False imprisonment is a crime in Colorado Springs that involves unlawfully detaining a person somewhere without their consent. Blocking an exit so that a person can’t leave or locking them in a room can be costly throughout El Paso County. We sometimes see these charges come about after a heated argument escalates between significant others. Domestic violence enhancements can apply in these situations, making an already difficult situation worse. If you or someone you know is being accused of confining someone against their will, exercise your right to remain silent and contact a false imprisonment lawyer now.
El Paso County False Imprisonment Law
El Paso County’s false imprisonment law prohibits unlawful detention of a person. CRS 18-3-303 defines these criminal acts throughout the state of Colorado. You commit false imprisonment in Colorado Springs, Fountain, or Security-Widefield if you:
- knowingly confine or detain another person,
- without their consent,
- AND without legal authority
This charge can even follow if the confinement was very brief. If done against a current or former romantic partner, domestic violence can come into play. A mandatory arrest and restrictive protection order apply quickly, even if the victim doesn’t want them to. False imprisonment against a spouse, ex, boyfriend / girlfriend, or co-parent further complicates these cases.
How Bad is False Imprisonment in Colorado Springs?
Each false imprisonment case is unique. Penalties won’t always look the same. In situations where no threats or force were used and the confinement was under 12 hours in length, the offense is a class 2 misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to:
- a county jail sentence of 3 – 12 months,
- fines of $250 – $1,000
However, unlawfully detaining another person by the use of threats or force or for a period of 12 hours or longer is a class 5 felony. Defendants in these cases face:
- a prison sentence of 1 – 3 years,
- fines of $1K – $100K
Additionally, unlawful confinement that includes moving the victim from one place to another can escalate to charges of kidnapping.
Colorado Springs Criminal Defense
An allegation of false imprisonment can be a lot to handle. An altercation may have gotten out of hand and you didn’t realize you were breaking the law. Our Colorado Springs criminal lawyers have decades of combined experience fighting for defendants throughout El Paso, Teller, and Elbert County. Our reviews speak for themselves. Maybe the alleged victim gave their consent to confinement, they could freely leave at any point, or no force or threats were used. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans making strategic representation a reality for those facing criminal charges.
Don’t talk to the police about false imprisonment – talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-731-0719
Photo by Nathan Dumlao