Denver Battery Lawyer
Many people are not aware that simply threatening someone with physical violence can result in felony charges. If you have been charged with battery (or menacing), it is up to you to seek out legal representation to ensure that the charges do not stick with you for life. A Denver battery lawyer will advocate for you in and out of the courtroom to have the charges dismissed or reduced. At DeChant Law, we strongly believe that everyone, regardless of past infractions, is innocent until proven guilty, and we are confident in our capacity to help you prove your innocence.
Battery is Termed “Menacing” in Colorado
The legal term for battery in Colorado is “menacing.” One commits menacing by using threats of physical actions to knowingly attempt to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. In plain English, menacing is attempting to scare someone. If you have been charged with menacing, it means that the other person was not physically injured. While menacing is a lesser offense than assault, which involves making physical contact with another person and causing bodily harm, menacing is still a serious crime and can be charged as a felony offense. Examples of menacing include:
- Throwing a rock at someone and missing
- Holding a knife up at someone
- Brandishing a gun
- Saying that you will shoot someone and holding an object that could be construed as a gun
- Throwing a punch and missing
- Attempting to kick someone and missing
- Holding a baseball bat up at someone, or swinging and missing
Felony Menacing Vs. Misdemeanor Menacing
Menacing may or may not involve a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, knife, or bludgeon. Felony menacing (using a deadly weapon or displaying an item that could be construed as a deadly weapon, along with verbally saying that it is), is a Class 5 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000. If the act does not involve a deadly weapon, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $750.
Accompanying Charges
Menacing is frequently charged alongside assault and domestic violence. As such, defendants are often faced with multiple misdemeanor and assault charges, just from one incident. For example, you could be charged with menacing and second degree assault by first holding a fist at someone as if to punch them (menacing), and then throwing a punch and connecting (assault).
Call a Denver Battery Lawyer Today for Help
Menacing is a serious felony that can lead to years behind bars if you are convicted. We strongly urge you to talk to an experienced Denver menacing and battery lawyer before discussing your case with the authorities, as anything (and likely everything) you say will be used against you, even if you are merely trying to cooperate and tell your side of the story. Call Denver battery lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law today at 720-634-6789 for a free consultation.
