Colorado Felony Charges Explained by a Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a felony in Colorado can turn your life upside down in an instant. Felony charges are the most serious criminal accusations under Colorado law, often carrying the risk of years in prison, steep fines, and permanent consequences that follow you long after a case ends. If you or someone you love is facing a felony charge, understanding what you’re up against—and how to fight back—is critical.

At Pav Law, we defend clients against felony charges across Colorado with aggressive trial advocacy, strategic negotiations, and relentless protection of constitutional rights.

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What Is a Felony Under Colorado Law?

In Colorado, crimes are generally divided into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Felonies are the most serious category and typically involve allegations of significant harm, violence, large financial loss, or repeat offenses.

A felony conviction can result in:

• Prison time in the Colorado Department of Corrections
• Mandatory parole after release
• Substantial fines
• Loss of gun rights
• Difficulty finding employment or housing
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

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Classes of Felony Charges in Colorado

Colorado classifies most felonies into six levels, ranging from the most severe to the least severe.

Class 1 Felonies (Most Serious)

Class 1 felonies include the most extreme offenses, such as first-degree murder. These cases often carry life imprisonment.

Class 2 Felonies

Examples may include:

• Second-degree murder
• First-degree assault
• Certain large-scale drug trafficking offenses

Penalties can include decades in prison and fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Class 3 Felonies

Common allegations include:

• Sexual assault
• Aggravated robbery
• Certain white-collar crimes involving large sums

These cases often involve mandatory prison ranges, making experienced defense counsel essential.

Class 4 Felonies

Examples include:

• Theft over a statutory dollar threshold
• Some drug distribution offenses
• Vehicular assault

Class 4 felonies can still mean multiple years in prison, even for first-time offenders.

Class 5 Felonies

Often charged in cases involving:

• Lower-level drug offenses
• Certain fraud or forgery allegations
• Repeat DUI-related offenses causing injury

Penalties may include prison, probation, or a combination of both.

Class 6 Felonies (Least Severe)

These are the lowest-level felonies but still carry serious consequences. In some cases, Class 6 felonies may be reduced to misdemeanors, depending on the facts and the defendant’s criminal history.

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Common Types of Felony Charges We Defend

At Pav Law, we regularly handle felony cases involving:

• Drug crimes (possession, distribution, trafficking)
• Violent crimes and assault allegations
• Sexual offenses
• Theft, fraud, and white-collar crimes
• Felony DUI and vehicular crimes
• Probation violations tied to felony convictions

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Why Felony Cases Demand an Aggressive Defense

Felony prosecutions move fast and often involve:

• Search warrants and constitutional issues
• Expert witnesses
• Forensic and digital evidence
• Mandatory sentencing laws

Early intervention by a skilled criminal defense attorney can make a major difference. Evidence can be suppressed. Charges can be reduced—or dismissed entirely. And when necessary, a well-prepared defense at trial can protect your future.

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Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes—depending on the facts of the case. Potential outcomes may include:

• Reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor
• Alternative sentencing options
• Deferred judgments
• Case dismissal due to illegal searches or weak evidence

Every case is different, which is why personalized defense strategy matters.

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How Pav Law Defends Felony Charges in Colorado

Our firm is known for:

• Aggressive trial defense when the prosecution overreaches
• Strategic plea negotiations when resolution is in a client’s best interest
• Deep knowledge of Colorado felony sentencing laws
• Clear, honest communication at every stage of the case

We prepare every felony case as if it’s going to trial—because leverage wins cases.

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Facing a Felony Charge? Get Help Now.

If you’re under investigation or have already been charged with a felony in Colorado, do not wait. The decisions you make early can affect the rest of your life.

📞 Contact Pav Law today for a confidential consultation
⚖️ Protect your rights. Protect your future. Schedule a free case evaluation online.