Threats or actions that strike legitimate fear in another person can lead to menacing charges in Greeley and throughout Weld County. Making criminal threats to hurt someone or another close to them is even more serious if a deadly weapon is involved in some way. While we all say things we don't necessarily mean in heated situations, the person on the receiving end may contact police or inform someone close to them who feels law enforcement should be involved. If you or someone you know has been accused of making threats like these in northern Colorado, contacting an experienced menacing lawyer is important.

Weld County Menacing Law

Weld County's menacing law prohibits intentionally placing another in fear of serious injury. CRS 18-3-206 defines the crime of menacing throughout Weld, Larimer, and Boulder County. Law enforcement will pursue a charge if they believe you:

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

The use of a deadly weapon coupled with menacing escalates the case drastically. A reveal of a gun, knife, metal tool, or other item that resembles a deadly weapon increases the offense from misdemeanor menacing to felony menacing.

How Serious is Menacing in Greeley? 

Each menacing case in Weld County is unique. Consequences for a conviction can differ in each situation. Starting March 1st, 2022, menacing is at minimum a class 1 misdemeanor, potentially resulting in:

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

However, the use or display of a deadly weapon increases the charge to a class 5 felony. In these circumstances, a conviction can lead to:

• a prison sentence of 1 - 3 years,
• fines of $1K - $100K

Having a felony on your record creates several other hurdles in terms of employment, obtaining loans, and general trustworthiness amongst society.

Weld County Menacing Attorney

Contacting an experienced menacing attorney early on in a case has many benefits and often leads to a better outcome. Whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony menacing charges, impactful consequences are looming. Perhaps what you said didn't include threats, weapons weren't involved, or you were acting in self-defense. Nevertheless, contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Our criminal lawyers will carefully analyze your situation, answer your questions, and suggest next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing menacing allegations throughout Greeley, Windsor, Johnstown, and Fort Lupton. 

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

Photo by Keira Burton