Types of Criminal Defense Cases
There are two main types of criminal charges in Colorado: misdemeanors and felonies. Although felonies are more serious than misdemeanor offenses, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in harsh criminal penalties.
The following are the misdemeanor classes and penalties in Colorado:
- Class 1 misdemeanors - Punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and/or a fine not exceeding $1,000
- Class 2 misdemeanors - Punishable by a jail term of up t o 120 days and/or a maximum fine of $750
On the other hand, any criminal offense that is punishable by a year or more or life imprisonment is considered a felony. Rather than going to county jail, a felony conviction results in a state prison sentence.
Here are the Colorado felony classes and penalties:
- Class 1 felonies - Punishable by life imprisonment
- Class 2 felonies - Punishable by a prison sentence between 16 and 48 years (for violent crimes) or ranging from 8 to 24 years (for other crimes), as well as a fine between $5,000 and $1 million
- Class 3 felonies - Punishable by imprisonment between 10 and 32 years (for violent crimes, a prison term ranging from 4 to 16 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a sentence between 4 and 12 years (for other crimes), as well as a fine from $3,000 to $750,000
- Class 4 felonies - Punishable by a prison term from 5 to 16 years (for violent crimes), a sentence between 2 to 8 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a term from 2 to 6 years (for other crimes), as well as a fine ranging from $2,000 to $500,000
- Class 5 felonies - Punishable by imprisonment from 30 months to 8 years (for violent crimes), a prison term between 1 to 4 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a sentence ranging from 1 to 3 years, as well as a fine between $1,000 and $100,000
- Class 6 felonies - Punishable by imprisonment ranging from 18 months and 4 years, a prison sentence between 1 and 2 years (for extraordinary risk of harm crimes), or a term from 12 to 18 months, as well as a fine between $1,000 and $100,000
Remember, there are separate charges and penalties for drug crimes and traffic offenses. No matter what type of criminal charge you face, one of the most important steps to take is hiring a Colorado criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and future.
With every case he takes on, Boulder criminal lawyer Barre Sakol determines his clients' primary concerns and does everything he can to address those concerns. He recognizes that each case has unique factors and that every client will have different priorities. He spends as much time as necessary in making sure that each and every client understands all aspects of his or her case, molding his representation to suit each client's individual needs.
Our firm routinely assists clients with all aspect of their criminal defense, including:
- Conducting an initial consultation free of charge
- Working to understand your unique goals
- Thoroughly analyzing the details of your situation
- Carrying out in-depth legal investigations
- Interviewing witnesses and other relevant parties
- Working with local experts to evaluate various factors
- Building a strong defense on your behalf
- Conducting pre-trial preparation
- Providing reliable representation in court
Whenever possible, Attorney Sakol works to negotiate the best possible resolution to a client's case. If a proposed disposition is not satisfactory to the client, he is well-equipped and fully prepared to take your case to trial, aggressively advocating for your rights every step of the way.
Protect Your Rights with an Experienced Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney
When facing criminal charges, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and providing aggressive representation in Boulder, CO. Whether you are facing charges for DUI, drug offenses, assault, or other criminal offenses, we have the expertise to navigate the complexities of Colorado criminal law and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Benefits of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney include:
- Expert legal advice and guidance
- Strategic defense strategies tailored to your case
- Protection of your constitutional rights
- Minimization of potential penalties and consequences
- Potential reduction or dismissal of charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney?
In our justice system, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges serve important and integral roles. The prosecution represents the enormity of the state, and to prevent the government from running over citizens, every accused individual has a right to be represented and defended. A defense attorney's job isn’t to prove your innocence but highlight how the government hasn’t proved its case. Defense attorneys also stand between their clients and the state to prevent abuses of power.
What Are Common Types of Criminal Defense Cases?
- Domestic Violence: In Colorado, domestic violence charges are enhancements attached to crimes against a current or former partner or spouse.
- Drug Crimes: Possession of controlled substances, illegal drugs, and unprescribed prescription medications.
- DUI/DWAI: Driving a vehicle while intoxicated with drugs or alcohol is a crime in Colorado.
- Felonies & Misdemeanors: Crimes are distinguished by their seriousness and the severity of the corresponding consequences. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. Misdemeanors carry up to 24 months in jail, and a felony can carry between a year to life in prison, depending on the crime.
- Violating Protection Orders: Failing to adhere to the regulations of a lawfully executed restraining order is a crime.
What is the Criminal Court Process?
The criminal court process typically begins with an arrest, and it is followed by booking in jail and a bail hearing. Next, there’s an indictment and arraignment. The court will schedule a preliminary hearing followed by a pretrial conference with motions, a disposition hearing, a jury trial, a verdict, and, depending on the outcome, a sentencing hearing.
What is the Difference Between a Dismissal and an Expungement?
A dismissal is a legal action involving dropping charges after they were initiated. The historical record of the entire matter still exists and is a matter of public record. An expungement is the legal act of sealing a criminal record. The public record is eliminated, and all the history associated with the matter is destroyed.
Will my Case go to Trial? While it’s impossible to generalize all criminal cases, it is important to remember that every case is different. How a case will proceed depends on the defendant and their record. While many cases never make it to trial, whether a case is handled with a plea depends on the district attorney.
How Long Does a Trial Typically Take?
In Colorado, defendants have the right to a speedy trial. According to the Colorado Constitution, a trial must be conducted within six months of submitting a not guilty plea in a criminal case. The length of the actual trial can take anywhere from several days to weeks, depending on the amount of material in the case.
How Does Bail Work?
Bail is paid to the court to ensure that the defendant returns for their court date. Depending on the severity of the crime, a person may be released based on their “own recognizance” if they have ties to the community and are not a risk to the public or of fleeing before their scheduled court date.
A Boulder Criminal Defense Attorney with Honesty, Integrity & Compassion
At Barre M. Sakol, P.C., we are small enough that you matter and experienced enough to persistently fight for you throughout the entire legal process. Regardless of the nature of the charges you are facing, our Boulder, Colorado criminal defense attorney is committed to offering you the honest, fair legal services you deserve and the compassion you need. He strives to make the experience as minimally disruptive to your everyday life as possible, responding quickly to your phone calls, providing in-depth answers to your questions, and helping you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Reach out today—call (720) 999-9506 to speak with a Colorado criminal defense attorney about your case.
