Colorado Stalking Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 19, 2018

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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.

Stalking Statutes in Colorado

In the most common understanding, stalking 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 person's property can fall under Colorado’s 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 as well. If you find yourself in this situation, Colorado offers protective orders that can help protect you from stalkers and domestic abusers.

Many states have laws regarding stalking, although they can differ in terms of how they are obtained and enforced. The following chart outlines Colorado’s anti-stalking statutes.

Code Section

COLO. REV. STAT. §18-9-111: Harassment

Stalking Defined as

A person who, directly, or indirectly through another person, knowingly:

  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
  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
  3. repeatedly follows, approaches, contacts, places under surveillance or makes any form of communication with another person or person's family

Punishment/Classification

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

Penalty for Repeat Offense

If within 7 years of date of prior offense for which person was convicted: Class 4 Felony (18-9-111(5)(a.5))

Note: 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.

Related Resources for Stalking Laws:

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’s following sections on for more articles and information on this topic:

Get Professional Legal Help With Your Stalking Case

Stalking cases are rarely open and shut cases, although many of them end in a guilty plea before going to trial for various reasons. If you have been charged with stalking, you're always better off working with a trusted legal professional. Get started today by finding a Colorado criminal defense attorney near you.

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