other private property; or
- (h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.
Can You Go to Jail for Harassment in Colorado?
The ramifications of a harassment conviction in Douglas County depend on the specific facts of the case. Typically, harassment is a class 2 misdemeanor potentially resulting in up to 120 days in county jail, as well as fines of $50 – $750.
However, if the harassment involved following another in a public place or was due to someone’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, a class 1 misdemeanor applies. Punishments may include 364 days in county jail as well as fines of up to $1,000.
Douglas County Harassment Defense Lawyer
Criminal harassment in Douglas County has many elements that require the expertise of a particularly strategic defense attorney. Perhaps you didn’t touch or threaten anyone or your communication is protected constitutionally. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your harassment case, as well as suggest next steps.
Don’t talk to police about harassment allegations – talk to us. 303-265-1950
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