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Harassment is one of the broadest charges an individual can face in Colorado, and it’s often used against someone when the police or the district attorney can’t find other criminal charges to pursue.

While many conflicts that result in harassment charges are minor, associated misdemeanor or felony convictions can have life-changing consequences. The Denver criminal defense lawyers at Wolf Law have extensive experience in harassment cases, and we take harassment charges very seriously—even if they stem from a seemingly trivial event.

If you’re facing harassment charges in Colorado, call Wolf Law at 720-479-8574 or contact us online for a free consultation.

How Does Colorado Define Harassment?

infograph about harassment charges in ColoradoColorado’s revised statute defines harassment in broad strokes, but it does specify that the perpetrator’s intent must be to harass, annoy or alarm another person.

Once intent is established, harassment may apply to:

  • Hitting, shoving, kicking, or other physical contact
  • Obscene language or gestures directed at another in a public place
  • Following another in a public place
  • Repeated phone calls with no intention of conversation
  • Engaging communication at inconvenient hours that interferes with the use and expected privacy of a person’s residence or private property
  • Persistent insults, taunts, challenges, or coarse language that is likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response

Colorado’s harassment statute defines certain terms in more detail. For example, “obscene” is defined as “a patently offensive description of ultimate sexual acts or solicitation to commit ultimate sexual acts…” Whether or not the acts are real or simulated, and regardless of whether the stated acts come to fruition is irrelevant for harassment charges to be filed.

Digital Harassment: Kiana Arellano’s law

In 2015, Colorado state legislators approved House Bill 1072, also known as Kiana Arellano’s Law. The law is named after a Highlands Ranch teen who was the victim of frequent cyberbullying attacks. She attempted suicide and survived, but was left permanently disabled.

Kiana Arellano’s Law was added to the harassment statute because lawmakers agreed that cyberbullying could transform into criminal harassment. The law prohibits obscene language, or language intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage toward another person, anonymously or otherwise, by:

  • Telephone
  • Data network
  • Text or instant message
  • Computer or computer network
  • Other interactive electronic medium (such as social media)

Colorado Harassment Penalties

infograph representation of harassment penalties in ColoradoHarassment alone is charged as a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $750 and six months in county jail.

Harassment, however, becomes a class 1 misdemeanor if the perpetrator “commits harassment … with the intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin.” Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Although harassment itself is a misdemeanor, it can escalate to potential felony charges. Harassment and stalking, for example, share similarities as criminal acts, but the penalties for stalking are more severe. A first-time stalking charge is a class 5 felony that is punishable by up to three years in jail and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Legal Defense for Harassment Charges

There are several legitimate defenses available to combat criminal harassment based on the circumstances of the charges. Defenses in Colorado harassment cases include but are not limited to:

  • The accused did not make the communication as reported
  • The accused made no physical contact with the alleged victim
  • The accused did to intend to annoy, harm, or alarm anyone
  • The communication in question was not obscene or offensive
  • The described harassment was not motivated by race, religion, ancestry, or national origin
  • The communication was constitutionally protected (i.e., political protest, customer complaint, etc.)

Colorado’s harassment statute is specific in that it is “not intended to infringe upon any right guaranteed to any person by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or to prevent the expression of any religious, political, or philosophical views.”

If you’ve been charged with harassment in Colorado, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the intricacies of the state’s harassment law. Please call Wolf Law at 720-479-8574 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation.

