Under Colorado law, interference with law enforcement occurs when a person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders a peace officer or emergency responder acting under official authority. These cases often arise during arrests, emergency responses, accidents, or investigations and can result in criminal charges even when no physical violence occurs.
At Wolf Law in Denver, we defend individuals accused of obstructing a peace officer, interfering with emergency personnel, and related offenses across Colorado criminal courts. These cases frequently depend on split-second decisions, officer discretion, and disputed interpretations of what actually occurred during an encounter.
Wolf Law is proud to serve clients across Colorado with experienced, compassionate criminal defense built on teamwork, strategy, and courtroom excellence. Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley work side by side to lead the firm’s criminal defense practice, combining decades of trial experience and a shared commitment to protecting clients’ rights and futures. Known for his clear legal insight and national commentary on high-profile criminal cases, Jeff Wolf brings strategic perspective and thought leadership, while Colleen Kelley adds extensive courtroom experience and a steady, client-focused approach to complex criminal cases. Together, they reflect Wolf Law’s collaborative, client-centered approach to defending individuals at every stage of the criminal justice process.
What Is Interference With Law Enforcement Under Colorado Law?
Interference with law enforcement is governed by Colorado’s criminal code and applies when a person knowingly obstructs a peace officer, firefighter, rescue specialist, or emergency medical service provider while they are acting under color of law and performing official duties.
The offense focuses on conduct, not disagreement. A person may commit obstructing even without physical contact if their actions create an obstacle to lawful enforcement or emergency assistance.
Who Is Protected Under the Law?
Colorado law protects a broad range of individuals performing emergency or enforcement functions, including:
- Peace officers
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency medical service providers
- Rescue specialists
- Members of a private rescue agency acting in coordination with authorities
These individuals must be acting under official authority and within the regular course of their assigned duties.
What Does “Acting Under Official Authority” Mean?
A peace officer or emergency responder is acting under official authority when they are lawfully performing assigned duties, such as:
- Making an arrest
- Providing emergency care
- Rendering medical treatment
- Conducting fire prevention activities
- Securing an accident scene
- Responding to an emergency
If an officer acts outside that authority or uses excessive force, it may affect the defense.
Common Examples of Interference or Obstruction
A person commits obstructing a peace officer when they knowingly obstruct law enforcement through conduct such as:
- Physical interference with an arrest
- Threatening to use violence
- Using force or violence to impede enforcement
- Creating an obstacle during emergency assistance
- Interfering with medical treatment or emergency care
- Using an unmanned aircraft system to disrupt emergency operations
- Threatening emergency personnel or rescue specialists
Violence is not required, but violence, force, or physical interference significantly increases the seriousness of the charge.
Verbal Opposition vs. Criminal Interference
Colorado law distinguishes between verbal opposition and criminal obstruction.
- Person remained silent: Silence alone is not obstruction
- Verbal criticism or disagreement is generally protected
- However, verbal conduct that delays, hinders, or prevents enforcement may cross the line
Each case depends on context and surrounding facts.
Emergency Situations and Heightened Risk
Interference charges frequently arise during emergencies involving:
- Fires
- Accidents
- Medical emergencies
- Rescue operations
- Emergency assistance involving animals
Interfering with firefighters, emergency medical service providers, or rescue specialists during an emergency is treated seriously due to the risk to victims and responders.
Use of Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Colorado law specifically addresses interference using an unmanned aircraft system. A person may face criminal liability for operating a drone in a way that obstructs law enforcement, fire, or emergency services without permission.
Mental State: “Knowingly Obstructs”
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The person acted knowingly
- The peace officer or responder was acting under official authority
- The person’s conduct created interference or an obstacle
- The interference occurred during lawful enforcement or emergency services
Good faith misunderstandings may be relevant to the defense.
Penalties and Criminal Charges
Interference with law enforcement is typically charged as a misdemeanor, but penalties may include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- Probation
- Criminal record
If violence or threats are involved, additional charges may apply.
Common Defenses to Interference Charges
Effective criminal defense strategies may include:
- Lack of knowing conduct
- No physical interference or force
- Officer not acting under official authority
- Excessive force by law enforcement
- Self defense
- Good faith based actions
- Immediate compliance
Each defense depends on evidence, witness testimony, and context.
Why These Charges Are Taken Seriously
Interference charges protect the ability of law enforcement and emergency responders to perform critical services safely. However, these laws are sometimes applied too broadly, criminalizing behavior that does not truly obstruct enforcement.
Early legal defense is essential to prevent escalation and protect constitutional rights.
Speak With a Denver Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of interference with law enforcement in Colorado, the consequences can be serious, even for a misdemeanor offense. These cases often depend on interpretation of conduct and intent.
Wolf Law, based in Denver, Colorado, provides experienced criminal defense for obstruction, interference, and related charges. We analyze the facts, challenge unlawful enforcement actions, and protect your rights at every stage of the case.
Call 720.479.8574 today to schedule a free consultation with Wolf Law.
