Violation of a public health order in Douglas County, Colorado involves disobeying public health laws and guidelines. As Colorado battles the spread of COVID-19, law enforcement may become involved if they sense citizens aren’t following certain rules. A Colorado man was recently handcuffed in front of his daughter for allegedly not following social distancing rules after playing tee-ball in an empty park. Any accusation or charge surrounding a public health order requires consulting an experienced defense attorney.
Douglas County Public Health Order Law
Douglas County’s public health order law prohibits deliberatelly defying certain health guidelines. C.R.S. 25-1-516 addresses this violation in Colorado. Someone violates a public health order in Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch if they:
- willfully violate, disobey, or disregard,
- the provisions of a public health law,
- OR the terms of any lawful notice, order, standard, or rule
While many question whether police can enforce this particular law, more and more instances are likely to arise as stay-at-home orders remain in place. It is important to note that any threat to public health and the mandates that follow will be taken seriously in a pandemic such as coronavirus.
What are the Penalties for Violating a Public Health Order in Colorado?
Violating a public health order in Douglas County can result in civil and criminal penalties. As a misdemeanor offense, conviction for a criminal public health order violation can lead to:
- months in county jail,
- thousands of dollars in fines
Certain businesses and their officers can face additional health fines and run the risk of having their restaurant or liquor licenses revoked, further complicating this uncertain time.
Defense Attorney for Health Order Violations
Just because you’re facing an accusation of violating a public health order doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Contacting a skilled defense lawyer early on has many benefits and can significantly impact the outcome in your unique case. Perhaps the situation was an accident or you weren’t placing anyone’s health at risk. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation. We will carefully analyze your alleged violation, as well as suggest next steps in your defense. Don’t let a mistake during quarantine damage your future.
So, if you or someone you know has been charged for violating a public health order in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash