Understanding Colorado’s Felony Laws

  • Apr 18 2017

In Colorado, a felony is the most serious crime one can be charged with, and the accompanying penalties can be severe. For example, the minimum prison sentence under Colorado law for a felony is six months.  Therefore, if you’ve been charged with a felony, it’s imperative that you understand both the nature of the charges against you and the potential penalties associated with those charges.

In Colorado, felonies are divided by class, and the class under which a specific alleged crime falls determines the penalties that a conviction may bring. Specifically, felonies are classified as Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, with 1 being the most severe. Also, it should be noted that certain felonies, known as extraordinary risk crimes, may enhance the sentences listed below due to the extra risk they pose to human health and safety.

Felony Classes

Class 1: Class 1 felonies, being the most serious crimes one can commit in the state of Colorado, are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment. Examples of Class 1 felonies include murder in the first degree and treason.

Class 2: Class 2 felonies are punishable by fines of $5,000 to $1,000,000 and 8 to 24 years in prison.  Examples of Class 2 felonies include human trafficking, racketeering activities, and second degree murder.

Class 3: Class 3 felonies are punishable by fines of $3,000 to $750,000 and 4 to 12 years in prison. Examples of Class 3 felonies include aggravated robbery, money laundering, and arson in the first degree.

Class 4: Class 4 felonies are punishable by fines of $2,000 to $500,000 and 2 to 6 years in prison. Examples of Class 4 felonies are sexual assault, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and identity theft.

Class 5: Class 5 felonies are punishable by fines of $1,000 to $100,000 and one to three years in prison. Examples of Class 5 felonies include menacing, theft of property, and criminal trespass.

Class 6: Class 6 felonies, considered the least serious felonies in Colorado, are punishable by fines of $1,000 to $100,000 and 12 to 18 months in prison. Examples of Class 6 felonies include failure to register as a sex offender, third degree assault on an at-risk adult, and animal cruelty.

As can be seen from the penalties above, felony charges are not to be taken lightly, as a conviction can have lifelong consequences. If you’ve been charged with a felony, it’s imperative that you engage the services of an experienced criminal law attorney in order to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. At The Blair Law Office, we take pride in guiding our clients through each step of what can be an overwhelming process. Please contact us for a free consultation at (720) 897-1550 or (888) 694-2093 (toll-free).

Posted in: Felony Laws