Most people in the Denver area expect to go about their lives without feeling threatened or unsafe. However, there are people out there who jeopardize that general feeling of safety, whether they mean to or not. Though threatening someone may seem harmless under most circumstances, Colorado law takes threats very seriously. Read on to learn more about menacing charges, the implications of these charges in the state of Colorado, and next steps you should take if you are facing charges of this nature.
What Is a Menacing Charge?
So, what does menacing mean? Menacing occurs when an individual knowingly places another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. This charge can arise in various situations, from verbal threats to actions that convey a threat of harm. The key element in a menacing charge is the perception of fear by the alleged victim.
How Does the State of Colorado Define Menacing?
The state of Colorado defines the crime of menacing as “any threat or physical action that knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.” Serious bodily injury may include anything from broken bones to injuries resulting in a physical or mental disability. The threat must be imminent, meaning if you merely threaten to harm the other individual in vague futuristic terms, it may not be considered menacing behavior.
A Few Words Regarding Felony Menacing with a Weapon
- Wielding a firearm, even if it is not loaded or was never pointed directly at the intended victim
- You are knowingly HIV positive and threaten to harm the victim by giving them HIV
- You throw a punch at someone else in a bar, even though the other person was not actually hit
What Are Common Scenarios Involving Menacing?
Menacing also commonly includes assault, stalking, or domestic violence charges. For example, if you keep showing up at your ex’s home or place of employment to make threats of physical harm, you could be charged with menacing by stalking.
Penalties Surrounding Misdemeanor Menacing Charges
Penalties Surrounding Felony Menacing Charges in Colorado
The Best Defense Against Menacing Charges in Colorado
When it comes to menacing charges, don’t sell yourself short by hiring an inexperienced attorney who is unfamiliar with the state laws governing the subject. You owe it to yourself, as well as your freedom and reputation, to hire a criminal defense attorney with a record of winning similar cases. Mastro, Barnes & Stazzone P.C. represents clients facing both felony and misdemeanor menacing charges in Denver, CO. View our client testimonials to see why you should feel confident consulting our law firm for your menacing case.
A Criminal Defense Law Firm with 35+ Years of Experience
Ranked in the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers and the Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC), MBS Law has over 35 years of legal expertise representing clients charged with menacing and various other criminal offenses. Our law firm serves the entire Denver metro area, including Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Littleton, and many other surrounding communities. If you need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney in the Denver area, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation!
