Getting in the way of a policeman or EMT, can result in criminal charges.  You can also get charged simply because you upset or disrespected them. Obstructing Police, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Services Providers, Rescue Specialists, or Volunteers, C.R.S. 18-8-104, is charged in Denver and Adams County when a person, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, knowingly obstructs or hinders them in some way. The statute also includes obstruction of law enforcement animals. The full statute is listed below:

“(1) (a) A person commits obstructing a peace officer, firefighter, emergency medical services provider, rescue specialist, or volunteer when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official authority; knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the prevention, control, or abatement of fire by a firefighter, acting under color of his or her official authority; knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of medical treatment or emergency assistance by an emergency medical service provider or rescue specialist, acting under color of his or her official authority; or knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the administration of emergency care or emergency assistance by a volunteer, acting in good faith to render such care or assistance without compensation at the place of an emergency or accident.

(b) To assure that animals used in law enforcement or fire prevention activities are protected from harm, a person commits obstructing a peace officer or firefighter when, by using or threatening to use violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle, he or she knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders any such animal.”

Facing Obstruction of Police charges?

Obstructing Police in Jefferson and Arapahoe County: Examples of Police Obstruction

Police in Jefferson and Arapahoe County frequently charge Obstructing Police Officers whenever they feel you've made their job more difficult. Sometimes, our criminal defense attorneys have seen Obstructing a Peace Officer charges being filed when someone refuses to give police their identification when pulled over. In other cases, perhaps a person makes it hard for police to enter their home after police have obtained a search warrant. Still in other cases, a person who creates an obstacle when police are trying to make an arrest of them or another person can face these charges. Under some circumstances, Resisting Arrest, C.R.S. 18-8-103, charges can also be filed.  Police often like to think they are above the law and this law often makes an arrest for obstructing or inconveniencing police too easy.

Douglas County Obstruction of Police, Firefighters, Medical Providers, Rescue Specialists, Volunteer Consequences

To obtain a conviction of Obstruction of Police, Firefighters, Medical Providers, Rescue Specialists, and Volunteers in Douglas County, there are many elements that must be considered in court. If you receive a conviction for Obstruction of a Peace Officer in Colorado, you risk facing possible jail time, fines, community service and probation. To be sure you have a solid and aggressive defense against these charges and possible consequences, consult a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer from the O'Malley Law Office right away.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one is facing felony Obstructing of a Police Officer charges in Colorado, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact a criminal defense lawyer at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

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