Monday, March 9, 2015

Felony Crime by Class & Sentences in the State of Colorado

Like all other states in USA, Colorado divided various crimes into misdemeanors and felonies. The felonies are considered more serious and are punishable by the prison terms of the state for a period of one year or even more. The misdemeanors are lesser crimes that are punishable by the local or county jail terms for a period of up to eighteen months.



Felony cases in Colorado can be designated under the classes between 1 and 6. Some felony cases remain unclassified in Colorado. In such cases, the sentence is decided according to the criminal statute. In cases where no penalty is fixed, the felony can be punishable by up to 5 years in prison as well as a monetary fine that can go up to $100000. 

The Colorado criminal code penalties have significantly changed over time. For this reason, if you or someone you know faces a criminal change, then he or she is advised to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney in Denver Colorado who is well versed with the latest models of criminal laws. The following criminal sentences discussed below are applicable to crimes that have been committed after July 1st, 1993.

Class 1 Felonies

The most serious or heinous crimes committed in the Colorado fall under the scope of Class 1 felonies, and are punishable by a life imprisonment sentence or death penalty. A first degree murder is a common example of class 1 felony. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.)

Class 2 Felonies

According to Colorado laws, the Class 2 felonies are punishable by 8 to 24 years prison sentence as well as a fine of $5000 to $1000000. A common example of class 2 felony is a 2nd conviction for selling different types of Schedule I or II drugs. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.)  

Class 3 Felonies

If a person is convicted of class 3 felony, he or she might face a prison sentence of 4 to 12 years as well as a monetary fine of $3000 to $750000. Patronizing prostituted children is considered a class 3 felony act. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.)   

Class 4 Felonies

Class 4 felonies can be punishable by up to 2 to 6 years of imprisonment as well as a monetary fine of $2000 to $500000. Sexual assault cases generally fall under the scope of class 4 felony. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.)

Class 5 Felonies

For all class 5 felony convictions, Colorado laws impose a prison sentence of up to 1 to 3 years as well as a monetary fine of up to $1000 to $100000. Theft of property is a common example of class 5 felony. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.)

Class 6 Felonies     

Class 6 felony acts are least serious felonies, according to Colorado law, and can be punishable by 1 year to 18 months in the prison and a monetary fine of $1000 to $100000. Possessing of up to 2 grams of methamphetamine can be treated as an instance of class 6 felony. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.). View in detail Colorado criminal sentencing guidelines.