False Imprisonment charges in Arapahoe County can result from situations where someone unlawfully detains another without that person's consent. Wrongful detention accusations in Aurora, Centennial, and Englewood can drastically impact a person's future. Earlier this year, a Colorado man was arrested on false imprisonment charges after law enforcement responded to a domestic dispute. Any accusations of holding a person somewhere against their will requires immediate representation from a skilled false imprisonment lawyer.

What is a False Imprisonment Charge in Colorado?

C.R.S. 18-3-303 addresses False Imprisonment in Colorado's counties. Someone commits this crime in Aurora, Littleton, or Centennial if they:

• knowingly confine or detain someone,
• without legal authority to do so

This doesn't apply to law enforcement officers acting in good faith regarding their duties. It isn't uncommon for false imprisonment charges to also include the domestic violence sentence enhancer in Arapahoe County. In situations where someone threatens or uses force, consequences amplify. Additionally, confining or detaining a person for 12+ hours adds to the penalties as well.

What is the Sentence for False Imprisonment in Arapahoe County?

False Imprisonment can be either a misdemeanor or felony in Arapahoe County. In situations where threats or use of force are absent, misdemeanor penalties can include:

• 3 – 12 months in county jail,
• fines of $250 – $1,000

However, if the actor threatens force or uses force, the following felony punishments can apply:

• 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• fines of $1,000 – $100,000

A criminal record can have other particularly negative impacts on your life beyond periods of incarceration and substantial fines. Issues concerning background checks, certain professional licenses, and also applications for adequate housing can all be potential obstacles for criminal convictions in Colorado.

Arapahoe County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Consulting a skilled Arapahoe County False Imprisonment lawyer early on in a case can be of especially great benefit to defendants. We have decades of experience representing clients facing complex misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Colorado. Our impressive results truly speak for themselves. Perhaps the person claiming detainment was able to leave at any point or you didn't threaten or use force. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation where we will provide the careful analysis your unique case deserves. We will suggest next steps, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome.

If you or someone you know is being accused of false imprisonment, be smart. Contact the top criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Frank Busch