Obstructing a peace officer in Denver, Aurora, or Lakewood is a charge that stems from interfering with police. Purposefully disrupting their activities or duties can lead to months in county jail and fines. Even a threat of force or violence against a police officer, firefighter, or EMT can result in criminal charges. Any and all police-involved crimes require strategic representation from an experienced Denver defense attorney. Below we examine obstructing a peace officer in more detail and ways our skilled criminal lawyers can help those facing allegations.

Denver Obstructing a Peace Officer Law

Denver's obstructing police law prohibits intentionally interfering with law enforcement and their duties. CRS 18-8-104 is the criminal code that defines obstructing a peace officer throughout Colorado. You commit this police-involved crime in Denver, Arapahoe, or Jefferson County if you:

• knowingly obstruct, hinder, or impair,
• by using or threatening to use violence, force, or physical interference,
• enforcement of penal law, preservation of peace, abatement of fire by firefighters, or medical treatment / assistance from an EMT

Verbal threats against police, trying to stop arrests and tickets, and going beyond yellow police tape are common examples of obstructing police. However, even hindering or impairing a police dog may lead to allegations. While instinct may be to act if you observe police going too far, acting on those emotions in the moment can be costly.

How Bad is Obstructing Police in Denver?

Each case of obstructing a peace officer is different. Consequences for a conviction won't always look the same. As a class 2 misdemeanor, possible penalties include:

• a county jail sentence of up to 120 days,
• a max fine of $750

However, some of these situations that involve someone being taken into custody lead to charges of resisting arrest. Furthermore, any confrontations with law enforcement where an officer might experience pain or injury often result in 2nd-degree assault accusations.

Experienced Obstructing Police Attorney 

Just because you've been charged with obstructing a peace officer doesn't mean you're guilty. Our legal team has decades of combined experience representing clients facing allegations of police-involved crimes. Our results speak for themselves.

Perhaps you had no idea you were obstructing an officer, you were acting in self-defense, or there was police misconduct. That said, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully evaluate your unique circumstances and suggest next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing charges in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.

Don't talk to law enforcement about obstructing police - talk to us. 303-830-0880

Photo by Jacob Morch