In Colorado, criminal offenses fall into three categories: misdemeanors, felonies, and petty offenses. Misdemeanors occupy the middle ground, with consequences less severe than felonies but more serious than petty offenses. If you’ve been charged with this type of offense, you could face significant fines and even jail time, so hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential. Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC For Your Misdemeanor Case?
Working with an attorney if you’ve been arrested is critical. The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC offers several key advantages to individuals facing misdemeanor charges in Colorado:
- With over a decade of experience representing clients in Colorado, The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC has the knowledge and expertise necessary to provide you with the strongest possible defense in your case.
- We know that each case is different, and we will develop a tailored legal strategy; there is no one-size-fits-all solution when you work with us.
- We take the time to explain each step of the legal process, ensuring that you know what to expect and can make choices that best serve your interests.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Misdemeanor Charge
Here are a few key steps an attorney can take to help you with a misdemeanor charge:
- Investigating: One of the first and most critical steps in any criminal case is investigating the facts and collecting evidence. This process can involve interviewing witnesses, examining police reports, and reviewing other key documents.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: An experienced attorney can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf, potentially securing a reduction in charges or even an outright dismissal.
- Protecting Your Rights: Throughout the entire process, an attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that all procedures are followed according to the law. This involves ensuring you receive a fair trial, are not subjected to illegal search and seizure, and that any plea deals or sentencing agreements are valid.
Class 1 Misdemeanors
Examples of Class 1 misdemeanors include:
- Third-degree assault
- Theft of property worth more than $1,000 but less than $2,000
- Indecent exposure (with some exceptions)
Penalties for Class 1 Misdemeanors
The penalties for a Class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado depend on the date the crime was committed. For offenses committed on or after March 1, 2022, the potential penalties for a class 1 misdemeanor are:
- Up to 364 days in jail, and/or
- Up to $1,000 in fines
For offenses committed before March 1, 2022, the potential Class 1 misdemeanor penalties are:
- 6 to 18 months in county jail, and/or
- $500 to $5,000 in fines
Extraordinary Risk Class 1 Misdemeanors
There are also “extraordinary risk” Class 1 misdemeanors, which pose a heightened level of risk to public safety or the community. These offenses carry lengthier maximum jail sentences:
- For crimes committed on or after March 1, 2022, the maximum jail sentence is 18 months.
- For crimes committed before March 1, 2022, the maximum jail sentence is 24 months.
3rd-Degree Assault (CRS 18-3-204)
Third-degree assault is a specific Class 1 misdemeanor that carries a longer maximum sentence if the victim was on duty in certain professions at the time of the offense. If the victim was a peace officer, emergency medical provider, firefighter, or mental health professional at the Department of Human Services, the maximum sentence for 3rd-degree assault can be:
- For offenses committed on or after March 1, 2022: 36 months
- For offenses committed before March 1, 2022: 48 months
Class 2 Misdemeanors
Examples of Class 2 misdemeanors include:
- Criminal attempt to commit a class 1 misdemeanor
- Theft of property worth more than $300 but less than $1,000
- Criminal tampering
Penalties for Class 2 Misdemeanors
The penalties for class two misdemeanors in Colorado were also changed on March 1, 2022.
On or After March 1, 2022
If the offense occurred on or after March 1, 2022, a class two misdemeanor in Colorado carries the following potential penalties:
- Up to 120 days in jail, and/or
- Up to $750 in fines
Before March 1, 2022
If the offense happened before March 1, 2022, a class two misdemeanor in Colorado is subject to the following penalties:
- 3 to 12 months in county jail, and/or
- $250 to $1,000 in fines
Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC To Schedule a Free Consultation
Misdemeanors in Colorado may not have the same level of severity as felonies, but they can still have long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. If you’re facing criminal charges, it’s essential to contact a criminal defense attorney. Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.