Colorado law considers harassment to be intentionally bothering, annoying, or alarming someone by repeatedly contacting them, hitting them, taunting them, or following them in public. Repeatedly making obscene gestures towards them is also considered criminal harassment.
Harassing someone based on their race, religion, or disability is a more serious offense that can lead to more severe punishments.
What counts as harassment?
In order for something to be considered harassment, you have to either:
- Force physical contact on someone else
- Say something suggestive and/or make obscene gestures towards someone else in public
- Follow someone in public (commonly known as stalking)
- Repeatedly call someone without wanting to have an actual conversation
- Repeatedly try to reach someone during inconvenient hours (in-person, over the phone, by email, etc.)
- Repeatedly try to start a fight with someone
- Make obscene comments towards them or threaten them over the phone and/or online
- Verbally abuse spam callers or bill collectors
With the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm the other person.
What are the punishments for a harassment charge?
Criminal Charge |
Penalty |
| Public harassment using obscene gestures and/or suggestive language
(Petty Offense) |
|
| Harassment by public stalking, forced physical contact, or discrimination
(Class 1 Misdemeanor) |
|
| Other forms of harassment
(Class 2 Misdemeanor) |
|
If you’re found guilty of harassment, you can also be sued by the people you harassed. You can seal these charges from your criminal record after a waiting period of up to 3 years after you case ends, or sooner if the case gets dismissed.
If you or a loved one have been charged with harassment, call Martin Conti Law today for a free consultation.