Experienced Misdemeanor and Felony Menacing Defense Attorney in Denver, CO
If you’ve ever been in a heated argument, you know just how quickly things can escalate, but did you know that what you say or do in these situations could result in a serious criminal charge? Menacing is a crime in which someone purposefully places another person in fear of imminent harm, whether through their actions, words, or both. Whether you were engaged in an argument with another person or simply in possession of what looked like a weapon, you can be charged with criminal menacing.
If you have been accused of menacing in Colorado, you need an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. WeedenLaw, led by Attorney Jeff Weeden, is dedicated to helping individuals accused of crimes in the Denver area. We fight hard for our clients’ futures, freedom, and reputations, doing everything we can to protect them from the lasting repercussions of criminal convictions in Colorado.
Facing menacing charges? Contact WeedenLaw at (720) 307-4330 or send us a message online to schedule a free consultation regarding your case today.
What is a Menacing Charge?
Menacing is the act of threatening another person, either through words or actions, and placing them in fear of imminent bodily harm. This can occur in a lot of different ways, like pointing a deadly weapon at someone, verbally threatening to use a deadly weapon on someone, or physically moving toward someone in a threatening way.
Colorado Menacing Statute – CRS § 18-3-206
According to CRS § 18-3-206, a person can be charged with menacing in Colorado if they place another person in fear of imminent serious, bodily injury, whether through their actions or through threats of violence. Basically, if someone knowingly places a reasonable person in fear of serious injury, they can be charged with menacing.
The penalties for menacing are dependent on the presence of a deadly weapon. In the context of menacing, a person representing, verbally or visually, that they are armed with a deadly weapon can result in a more severe criminal charge. The term “deadly weapon” includes knives, firearms, blunt objects, and objects made to look like knives, firearms, and other blunt objects.
Menacing vs. Assault
Under Colorado law, menacing is very similar to assault, but the two have a few key differences. A person commits menacing when they place another person in fear of serious harm, without actually physically touching them or harming them. Assault, on the other hand, occurs when someone physically harms another person.
For example, if someone walks toward another person and raises their fist as if they’re about to throw a punch, the physical action of walking toward the person with a raised fist would be considered menacing. However, the moment that person’s fist connects with the other person’s body, they’re now looking at assault charges in Colorado.
How Serious is a Menacing Charge?
In Colorado, menacing charges can result in harsh penalties, especially when a deadly weapon is involved. The most severe menacing charge a person can face is felony menacing, which is a Class 5 felony charge. The minimum crime class for felonies is a Class 6 felony, so this falls just above that in terms of severity.
While this makes it seem like menacing is a less serious crime, a felony menacing conviction can carry a serious fine, a lengthy prison sentence, or both. Additionally, it would cause them to become a convicted felon, which carries additional consequences.
A felony menacing charge could cause someone to lose their right to vote and their right to own firearms, and may also have trouble securing housing, applying for government benefits, and being accepted into educational institutions.
A Denver menacing lawyer like Jeff Weeden can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your alleged crime and help you understand the minimum and maximum penalties you may face if convicted.
Is Menacing a Violent Crime?
In general, menacing is treated as a violent crime like assault, even though menacing doesn’t involve any acts of physical violence. Menacing is categorized in Colorado Law under “assaults” and is lumped in with other criminal charges like assault, vehicular assault, aggravated criminal extortion, and reckless endangerment.
Is Menacing a Felony?
Menacing can be a felony crime in Colorado, but only if there is a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon involved in the act.
Felony Menacing Colorado
In Colorado, someone can face felony menacing charges if they knowingly threaten another person with a deadly weapon. Felony menacing is a Class 5 felony and can result in fines of up to $100,000 and a prison sentence of up to 3 years.
Misdemeanor Menacing Colorado
Someone can be charged with misdemeanor menacing in Colorado if they knowingly threaten another person with violence, but do not verbally or physically threaten them with a deadly weapon. Misdemeanor menacing is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to $750 and a prison sentence of up to 6 months.
Why You Need an Experienced Menacing Defense Lawyer
If you are facing menacing charges in Colorado, your freedom, reputation, and future are all at stake. Criminal defense lawyers have experience in the Colorado legal system and will be able to guide their clients through the justice process, from the initial arrest to the end of the trial and beyond.
A violent crime defense attorney will also know how to defend against menacing accusations and will be able to develop a unique defense strategy based on the circumstances of the alleged crime. For example, they may be able to prove that the act was done in self-defense or call into question the reliability of the alleged victim.
If you have been accused of menacing, you need an experienced attorney who will stay by your side throughout the process, defending your legal rights and personal interests every step of the way. Luckily, Denver criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden is here to help ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case.
With his decades of experience in the Colorado legal system, as well as his long history of successful case results, you can rest assured that your criminal case is in good hands.
Charged With Menacing? Call Denver Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Weeden ASAP
If you have been charged with menacing in or around Denver, CO, contact an experienced Denver menacing attorney at WeedenLaw as soon as possible. We understand how stressful and confusing the criminal justice system can be and are willing to help guide you through the process so you can face your criminal case with confidence.
We’ll investigate the alleged crime, gather witnesses, and develop a strong defense against the prosecution’s claims of menacing. Additionally, we’ll advocate for your interests both in and out of the courtroom, negotiating with prosecutors to secure a reduced sentence or to have your charge dropped. If your case makes it to trial, we can represent you there and fight for the best possible outcome for your unique case.
Call WeedenLaw today at (720) 307-4330 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Denver menacing defense lawyer on our team.
