With much of the nation on lockdown, everyone is trying to find ways to cope with being cooped up day-after-day. Some are learning new hobbies and crafts, others are taking online courses and exercise regimens, and some are working from home 40 hours a week. If you’re feeling cabin fever, you’re not alone. Plenty of people want to go out and live life, just like they used to.

Some are even going against medical professional and government advising to stay indoors and are instead going out to spend time with people. Social distancing will flatten the curve, but some feel that it should’t be anyone else’s decision whether they can go out, or not. While that fighting spirit may be admired, even if it goes against scientific research, it can quickly land you in trouble.

The obvious result is that you are either an asymptomatic carrier (you don’t get sick, but you have the virus) and spread it to countless other people, which isn’t really a kind thing to do. There are countless stories of quarantine contrarians going against social distancing and contracting (and some dying from) the coronavirus.

The other reason is that the state is taking measures to implement punishments for those who break the advisory. What does a COVID-19 warranting punishment look like? Well, it depends, really.

The state law says that going against a public health order can incur a $1,000 fine, as well as up to a year in jail. Some counties have taken more aggressive measures and fines can be upwards of $5,000 dollars if you break the stay-in-place orders. \\

Whether you want to choose ethical, or financial, reasons to follow the orders, it really isn’t worth it to break them. Things will be strange for a bit longer, but it’ll be worth it in the end. If you have any questions regarding Denver fines and criminal law, call our offices. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and advise