Obstruction of Telephone Service charges are frequently charged with Domestic Violence in Arapahoe and Jefferson County, and across Colorado. In fact, these charges were filed against the son of the Denver Broncos owner back in June, 2015. According to the news, the son's girlfriend called 911 to report that he shoved her against the wall in his home. When contacted by police, he made it seem like nothing was wrong. When police offered to escort his girlfriend out of the home, he rejected the offer and hung up the phone. As a result, he faces charges of Obstruction of Telephone Service and Domestic Violence.

Obstruction of Telephone Service in Denver

The definition of Obstruction of Telephone Service, C.R.S. 18-9-306.5, in Colorado is:

A person commits obstruction of telephone or telegraph service if the person knowingly prevents, obstructs, or delays, by any means whatsoever, the sending, transmission, conveyance, or delivery in this state of any message, communication, or report by or through any telegraph or telephone line, wire, cable, or other facility or cordless, wireless, electronic, mechanical, or other device.”

Since the Broncos owner's son hung up the phone call which was placed by the girlfriend to obtain help from police, he obstructed the call.  His conduct would be seen as preventing a message / communication over the phone. Obstruction of Telephone Service in Denver and Douglas County is normally a class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted of this crime, he faces up to eighteen months in the Adams County Jail.

Facing charges of Obstruction of Telephone Service?

Telephone Service Obstruction Charged with Other Crimes in Colorado

Like what happened to the son of the Broncos owner, many times Obstruction of Telephone Service gets charged alongside Domestic Violence or Criminal Mischief in Colorado. It's not difficult to face additional criminal charges, especially in the heat of the moment. For example, maybe a couple isn't getting along, and the husband becomes violent and hits his wife. Out of fear for safety, the victim (the wife) calls the police. This makes her husband even angrier, so he takes the phone away from her. This could be a situation where Domestic Violence charges are added to charges of Obstruction of Telephone Service.

Charged with Obstruction of Telephone Service? Contact a Denver Lawyer

Charges of Obstruction of Telephone Service in Denver and El Paso County require sufficient evidence to prove someone's guilt. A judge or jury cannot determine whether someone committed a crime, until the District Attorney presents proof beyond a reasonable doubt that someone knowingly prevented a phone communication. This is hard, unless a phone call is abruptly disconnected.  Otherwise, it is a he said – she said dispute that one person was attempting to place a call to police. As criminal defense lawyers in the Denver-metro area, we fight hard to present a solid defense to your jury.

Get Help Now

An Obstruction of Telephone Service and a Domestic Violence conviction can have a negative impact on your future. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call the best criminal defense lawyers today for a free initial consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation