{"id":372022,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:37","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-19T12:37:54","modified_gmt":"2018-03-19T17:37:54","slug":"colorado-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Some attention can feel flattering, but there can be a point where it starts to feel threatening or dangerous. In those unfortunate instances, the Rocky Mountain State has laws intended to prevent, or at least punish, would-be stalkers. Here is a brief summary of stalking laws in Colorado.<\/p>\n

Stalking Statutes in Colorado<\/h2>\n

In the most common understanding, stalking<\/a> is the unwanted pursuit of another person, from following a person to work or showing up at a person’s home to making harassing phone calls or leaving written messages or other objects. In some cases, vandalizing<\/a> a person’s property can fall under Colorado\u2019s harassment statute, which criminalizes most stalking actions. Many targets of stalking were once in romantic relationships with their stalkers and many stalking victims have been, or may be, victims of domestic violence<\/a> as well. If you find yourself in this situation, Colorado offers protective orders<\/a> that can help protect you from stalkers and domestic abusers.<\/p>\n

Many states have laws regarding stalking<\/a>, although they can differ in terms of how they are obtained and enforced. The following chart outlines Colorado\u2019s anti-stalking statutes.<\/p>\n\n

Code Section<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

COLO. REV. STAT. \u00a718-9-111<\/a>: Harassment<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Stalking Defined as<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

A person who, directly, or indirectly through another person, knowingly:<\/p>\n

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  1. makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with such threat, repeatedly follows person or person’s immediate family or someone with whom that person has or has had a continuing relationship or<\/li>\n
  2. makes credible threat to another person and, in connection with such threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person or person’s immediate family, that would cause a reasonable person to suffer serious emotional distress and does cause that distress (18-9-111(b)) whether or not a conversation ensues or<\/li>\n
  3. repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, places under surveillance or makes any form of communication with another person or person’s family<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Punishment\/Classification<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

First offense is a Class 5 Felony. (18-9-111(5)(a)); if at time of first offense there is a temporary or permanent restraining order, injunction, or other court order: Class 4 Felony<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Penalty for Repeat Offense<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

If within 7 years of date of prior offense for which person was convicted: Class 4 Felony (18-9-111(5)(a.5))<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Related Resources for Stalking Laws:<\/h2>\n

Stalking is a complicated and still-developing area of law. The foregoing has provided a general overview of stalking, but there are often criminal and domestic violence charges associated with stalking cases. You can visit FindLaw\u2019s following sections on for more articles and information on this topic:<\/p>\n