Experienced Defense for Criminal Impersonation Charges in Colorado
Being accused of criminal impersonation can be overwhelming, but the right defense can make all the difference. A Denver criminal impersonation defense attorney at WeedenLaw can help protect your rights and build a strong defense against these serious charges.
Criminal impersonation in Colorado happens when someone uses a false or fictitious identity or tries to unlawfully gain a benefit by pretending to be someone else. These charges can lead to serious legal repercussions, including fines, jail time, and a permanent mark on your record.
If you are facing impersonation charges, our law firm will work to protect your rights and challenge the evidence against you. Call (720) 307-4330 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Is it a Crime to Impersonate Someone?
Yes, it is a crime in Colorado to impersonate someone with intent to unlawfully gain a benefit or defraud another person for personal gain. The law is designed to prevent fraudulent crimes and protect individuals from being deceived or financially harmed.
The state takes these offenses seriously because they can cause real harm, whether by stealing money, securing benefits that don’t belong to you, or misleading law enforcement. Even if no one suffers financial loss, the act of pretending to be someone else to deceive or defraud can still result in a criminal charge.
What is Criminal Impersonation?
Criminal impersonation happens when someone knowingly assumes a false identity or pretends to be someone else to deceive others. This could mean using a fake name, claiming to hold a position of authority, or misrepresenting yourself for personal gain.
The crime also includes using another person’s identity to sign documents or access services to gain a benefit. False reporting is another form of criminal impersonation, where someone provides law enforcement with fake information to avoid consequences.
Whether the goal is to gain benefits, avoid arrest, or influence a situation, criminal impersonation is a serious offense. If you are facing these charges, a Denver criminal defense attorney from our team will aggressively defend your legal rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
C.R.S. 18-5-113
The exact legal definition and penalties for criminal impersonation in Colorado can be found under C.R.S. section 18-5-113 and are as follows:
“A person commits criminal impersonation if he or she knowingly:
(a) Assumes a false or fictitious identity or legal capacity, and in such identity or capacity he or she:
(I) Marries, or pretends to marry, or to sustain the marriage relation toward another without the connivance of the latter;
(II) Becomes bail or surety for a party in an action or proceeding, civil or criminal, before a court or officer authorized to take the bail or surety; or
(III) Confesses a judgment, or subscribes, verifies, publishes, acknowledges, or proves a written instrument which by law may be recorded, with the intent that the same may be delivered as true; or
(b) Assumes a false or fictitious identity or capacity, legal or other, and in such identity or capacity he or she:
(I) Performs an act that, if done by the person falsely impersonated, subjects such person to an action or special proceeding, civil or criminal, or to liability, charge, forfeiture, or penalty;
(II) Performs an act that, if done by the person falsely impersonated, might subject the person to an action or special proceeding, civil or criminal, or to liability, charge, forfeiture, or penalty; or
(III) Performs any other act with intent to unlawfully gain a benefit for himself, herself, or another or to injure or defraud another.”
Criminal Impersonation vs. Identity Theft
While criminal impersonation and identity theft are similar, they are not the same. Criminal impersonation in Colorado happens when a person pretends to be someone else to unlawfully gain a benefit. Identity theft, on the other hand, is a type of white-collar crime that involves the unauthorized use of someone else’s identity or personal information to commit fraud, usually for financial gain.
Criminal impersonation is often used to carry out a larger-scale identity theft crime. However, in many cases, the two offenses are charged together. If this is the case for you or a loved one, a Denver identity theft attorney at WeedenLaw can help fight for your future. Call (720) 307-4330 right away to get started on your defense.
Criminal Impersonation Examples
- Lying about your identity to a police officer to avoid getting in trouble.
- Claiming to be a police officer or government worker to gain access or influence others.
- Marrying someone under a false identity to get financial benefits or legal status.
- Using someone else’s name to sign a legal document in order to gain a benefit.
- Acting as a bail or surety agent without authorization or using false information to secure someone’s release from jail.
Can You Go to Jail for Impersonating Someone?
Yes, you can go to jail for impersonating someone in Colorado. Under Colorado law, criminal impersonation is considered a serious crime. If convicted, you could face fines, probation, or even jail time. Such a conviction can also affect your future, making it harder to find a job or pass a background check.
If you are facing a criminal impersonation charge, a Denver fraud attorney can fight to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
Is Impersonating Someone a Felony?
