Menacing in Colorado occurs whenever someone uses a threat or action to place (or attempt to place) another person in fear of serious injury. Often charged alongside Assault and / or Domestic Violence, menacing can be a misdemeanor or felony in Jefferson County. Unfortunately, a charge of menacing can result from simply saying something out of line that is misunderstood by others. Expert defense from a skilled menacing lawyer is essential if you're facing charges.

What is Menacing in Lakewood, CO?

C.R.S. 18-3-206 defines the circumstances of Menacing in Jefferson County, Colorado. A person commits the crime of menacing in Wheat Ridge when:

• by threat or physical action,
• someone places or attempts to place another person,
• in fear of imminent serious bodily injury

It is important to note that serious bodily injury is integral to menacing. Either at the time of injury or at a later time, serious bodily injury includes:

• substantial risk of death or serious permanent disfigurement,
• substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body,
• breaks, fractures, or burns of the 2nd or 3rd degree

While threatening harm isn't exactly threatening serious bodily injury, law enforcement, juries, and courts seem to blur the lines. Therefore, threatening any form of injury can lead to a damaging charge.

Sentencing for Menacing in Jefferson County, CO

The criminal threat of menacing is a misdemeanor in Colorado if there wasn't a deadly weapon involved. Sentencing parameters for conviction can be up to 12 months in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. If a deadly weapon (or something that resembles a deadly weapon) is either displayed or used, menacing can become a class 5 felony. Consequences may include 1 – 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $100,000.

Jefferson County Menacing Lawyer

The facts of each specific menacing case are especially crucial to forming a strong defense. This is why we encourage potential clients to contact us for a free initial consultation. Perhaps the statements you made weren't threats at all and misunderstood. Maybe you didn't have a weapon or if you did, it wasn't deadly. It is of the utmost importance that anyone accused or charged with menacing speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Preserving vital evidence and outlining a path to a best possible outcome can make a massive difference in your unique case. Finally, we highly recommend that you not speak with law enforcement or provide statements of any kind. While police and investigators pretend to want “your side of the story,” they're often just accumulating evidence to bolster a conviction.

If you or someone you know is facing menacing charges, be smart. Contact the highly rated defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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