It isn’t assault charges, drug cases nor DUI offenses that topped the list of most reported misdemeanors in Montezuma County. Instead, it’s protection order violations.
An annual statistical report from the Colorado Judicial Branch reveals that 122 protection order violations occurred in Montezuma County for fiscal year 2013. The figure accounts for more than 18 percent of all misdemeanor crimes reported.
“It’s no surprise to me that our top crime comes from people breaking those orders,” said District Attorney Will Furse.
Furse explained that protection orders are included in nearly every criminal case, including all domestic violence cases. Although defendants are required to obey those court orders, Furse said the court mandates are often ignored as people try to reconcile differences.
“It’s still an order of the court and a violation of the law when they don’t obey that order,” he said.
The latest protection order violation occurred on Sunday. According to Montezuma County Sheriff Dennis Spruell, a deputy was called to a residence on Highway 145 where a man reportedly punched a woman in the face and dragged her across the ground by her ankle. The male subject reportedly had a pending protection order against him, and will now face additional charges, including domestic violence.
“When she was able to get away from the male she called law enforcement,” Spruell said. “The deputy could not find the male, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.”
During the fiscal year, reports indicate a total of 657 misdemeanors cases were filed in Montezuma County. Second on the list for all reported misdemeanors, at nearly 14 percent, were 91 cases of domestic violence.
Following protection order violations and domestic violence, rounding out the top five misdemeanors violations were 76 drug cases, 57 bail violations and 46 public peace and order citations.
“Drug cases continue to be an issue for young people,” Furse said.
While Amendment 64 offers adults the ability to cultivate, possess and consume marijuana, the measure does not protect people under the age of 21 who use drugs to their detriment, Furse said. He believes teens should be targeted with continued educational efforts on the impacts of drug use.
“The regulation of retail marijuana has fiscal benefits and societal detriments,” Furse said. “There are pros and cons, but I believe in state sovereignty and support the will of the people.”
According to state records, the number of DUI filings in the 22nd Judicial District has steadily fallen from a high of 282 cases in 2008, minus a small uptick in 2012 of 212 cases. The number of reported DUI filings in fiscal year 2013 was 168.
“That’s exceptionally good news,” Furse said.
Furse attributed the decline in DUI filings to greater public awareness of strict penalties for DUI convictions. Furse is also optimistic that the rehabilitative model of specialty DUI courts has also played a role in the decline.
The remaining top 10 misdemeanor filings in Montezuma County were 45 assault charges, 41 alcohol related violations – including an additional 41 citations for underage drinking, 32 reported thefts, 25 habitual traffic violations and 22 cases of criminal mischief.
Other reported misdemeanors include 11 for harassment, 10 animal violations, eight child abuse cases, seven wildlife violations, four weapons charges and four sex offenses, two trespassing cases and two fraud crimes followed by one case of menacing.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com