In Colorado, criminal impersonation can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the details of the case. The severity of the charge depends on whether the impersonation was used to commit fraud or cause harm to another person.
Understanding the difference between felony criminal impersonation and misdemeanor criminal impersonation is important if you are facing such charges.
Felony Criminal Impersonation
Felony criminal impersonation in Colorado is typically charged as a Class 5 or Class 6 felony when the offense involves fraud or an attempt to harm the subject of the impersonation. This could include using a false or fictitious identity to sign legal documents, commit identity theft, or deceive others for financial gain.
A felony conviction can lead to prison time, steep fines, and long-term consequences that can cause potential employers or landlords to draw negative conclusions about you. If you are facing felony charges for criminal impersonation, call WeedenLaw today to learn more about the potential penalties you’re up against and what you’re next steps should be.
Misdemeanor Criminal Impersonation
Some cases of criminal impersonation are considered misdemeanors, usually when the act does not result in financial loss or serious harm. A Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor charge may apply in cases such as providing a fake name to a police officer or falsely claiming a government title without committing fraud.
While misdemeanors carry lighter penalties than felonies, a conviction can still result in fines, jail time, and a Colorado criminal record that can negatively impact your future. A Denver misdemeanor lawyer like Jeff Weeden can protect your rights and work to reduce the charges against you.
Penalties for Criminal Impersonation in Colorado
The penalties for criminal impersonation in Colorado depend on whether the crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, but both can have serious consequences. A felony conviction can mean prison time, large fines, and a criminal record that follows you for years. Even a misdemeanor charge can lead to jail time, probation, and fines.
The severity of the offense and its corresponding penalties are categorized as follows:
Assuming a false identity or legal capacity and either 1) marrying or pretending to marry another without their knowledge or 2) becoming bail or surety in a legal proceeding is considered a Class 5 felony, with penalties including:
- 1 to 3 years in prison
- Anywhere between $1,000 to $100,000 in fines
- Mandatory parole period of 1 year
Assuming a false identity or legal capacity and either 1) confessing a judgment or executing a written instrument intended to be delivered as true or 2) performing an act that subjects the person falsely impersonated to criminal or civil legal action or liability are both Class 6 felonies in Colorado. Potential penalties include:
- 1 year to 1.5 years in prison
- Between $1,000 to $100,000 fines
- Mandatory parole period of 1 year
Assuming a false identity and performing an act that might subject the impersonated person to legal action or liability is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with penalties of:
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Lastly, under Colorado law, assuming a false identity and performing any other act with intent to unlawfully gain a benefit or to injure or defraud another is a Class 2 misdemeanor and may result in:
- Up to 120 days in jail
- Fines up to $750
Defenses Against Criminal Impersonation Charges
Being accused of criminal impersonation doesn’t mean you will be convicted. There are several defense strategies that a Colorado criminal defense lawyer can use to fight the charges.
One approach is proving that there was no intent to deceive or unlawfully gain a benefit. In some cases, mistaken identity or misunderstanding can lead to false accusations. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and if there are weaknesses in their case, the charges could be reduced or dismissed. In some situations, a plea agreement may be an option to avoid harsher penalties.
If you are facing charges, it’s important to have a Denver criminal impersonation defense attorney like Jeff Weeden on your side to protect your legal rights and defend your good character.
How Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Weeden Can Help Fight Your Impersonation Charges
If you are facing criminal impersonation charges in Denver, CO, you need a strong defense on your side.
As a skilled Colorado criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Jeff Weeden understands how these charges can affect your future. He will review the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and explore every legal option to fight for the best possible outcome.
Whether you are dealing with a felony or misdemeanor charge, attorney Jeff Weeden is committed to protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
Facing a Colorado Criminal Impersonation Charge? WeedenLaw Can Help
Dealing with criminal impersonation charges can be overwhelming, but one mistake shouldn’t ruin your future. A conviction can lead to fines, jail time, and a criminal record that affects your job, housing, and even immigration status. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of building a strong defense. At WeedenLaw, we know how much is at stake, and we are ready to fight for you.
Our criminal defense law firm has successfully defended clients like you in Denver County and the surrounding communities, including Jefferson County, Adams County, Arapahoe County, Larimer County, and beyond. We will review your case and explore every possible legal strategy to help you move forward.
Get the legal help you need now by calling (720) 307-4330 or completing our online intake form to schedule a free consultation today.
