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How does Colorado define stalking?

Posted on November 18, 2019

It goes without saying that everyone in Breckenridge is expected to exercise good judgment. That said, your definition of good judgment may often differ from that of another. Take the example of a romantic pursuit. When you are interested in someone, it may seem perfectly natural for you to seek that person out in order to engage them in conversation (and perhaps even arrange a date). This may include dropping by their home, meeting them at their place of work or encountering them at a public place of shared interest. Of course, the hope is that such encounters are welcome, because if they are not, the issue of stalking may arise.

Even an accusation of stalking brings with it a certain stigma. Such a stigma can often hang over you and cause untold damage to your reputation. Thus, it is imperative that you understand the actual legal definition of stalking in order to challenge such an allegation. According to the official website for the state of Colorado, you are guilty of stalking if by repeatedly approaching, following, contacting, surveilling or making any form of contact with a person (or a person’s family or friends) knowing that such action is likely to be interpreted as a threat. Such action is considered to be a felony offense.

Notice that in order to be convicted of stalking, you must understand that the person that you are attempting to approach could reasonably interpret your advances as a threat. This indicates a degree of criminal intent. A defense to such a charge, then, would be to prove that your intentions were not meant to be threatening, but rather were in an attempt to simply engage that person in a relationship.