Parker Felony Defense Lawyers

Colorado Felony Crimes

Felony crimes are considered more serious than misdemeanors and are those offenses punishable by a year or more up to life imprisonment. Felonies often involve violence but can also include non-violent crimes that cause significant harm or affect large amounts of money.

Colorado categorizes felonies into two groups, one for drug crimes and the other for all other felonies. Drug crime felonies are classified into four groups, while all other felonies are classified into six groups. 

Class 1 felonies are the most serious, with a descending order of seriousness as follows: 

• Class 1 felonies include crimes such as first-degree murder and kidnapping. They carry the most severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
• Class 2 felonies can be crimes such as second-degree murder or kidnapping, or property theft valued at one million dollars or more. They can result in prison sentences ranging from eight to 24 years and fines up to $1,000,000. Violent crimes in this category can lead to 16 to 48 years in prison.
• Class 3 felonies carry the possibility of four to 12 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000. Violent crimes in this class carry 10 to 32 years in prison..
• Class 4 felonies can carry two to six years in prison and fines up to $500,000. Violent crimes in this category can result in five to 16 years in prison.
• Class 5 felonies may result in one to three years in prison and fines of up to $100,000. Violent crimes in this category are punishable by 30 months to eight years in prison.. 
• Class 6 felonies may include one year to 18 months in prison and fines up to $100,000. Crimes of violence in this category carry 18 months up to four years in prison.  

All of the above felonies also carry varying mandatory periods of parole.

Extraordinary Risk of Harm Crimes in Colorado

Extraordinary risk crimes are offenses defined under Colorado state law deemed as posing an extraordinary risk of harm to society.  These crimes typically carry harsher penalties due to the increased danger they represent. 

They can include, but are not limited to, any crime of violence, child abuse, aggravated robbery, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, stalking, and sexual exploitation of a child.  

Drug Felonies in Colorado

Drug felonies in Colorado include:   

• Drug Felony Level 1 (DF1): As the most serious drug felonies, they include a prison sentence ranging from eight to 32 years and fines between $5,000 and $1 million. Examples include high-volume drug trafficking or production. 
• Drug Felony Level 2 (DF2): These are crimes such as selling or distributing controlled substances. Presumptive penalties range from four to eight years in prison and fines between $3,000 and $750,000. Aggravated penalties range from eight to 16 years in prison. 
• Drug Felony Level 3 (DF3): Crimes under this level include possession with intent to distribute. Presumptive penalties range from two to four years in prison and fines between $2,000 and $500,000. Aggravated penalties range from four to six years in prison.
• Drug Felony Level 4 (DF4): This category of charges include, but are not limited to, simple possession of certain controlled substances. Presumptive penalties range from six months to one year in prison and fines between $1,000 and $100,000. Aggravated penalties range from one year to two years in prison.

All the above drug and other felony penalties are general guidelines. Actual sentences can vary based upon factors such as prior convictions, the specific circumstances of the crime, and other considerations and each category carries a mandatory period of parole.