The combination of a credible threat and repeated behavior can result in stalking charges in and around Denver. If a person you've been messaging, calling, or following around feels emotional distress or fear, police will look for elements of stalking. This even applies to behavior toward that person's immediate family or their intimate partner. While many envision stalking as someone following closely behind another person as they go about their day, this particular offense becomes more complex in our digital world. With constant connectedness, it doesn't take much for an allegation to come about from a colleague, friend, or even worse, someone you dated. If you're being accused of these behaviors in Colorado, it's time to speak with an experienced Denver stalking attorney today.

What Leads to Stalking Charges in Colorado?

Colorado's stalking laws prohibit persistent, unwanted communication towards someone that causes distress or fear. CRS 18-3-602 is the criminal code that defines the crime of stalking in Denver, Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Adams County. Law enforcement will pursue a stalking charge if they believe you:

• repeatedly approached, contacted, communicated with, followed, or placed under surveillance,
• a person, their immediate family, or intimate partner,
• in connection with a credible threat,
• OR in a manner that causes serious emotional distress 

Any communication by phone, text, email, or in-person that fits this criteria can end in criminal charges. In cases where this occurs against someone you've had an intimate relationship with, domestic violence enhancements become a factor. All it takes for this communication to be done repeatedly is more than once.

How Serious is a Stalking Allegation in Denver?

Each stalking case in Colorado is unique. Consequences for a conviction won't always look similar. Stalking is an extraordinary risk crime and at minimum a class 5 felony, potentially resulting in:

• a prison sentence of up to 4 years,
• 2 years of parole,
• fines of $1K - $100K

However, a stalking offense within 7 years of a prior stalking conviction elevates to a class 4 felony. This also applies when done in violation of a protection order or a condition of probation / parole. This prison sentence in these situations can double, an additional year of parole is added, and the fine range increases to $2K - $500K.

Why Defendants Need a Denver Stalking Attorney

With impactful ramifications looming in stalking cases, contacting a determined criminal defense attorney early on is essential. Remember, just because you've been accused or charged doesn't mean you're guilty. Perhaps threats were not made, the contact only happened once, or the alleged victim didn't suffer serious emotional distress. Nonetheless, contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. An experienced criminal lawyer will carefully analyze your case, hear your side of the story, and suggest next steps. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for defendants facing felony or misdemeanor charges in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Arvada, Thornton, and Boulder.

Talk to us about stalking allegations - not the police. 303-830-0880

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio