Public Crimes
The state of Colorado outlines a set of crimes that the legislature deems to be against the public. These are crimes which are generally offensive or obnoxious, or that are dangerous to the public at large. Some of these crimes include disorderly conduct, loitering, and public indecency.
In the following article, we’ll go over some of the more common crimes against the public and some of their associated penalties.
Denver Peace and Order Crime Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one have been charged with disrupting the peace, or have been arrested in public over a misunderstanding, then you need to contact the Law Office of Matthew Martin. Matthew Martin is an experienced defense attorney that can provide criminal and DUI defense for those in need of legal representation.
For more information and to schedule your first free consultation, call today at (303) 725-0017.
- Types of Peace and Order Crimes
- Sentencing Penalties
- Additional Resources
- Hire a Peace and Order Defense Attorney in Denver
Types of Peace and Order Crimes in Colorado
Disorderly Conduct (C.R.S. §18-9-106) – Conducting oneself in a manner that disturbs the peace, such as by making unreasonable amounts of noise, fighting, brandishing weapons, disrupting meetings or assemblies or using rude gestures.
Loitering (C.R.S. § 18-9-112) – Remaining in a place without a lawful purpose under circumstances that suggest unlawful activity.
Harassment (C.R.S. §18-9-111) – Engaging in unwanted contact, communication, or conduct that annoys or alarms another person.
Public Indecency (C.R.S. §18-7-301) – Committing indecent acts in public, like exposing oneself or engaging in sexual activity.
Trespassing (C.R.S. §18-4-502 to §18-4-504) – Entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission.
Resisting Arrest (C.R.S. §18-8-103) – Obstructing or resisting law enforcement officers while they perform their duties.
Bias-Motivated Crimes (C.R.S. § 18-9-121) – Committing any crime with the intention of doing so because of a person’s protected identity, such as race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
Vehicular Eluding (C.R.S. § 18.9.116.5) – Avoiding a peace officer in a vehicle. This includes refusing to halt for a lawful traffic stop.
Peace and Order Crime Sentencing
The penalties for peace and order crimes vary depending on the crime and their circumstances. These sometimes include whether another person was hurt or killed during the crime and how many times you have been convicted previously of these crimes.
Petty Offenses
Petty offenses like loitering require small fines of up to $300 and occasionally community service.
Misdemeanors
| Class of Misdemeanor | Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (extraordinary risk of harm*) | 6 months, $500 fine, or both | 24 months, $5,000 fine, or both |
| Class 1 | 6 months, $500 fine, or both | 18 months, $5,000 fine, or both |
| Class 2 | 3 months, $250 fine, or both | 364 days, $1,000 fine, or both |
| Class 3 | $50 fine | 6 months, $750 fine, or both |
| Unclassified | Specified in statute | Specified in statute |
Felonies
| Colorado felony class | Prison sentence | Fines | Mandatory parole |
| Class 1 felony | Life | n/a | n/a |
| Class 2 felony | 8 – 24 years | $5,000 – $1,000,000 | 3 years (5 years for crimes of violence) |
| Class 3 felony | 4 – 12 years | $3,000 – $750,000 | 3 years |
| Class 4 felony | 2 – 6 years | $2,000 – $500,000 | 3 years |
| Class 5 felony | 1 – 3 years | $1,000 – $100,000 | 2 years |
| Class 6 felony | 1 year – 18 months | $1,000 – $100,000 | 1 year |
Additional Resources
Peace and Order Statutes – Look through the state’s statutes regarding peace and order.
Felony Charges – Read more about felony charges on our felonies page.
Denver Attorney for Peace and Order Crimes
For more information and to schedule your first free consultation, call today at (303) 725-0017.
Matthew Martin accepts clients throughout the greater Denver area including Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, Broomfield County, Adams County, and Boulder County.