Colorado Springs Harassment Lawyer

Helping You Understand Your Options

Colorado law has provided several different ways for harassment to occur. However, in all harassment cases, there must first be an “intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person.” C.R.S. 18-9-111 (2017).

Examples of harassment under Colorado law include “following a person in or about a public place.” Id. Direct or indirect communication with a person (anonymously or otherwise) by means of text messaging, telephone, instant message, or other electronic medium in a manner intended to harass, annoy, or threaten injury would also be considered harassment under the current statute. The criminal harassment statute even goes so far as to make it unlawful to cause a telephone to ring repeatedly when there is no purpose of legitimate conversation.

The Colorado courts have held the harassment statute to be a permissible limitation on free expression. See People ex rel. VanMeveren v. County Court, 551 P.2d 716 (1976). Therefore, keep in mind “the freedom of speech” does not permit a person to engage in blatant acts of harassment as codified in Colorado law.

If you are facing these types of charges, our harassment attorney in Colorado Springs may be able to help. Call Patterson Weaver Law, LLC at (719) 215-8049 today to begin with a free initial consultation.

What Are the Penalties for Harassment?

Harassment is typically charged as a Class 3 misdemeanor. Punishment for harassment as a class 3 misdemeanor can include up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine between $50 and $750.

Harassment becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor when the intent to harass was based on a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. Punishment for a Class 1 misdemeanor can include a range of 6-18 months in jail (24 months if it is an extraordinary risk offense) and/or a fine between $500 and $5000.

Harassment and Third-Degree Assault are often charged together in domestic violence cases. These cases can become particularly tricky and require an experienced criminal trial attorney to ensure all the appropriate defenses are pursued.

How Can a Harassment Conviction Affect Me?

A criminal harassment conviction could result in many negative implications for your everyday life. Harassment convictions do show up on background checks and could affect your reputation, employment, ability to get housing, and security clearance. Additionally, harassment is a common charge filed in domestic violence cases. In such a situation, the charge can result in the permanent loss of your Second Amendment rights.

What Can I Do?

If you are charged with harassment contact an attorney experienced in defending criminal harassment cases immediately. Attorney Patterson Weaver has significant experience defending all types of harassment allegations and would be happy to do a free consultation with you regarding your situation. Whether your case is categorized as domestic violence or not, these cases can cause significant harm to one’s life and future. Don’t take chances, and don’t try to handle a harassment charge alone.

Life happens. We can help. Contact our Colorado Springs harassment defense lawyer today to get started.