When someone uses threats or their actions to strike fear in another in Arvada, Lakewood, or Golden, menacing charges can follow. This specific crime can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts of the situation. Your intent to legitimately scare someone is essential for the prosecutor to prove, as the threat itself isn't always enough to convict someone. Many of these cases also include a domestic violence enhancement because the threats or actions are against a current or former romantic interest. Contact an Arvada lawyer for menacing charges if you've been accused in Jefferson County or in Westminster or Broomfield.

What Does Menacing Mean in Colorado?

Colorado law prohibits threatening remarks or actions towards another that lead to significant fear. CRS 18-3-206 defines both misdemeanor and felony menacing throughout Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek County. Law enforcement will look to charge if they believe you:

• by any threat or physical action,
• placed or attempted to place,
• someone in fear of serious bodily injury

A defendant's intent and conduct is crucial to the prosecutor in menacing cases. If a person was aware their behavior or words would cause fear, the case against them becomes stronger. However, menacing is sometimes overcharged when an alleged victim takes statements out of context or exaggerates the severity of what was said or done.

Changes to Sentencing for Menacing in 2022 

Menacing charges that didn't involve a deadly weapon were usually a class 3 misdemeanor in Colorado. However, beginning March 1st, 2022, these acts are a class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction can now lead to:

• up to 12 months in county jail,
• a maximum fine of $1,000

Menacing cases that involve use of a firearm, knife, or bludgeon (real or simulated), are a class 5 felony. Defendants in these cases face up to 3 years in prison and fines of $1K - $100K. A felony menacing conviction creates several other hurdles as well when it comes to employment, renting a place to live, and approval for loans.

Jefferson County's Top Menacing Lawyer

When it comes to menacing allegations in Arvada, Westminster, or Broomfield, Sawyer Legal Group is here to help. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have decades of combined experience successfully navigating charges throughout Colorado and our reviews speak for themselves.

Maybe your statements weren't necessarily threats, you were acting in self-defense, or a weapon wasn't involved in the situation. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing criminal accusations throughout Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Broomfield, Idaho Springs, and Blackhawk.

Don't talk to the police about menacing charges - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Afif Kusuma