Are you facing misdemeanor charges in Colorado?

Being charged with a misdemeanor can feel deceptively “minor.” Many people assume it will go away, result in a fine, or not seriously affect their future. In reality, misdemeanor convictions in Colorado can still lead to jail time, probation, lasting criminal records, and serious consequences for your job, housing, and professional reputation.

At Pav Law, we defend people charged with misdemeanors across Colorado. Whether this is your first arrest or you’ve had prior contact with the system, we take misdemeanor cases seriously—because the consequences are real.

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What is a misdemeanor in Colorado?

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony but more serious than a petty offense or traffic infraction. Misdemeanors are typically punished with jail time in a county jail, rather than state prison, along with fines, probation, and other conditions.

Common misdemeanor charges include:

• Assault and harassment
• Domestic violence–related offenses
• Theft and shoplifting
• Drug possession
• DUI and DWAI
• Resisting arrest or obstruction
• Protection order violations

Even when jail time is avoided, a misdemeanor conviction can follow you for years.

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Colorado misdemeanor penalties

Colorado divides misdemeanors into different classes, each with its own potential penalties. Most misdemeanor offenses fall into Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanors.

Colorado Misdemeanor Penalties Table

Misdemeanor Class	Possible Jail Sentence	Possible Fine
Class 1 Misdemeanor	Up to 364 days in jail	Up to $1,000
Class 2 Misdemeanor	Up to 120 days in jail	Up to $750

The exact penalty depends on the specific charge, prior convictions, and whether aggravating factors are alleged.

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Extraordinary risk misdemeanors

Some misdemeanors are classified as extraordinary risk offenses, meaning the law allows for higher potential jail sentences due to public safety concerns.

Extraordinary Risk Misdemeanor Penalties

Misdemeanor Class	Maximum Jail Sentence	Maximum Fine
Class 1 Extraordinary Risk	Up to 364 days	Up to $1,000
Class 2 Extraordinary Risk	Up to 180 days	Up to $750

Extraordinary risk allegations commonly appear in cases involving assault, domestic violence, stalking, and weapon-related offenses.

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Common consequences beyond jail and fines

A misdemeanor conviction can affect far more than just your sentence. Many people are surprised to learn that misdemeanor cases can also result in:

• Lengthy probation terms
• Mandatory classes or treatment
• No-contact or protection orders
• Loss of firearm rights in domestic violence cases
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Problems with employment, housing, or professional licensing

These collateral consequences are often the most damaging part of a misdemeanor case.

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False or exaggerated misdemeanor accusations

Not every misdemeanor charge is the result of criminal behavior. We regularly defend clients who are charged after misunderstandings, exaggerated claims, or outright false accusations.

Misdemeanor cases frequently arise from:

• Heated arguments that escalate into police involvement
• Domestic disputes where emotions run high
• Alcohol-related misunderstandings
• One-sided statements taken as fact
• Situations where officers feel pressure to “do something”

Once charges are filed, the system often keeps moving forward—even when the evidence is weak or incomplete.

Pav Law understands how damaging false accusations can be. Our founding attorney, Andrew Brown, was himself falsely accused of sexual assault earlier in his life—an experience that shapes how we approach credibility, evidence, and client advocacy in every case we handle.

That perspective drives us to look deeper, challenge assumptions, and make sure our clients’ voices are heard before a bad decision becomes a permanent record.

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How Pav Law defends misdemeanor cases

We don’t treat misdemeanors like assembly-line cases. Our defense strategy often includes:

• Early intervention to prevent unnecessary charges
• Challenging probable cause and police conduct
• Identifying inconsistencies in witness statements
• Leveraging digital evidence like texts, call logs, and video
• Negotiating for dismissals, reductions, or deferred judgments
• Preparing every case with trial in mind

Strong preparation is often what separates a dismissed case from a conviction.

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What to do if you’re charged with a misdemeanor

If you’ve been arrested or cited for a misdemeanor:

• Do not discuss the case with police without an attorney
• Follow all bond or summons conditions carefully
• Avoid contacting alleged victims or witnesses
• Preserve any messages, photos, or other evidence
• Speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible

Early decisions can shape the outcome of your case.

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