I'm PISSED

[Fentonite]

Great ideas about video-taping future events. I'd be slow to let them know you're taping them; let them write down everything and finalize their reports, and then compare the video to the report. Perjury's a bitch.

We could have a nice big gun-cleaning party! A couple long tables, covered with weaponry in various states of disassembly (seems tough to be charged with menacing if all you have are pieces), some brisket and chicken with OC sauce available? Sounds great!

[Irving]

Their threats are idle in my opinion. They can threaten to charge you with whatever they want, but it doesn't mean it won't get thrown out in court. I'd like to go to an open carry party.

I'd like you to read this thread before you make plans for your party though.

http://www.highaltitudeimports.com/t...search+warrant

[funkfool]

You need to remember, yes they can charge you with just about anything, what the DA can convict you of is a totally different thing.

He is right... ass*oles wear all kinds of uniforms. You only have to come across one.
Maybe he was just having a bad day... or maybe not.

Remember: If you are OC or CC you will be held to a higher standard - you must try twice as hard to de-escalate the situation in a civilian encounter.
I would definetly consider reporting this up the chain of command, as you were within your rights a a citizen (in my opinion) and having the local patrol officer hassle you is not what I would consider good community interaction.
Perhaps an informative telephone call to CSPD - stating something like - "Hey, I had some interaction with an officer that made me feel intimidated and just wanted to let you know - what is the proceedure to follow in this instance?"

http://www.springsgov.com/sectionind...x?sectionid=12
Start a real Neighborhood Watch (pdf)
Report Suspicious Activity

[theGinsue]

So, were the cops claiming you could not open carry in your neighborhood? Or, they said you had a gun in your hand and that was brandishing?
Have you had the cops out before, do they know you?

The initial implication was that I had a gun IN HAND, but wasn't clearly stated. They did clearly tell me that OCing IN HOLSTER (even in my own yard!) could bring a menacing charge - if someone "felt threatened" by it.

Yes, I've had the cops out there before - as the caller. In fact, the female officer that was there last night was out on Mar 4 responding to MY call about vandals in the neighborhood (damaged my next-door neighbors truck and a neighbors car down the block - I watched it occur). They have NOT been called out because of me as the trouble-maker!

I try to keep a watch on things in the neighborhood - especially over my yard and my vehicles. I have called the police (non-emergency #) on a few occassions, but ONLY when there is an immediate situation that they need to respond to. If it's a potential situation, I won't call (they really get too many calls as it is). If it's a situation that has already occured, I'll call to make a statement.

I don't go and confront anyone. I don't threaten - directly or indirectly -anyone. I just watch.

[ronaldrwl]

Dang Stuart, I followed the whole story and now I want to know how it ends

[Irving]

He moved back to South Carolina for now. The end.


I hope it wasn't too disappointing.

[theGinsue]

I agree. I wasn't going anywhere with the questions, except I was trying to evaluate what I'm getting myself into with CC. If somebody sees my gun, in my own freaking yard, can that be an issue?

You need to remember, yes they can charge you with just about anything, what the DA can convict you of is a totally different thing.

Apparently, they can convict too:
http://www.colorado-criminal-lawyer..../menacing.html

Pretty much, just existing and having someone claim that you intimidated / threatened them is enough for a misdemeanor or even felony menacing conviction in CO.

Just goes to show that the laws aren't there to handle the bad guys, they are there to control the good guys!

[Irving]

At that point don't you have the right to confront your accuser? Pretty hard to say someone is threatened if they don't even know who made the call.

[funkfool]

Apparently, they can convict too:
http://www.colorado-criminal-lawyer..../menacing.html

Pretty much, just existing and having someone claim that you intimidated / threatened them is enough for a misdemeanor or even felony menacing conviction in CO.

Just goes to show that the laws aren't there to handle the bad guys, they are there to control the good guys!

"Believe it or not, it is not even necessary for the person to be aware of the threat! You can be found guilty of menacing a sleeping person. The District Attorney would have to prove that you knew that your actions, if discovered (if the person woke up), would place the person in fear."

Oh my freaking GOD... you have to be kidding me...

[ronaldrwl]

All in all I have to say this has been a pretty crappy week