At Pav Law, we believe that understanding your legal rights begins with understanding the law itself. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Colorado, it’s essential to know how those charges are classified and what penalties you may be facing. This guide breaks down Colorado’s criminal charges into misdemeanor and felony categories and explains what each level entails.
Misdemeanor Charges in Colorado
Misdemeanors are criminal offenses considered less serious than felonies but can still carry significant consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent mark on your record.
Types of Misdemeanors
| Level | Common Examples | Possible Jail Time | Fines |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | Disorderly conduct, trespassing, petty theft (< $300) | Up to 120 days | Up to $750 |
| M1 | Third-degree assault, harassment, theft ($300–$1,000) | Up to 364 days | Up to $750 |
Misdemeanors are typically prosecuted in county court and may result in probation, community service, or alternative sentencing in addition to incarceration.
Felony Charges in Colorado
Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses and are prosecuted in district court. A felony conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and long-term loss of civil rights such as voting or firearm possession.
Types of Felonies
| Level | Common Examples | Possible Jail Time | Fines |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | First-degree murder, treason, first-degree kidnapping | Life imprisonment or death | Up to $1,000,000 |
| F2 | Second-degree murder, kidnapping, large-scale drug trafficking | 8–24 years | $5,000–$1,000,000 |
| F3 | Aggravated robbery, vehicular homicide, sexual assault (some cases) | 4–12 years | $3,000–$750,000 |
| F4 | Identity theft, second-degree assault, vehicular eluding | 2–6 years | $2,000–$500,000 |
| F5 | Criminally negligent homicide, felony DUI (in some cases), check fraud | 1–3 years | $1,000–$100,000 |
| F6 | Possession of a controlled substance, false reporting, theft ($2,000–$5,000) | 12–18 months | $1,000–$100,000 |
Important Notes:
These are baseline sentencing ranges. Aggravating or mitigating factors such as prior convictions, use of a weapon, or injury to others can increase or reduce potential penalties.
Certain offenses, like sexual assault, habitual DUI, or crimes involving minors, may automatically trigger more serious felony classifications or mandatory prison time.
All felony convictions in Colorado carry lifelong consequences, including:
- Loss of firearm rights
- Ineligibility to vote while incarcerated
- Difficulty securing employment, housing, or professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Most importantly: the attorney you choose matters.
The difference between probation, prison, or even getting your case dismissed often comes down to who is standing next to you in court. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights at every stage. Don’t face the system alone, your future is too important.
How Pav Law Can Help
Being charged with a crime can be frightening and overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Andrew Brown at PAV Law is committed to protecting your rights, building a strong defense, and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Contact Us Today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
