Facing a felony charge in Denver can have life-altering implications. Felonies represent the most serious category of criminal offenses in Colorado, carrying severe consequences, including extensive prison sentences, substantial fines, and long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. At Baker Law Group, we have vast experience helping individuals facing felony charges in Denver, guiding them through Colorado’s complex criminal justice system. Understanding the most common types of felonies can help you grasp the gravity of your situation and underscores why skilled legal representation is essential.
How Colorado Classifies Felonies
In Colorado, felonies are categorized into six classes based on severity, with Class 1 felonies being the most severe and Class 6 the least severe. Each class has defined sentencing ranges and associated fines:
- Class 1 Felonies: Life imprisonment or death penalty (such as first-degree murder).
- Class 2 Felonies: 8-24 years imprisonment, with fines ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000.
- Class 3 Felonies: 4-12 years imprisonment, fines from $3,000 to $750,000.
- Class 4 Felonies: 2-6 years imprisonment, fines from $2,000 to $500,000.
- Class 5 Felonies: 1-3 years imprisonment, fines from $1,000 to $100,000.
- Class 6 Felonies: 12-18 months imprisonment, fines from $1,000 to $100,000.
Below, we outline the most common felony charges individuals face in Denver.
Violent Crimes
Violent felonies are among the most aggressively prosecuted in Colorado. These crimes involve harm or threats of harm to other individuals and include:
- Assault: Ranging from first-degree (involving serious bodily injury or weapons) to second-degree assault (causing injury without intent to kill).
- Robbery: Taking property by force or threat of force, classified from simple robbery to aggravated robbery involving weapons.
- Homicide: Including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter, each differentiated by intent and circumstances.
These crimes often result in lengthy sentences and mandatory prison time, particularly if weapons are involved or if prior convictions exist.
Drug-Related Felonies
Colorado takes drug felonies seriously, particularly those involving drug distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or possession of substantial quantities. While Colorado has relaxed certain laws regarding cannabis, severe penalties remain for illegal activities involving substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and opioids. Standard drug-related felony charges include:
- Drug Trafficking: Transporting large quantities of illegal drugs with intent to distribute.
- Drug Manufacturing: Producing controlled substances, including operating meth labs.
- Drug Possession: Possessing substantial amounts that imply intent to distribute or sell.
Drug felony charges typically come with high fines, extended incarceration periods, and severe lifelong implications.
Property Crimes
Felonies involving property offenses include theft, burglary, and arson. Severity often depends on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the offense:
- Burglary: Entering property unlawfully with intent to commit a crime. Penalties intensify if weapons are involved or if the property is residential.
- Theft: Considered a felony when stolen property exceeds $2,000 in value. Higher value theft significantly escalates potential sentencing.
- Arson: Setting fire to property intentionally or recklessly, with penalties heavily influenced by the damage inflicted and potential harm to people.
Convictions for property crimes can significantly affect future employment, housing opportunities, and personal reputation.
White-Collar Felonies
As a bustling commercial and financial center, Denver frequently encounters white-collar felony cases. These crimes typically involve financial deception, fraud, or embezzlement:
- Fraud: Including identity theft, credit card fraud, and mortgage fraud.
- Embezzlement: Theft or misappropriation of funds entrusted to one’s care.
- Money Laundering: Concealing illegally obtained money through legitimate business channels.
Though non-violent, these offenses can lead to severe penalties due to their financial impact and breach of public trust.
Sex-Related Felonies
Sexual offenses carry severe social stigma and harsh penalties. Common felony charges in Colorado include:
- Sexual Assault: Includes rape, statutory rape, and sexual assault involving minors or incapacitated individuals.
- Internet Sex Crimes: Such as child pornography, online solicitation, and exploitation.
- Human Trafficking: Exploiting individuals through coercion or deception for sexual purposes.
Conviction typically mandates registration as a sex offender, resulting in lifelong consequences affecting employment, housing, and social standing.
Felony DUI/DWAI
While most DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offenses in Colorado are misdemeanors, repeated offenses can escalate to felony status. A fourth DUI conviction in Colorado is classified as a Class 4 felony, carrying potential imprisonment, extensive fines, license revocation, and compulsory substance abuse programs.
Weapons Charges
Colorado laws regarding weapons offenses include illegal possession, unlawful discharge, possession by prohibited persons (e.g., convicted felons), and use of weapons during criminal acts. Convictions result in substantial prison sentences and loss of firearm rights.
Consequences of Felony Convictions
Beyond incarceration and fines, felony convictions in Colorado have lasting collateral effects including:
- Loss of voting rights
- Restrictions on firearm ownership
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Professional license revocations
These far-reaching implications highlight the importance of aggressive and knowledgeable legal defense.
Contact a Denver Felony Lawyer
Felony charges can quickly escalate into overwhelming legal situations. If you face felony charges in Denver, swift action and competent representation are critical. At Baker Law Group, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys understand the complexities and nuances of Colorado’s felony laws. We fight aggressively for your rights and freedom.
Don’t face felony charges alone. Contact Baker Law Group today for a confidential consultation to explore your legal options and build a strategic defense tailored to your situation.