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At first I was unsure, working with attorneys can be so stressful and difficult to gauge if they can help you effectively. I used this firm for two different cases and I was glad that they were reasonable and didn’t tell me falsehoods. Straight to the point and don’t promise you rainbows and butterflies. That is what you want: a straight up lawyer who doesn’t give you nonsense. Be patient, they will help you and you can feel like they forgot; but that’s just how this stuff goes. Court cases take time and they have many clients, its nothing personal. When we went to court everything was laid out for me to understand and I think they prepared for each task. Each case was handled professionally and they answered all my questions. Thank you, Cassandra and Colleen

— Anonymous

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I happened to find Jeff through a Google search for a DUI lawyer and I would have to say I really lucked out. I had heard horror stories about attorneys that overcharged their clients and that they would send others to represent them in court. From the initial phone call he helped me understand the process and prepared me for what was ahead. Having never needed a lawyer he was patient and made sure I understood everything before making any decisions. Jeff always made me feel like I was on the same level as him which I really appreciated. Jeff always prepared me for the worst, but in the end with his hard work and suggestions beforehand he managed to get me a pretty good deal. The best advice I could give is to be informed and START EVERYTHING right away. I would also say to hire a lawyer that you can relate to and that you trust. Don’t waste your money on someone that isn’t going to give you the personal attention you deserve. I would gladly recommend Jeff Wolf! He is down to earth and I never felt judged. He gave it to me straight and without hiring him I don’t know where I’d be. Thanks Jeff!

— Issac

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I wanted to take a moment and give a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Wolf Law (and Colleen Kelley specifically)!

I had contacted Wolf Law recently regarding a previous offense and legal registration questions. This was for Sex Offender De-registration for the State of Colorado. After taking the time to review my case, my information, etc. etc, Wolf Law was able to take my case.

Considering the amount of time and effort involved to be removed, I am extremely grateful for Colleen Kelly/Wolf Law’s assistance in the matter.

After almost a decade, I was removed from the registry, and can now put a long chapter of my life behind me.

I would give Wolf Law 50 stars out of 10 if I could.

Again, THANK YOU Wolf Law for all your assistance and help in this matter!

I would very very very much recommend Wolf Law for your legal needs and/or situations. Please take a moment to contact them if you need to!

— Anonymous

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Jeff is the best attorney my husband and I have used. He actually cared about what was best for my family. He actually fought for my husband and was on his side. He listened to my husband and made us feel like he was on our side and we could trust him with my husband’s future. I suggest to anyone looking for an attorney to put your trust in Jeff, he got us the best deal ever.

— Raena

Wolf Law Office Amazing team!!!

I had been referred to Jeff from a family member and sure glad I was. Jeff takes his time to make sure I was aware of what is going on. Very kind and professional, great at what he does on helping people. Thank you Jeff for all your hard work.

Also thank you to Cassandra for also handling the DMV side I can’t tank you enough for helping me with that also.

— Jordan M.

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Jeffrey Wolf handled my traffic violation in a highly professional manner, giving it the same consideration and time as a more challenging case, during a very stressful time in my life. As soon as the accident happened, he was there to offer advice and help. He went to court for me, so I would not have to take time off of work to go. His care and concern for my well-being was top-notch. Thank you so much, Jeff!

— Carol P.

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I contacted Wolf Law about a question of law for a personal situation. I was quoted a fee and a timeline for the research. I was contacted by Cassandra Monahan from Wolf Law well within the estimated timeline. She presented an overview of her research and how it affected my situation. Her briefing was clear, concise, and while she cited a couple of relevant cases, the information was easily understandable by a non-lawyer. I am very satisfied with the work result and the value.

— Daniel H.

Helped Me Through a Rough Time!

I became quite the habitual traffic offender with two speeding tickets and one ticket with two charges totaling 12 points. Jeff brought the 12-pointer down to a 3-pointer and a small fine, and saved my license with the two other tickets at bay. I had a lot of trauma at the time of the tickets, and he not once judged me. He is quick to respond to a call or email or text and walks you through each process. I am so glad I listened to earlier reviews because he made this process so much easier. I would definitely recommend him to anyone dealing with similar infractions and problems!

— Tiffany

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Mr. Wolf was recommended to me through my cousin. I was facing a very serious legal matter and Mr. Wolf was amazing. He explained everything to me in detail. He listened to my questions and was very helpful. I am so thankful that he was my lawyer.

— Amy K

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Jeffrey Wolf was very professional, helped me feel better through an extremely scary process, and the serious case reached a favorable outcome. Highly recommend.

— JT