Stalking charges in Douglas County, Colorado can result from repeated acts that make another person fearful. If a person threatens someone or a member of that individual’s family and proceeds to continuously communicate, serious criminal charges can follow.

In the digital age, this offense can also be committed entirely electronically through acts of cyberstalking. Whether you’re accused of following someone through a park every weekend or texting them over and over, representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney is essential to your future.

2 Specific Elements of Stalking in Colorado

Making a substantial threat followed by specific repeated behavior (more than once) are two key elements of stalking in Colorado. C.R.S. 18-3-602 defines the violations of stalking in Douglas County. You commit this crime in Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch if you:

• make a credible threat against another,
• AND in connection to that threat continuously approach, contact, try to communicate with, or follow,
• that individual, their intimate partner, or a member of their family

Additionally, acts of repeatedly following, approaching, contacting, placing under surveillance, or communicating with someone in a way that would cause serious emotional distress is also stalking. The alleged victim in these situations does in fact have to experience this distress for charges to result.

Is Stalking Always a Felony in Colorado?

A stalking charge is a class 5 felony in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, and Parker. This extraordinary risk crime comes with amplified punishments for conviction. If it is a defendant’s first stalking offense and they aren’t violating conditions of probation / parole or a protection order, possible penalties include:

• up to 5 years in prison,
• a minimum fine of $1,000,
• 2 years of parole

However, there are two scenarios that make the offense a class 4 felony and can significantly add to the period of incarceration and fine amounts:

• if the defendant is violating a protection order,
• or a condition of probation or parole

Colorado Defense Attorney for Stalking Charges

An allegation of stalking in Douglas County requires swift response from a defendant. Rather than trying to explain yourself to police or investigators, exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact an experienced defense lawyer for a free consultation.

We will carefully analyze your unique case and recommend next steps in your defense, all while making your best possible outcome the priority.

Don’t talk to police about accusations of stalking – talk to us. 303-265-1950

Photo by Davide Cantelli