Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: Misdemeanor Harassment

If domestic violence, then probation and classes. If not DV, then probation.

If this is a first, it is best to fight it. Probation is a pain.

Re: Misdemeanor Harassment

For a first time, you are not looking at jail. If it is a domestic charge and you take a plea deal, you are really, really going to regret it. Go to dvmen.org for some horror stories.

Re: Misdemeanor Harassment

It depends on the jurisdiction. In Boulder County, for example, unless the charge is filed as domestic violence, you will likely be offered a deferred sentence, which means if you stay out of trouble for a period of time (usually 9 months), and complete the condiitons of the deferred, the charge will be dismissed. You will not have a conviction on your record, and you may even have the case sealed.

At worst, you are likely to be given probation, which means that the conviction will stand, and if you violate any terms of the probation you will likely go to jail.

An alternative, of course, to any of this is to avoid being convicted or pleading to harassment. You might bargain with the district attorney for a lesser charge. Depending on the state of the evidence against you, you may decide to plead not guilty, and take your chances with a jury, if it goes that far.

Good luck.