Boulder False Imprisonment Lawyer

Providing Clients Strong False Imprisonment Defense in Boulder County

According to Colorado law, it’s illegal to detain an individual without their consent. False imprisonment in Colorado (CRS 18-3-303) can be a serious crime. The charge ranges from simple confinement to the use of force or threats to prevent another party from leaving their present location. False imprisonment is a lesser offense than kidnapping, but it can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. False imprisonment is commonly charged as a misdemeanor when associated with domestic violence and sexual assault charges. It’s important to note that just because false imprisonment is typically seen as a lesser charge, it can be charged as a felony based on the evidence presented to the prosecuting attorney. Another difference between kidnapping and false imprisonment is transport. If a person is moved from one location to another and retained, it’s kidnapping. At the law office of Barre M. Sakol, P.C., we help clients defend against false imprisonment charges throughout Boulder County.

What is a False Imprisonment Charge in Boulder?

False imprisonment charges range in severity based on evidence found in the case. When someone commits the crime of false imprisonment, they have:

• Purposefully detained or confined another person against their will
• Confined or detained another person without the legal authority to do so
• Threatened or used force to detain a person
• Held another person for over twelve hours against their will using force or threats

The use of force elevates false imprisonment charges to a felony offense. As mentioned earlier, false imprisonment can be added to other charges either as a penalty enhancement or to induce a person to accept a settlement offer, e.g., if you plead to one (1) charge, we’ll dismiss the other charge. Whether you’re facing stand-alone false imprisonment charges or a penalty enhancement, you need a confident legal defense led by an experienced Boulder false imprisonment attorney.

Sentencing for False Imprisonment in Boulder

False imprisonment can be a serious crime, and a conviction can lead to serious life-altering consequences. A conviction on class 2 false imprisonment charges carries between 3 to 12 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Additionally, you would have a conviction on your record, and, if the facts justify it, it could be classified as a domestic violence conviction. If the false imprisonment conviction involved the use of force or threats, the consequences are more severe. Violence changes the sentence because the crime becomes a felony. False imprisonment with threats and force is a class 5 felony punishable with up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Contact our Boulder False Imprisonment Attorney Today

If you’re facing false imprisonment charges, hiring an attorney is imperative. The crimes of kidnapping and false imprisonment are closely related, and while both involve restraining another person against their will, the charges are quite different. False imprisonment, while a serious offense, is a far less serious crime than kidnapping. An attorney will ensure you have been appropriately charged and help you fight unfair enhancements.

False imprisonment often accompanies domestic violence charges because the charge can be applied to an act as simple as blocking the door to prevent your spouse or significant other from leaving during an argument. So, if you’re facing charges stemming from unlawful detainment, don’t hesitate to contact the Boulder false imprisonment attorney at the law office of Barre M. Sakol. We will help you fight elevated charges with facts and evidence. Our clients can trust our false imprisonment defense lawyer to conduct a thorough investigation to collect the information needed to fight the charges in your case.

We help clients protect their legal interests. Call (720) 999-9506 to schedule a consultation with our team today.