Impersonating a Peace Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-112
According to Colorado law, an individual can be charged with, and convicted of, Impersonating a Peace Officer if they “falsely pretend to be a peace offer and perform an act in that pretended capacity.”
There are only two requirements here:
- That the individual falsely pretend to be a peace officer; and
- That that individual, while falsely pretending to be a peace officer, performs an act in that pretended capacity.
Although this is a straightforward enough law, it is charged as a class 6 felony. The legislature chose to do so, because of the inherent risks of a person impersonating law enforcement. First, that person could be a threat to other individuals, using their pretended position to abuse the situation. Secondly, when a person is contacted by law enforcement, they must be able to trust that the officer is in fact a duly certified peace officer. Allowing pretend officers would erode the public trust in our law enforcement officers.
As a class 6 felony, a conviction for this offense is punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and/or between 12 – 18 months in prison.
Many individuals who are facing this charge did not mean to commit this offense and their case is one of a simple misunderstanding. Regardless of why you have been charged with this offense, it is imperative that you have an experienced and knowledgeable Colorado criminal defense attorney by your side. The attorneys at the Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez understand how these cases are prosecuted and are ready to voice your side of the story to the Prosecutors while defending your rights. Contact the Law Office of Jacob E. Martinez in order to set up an initial consultation.
