The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado has offered free legal aid to a man facing a criminal harassment charge for flipping off a state trooper, the organization announced today.

Shane Boor, 35, was driving to his work site in April when he saw a trooper pull over another car. When Boor drove past, he flipped the trooper the bird.

A second trooper tracked down Boor at his work site and questioned him about the incident, according to the ACLU.

Boor was issued a summons April 27 by the state police ordering him to appear in Jefferson County Court.

ACLU Legal Director Mark Silverstein said Boor did nothing illegal.

“Our client engaged in peaceful, silent symbolic expression that is protected by First Amendment,” he said. “The protection of the Constitution is not limited to speech that is acceptable in polite society. The First Amendment also protects expression that may be disrespectful, coarse or even vulgar. It’s rude to flip off a cop, but it’s not a crime.”

The organization said it will urge prosecutors in Jefferson County Court to dismiss the charges.

A spokeswoman for the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office said prosecutors won’t see the file or any evidence involving the case until Boor’s arraignment June 13.

Boor, who could face up to six months in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor, has no criminal record, court documents show.

He was pulled over for speeding this time last year, but the court dismissed the charges.

Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 or jfender@denverpost.com.