In Colorado, misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail, a maximum of $5,000 fine, or misdemeanor probation. Misdemeanor crimes generally have lower consequences than felonies, but that doesn’t not mean they are not serious allegations. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor, it is important to have the strongest possible defense, and Krizman Law is here to help.
Misdemeanors are broken into 3 major categories which are each broken down further. The three types are: Misdemeanors, drug misdemeanors, and traffic misdemeanors. Besides these categories, there are also unclassified misdemeanors that are punished according to the statue which is in violation.
Each sub-classification of misdemeanor carries different penalties ranging from fines to probation to jail time. Additionally, certain crimes charged as misdemeanors are known as extraordinary risk crimes which carry with them an increased penalties.
Though each class of misdemeanor has presumptive sentencing ranges, not all misdemeanors carry jail sentences. In a case where jail is not imposed as a penalty, defendants are subject to certain conditions such as: probation instead of jail, not committing other crimes, paying restitution to a victim, no possession or ownership of a firearm, supervision by a probation officer, or other conditions that the court deems fit.
Misdemeanors:
Looking first at regular Colorado misdemeanors, this type of misdemeanor is further broken down into Class 1 misdemeanors, Class 2 misdemeanors, and Class 3 misdemeanors.
Class 1 Misdemeanors:
Class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious form of misdemeanor you can be charged with in Colorado.
Examples of Class 1 misdemeanors are: theft if the property is valued between $750 and $2,000, aggravated motor vehicle theft valued at less than $1,000, 2nd-degree forgery, and patronizing a prostitute.
The penalties for Class 1 misdemeanors are a minimum of 6 months in jail and/or $500 in fines to a maximum of 18 months in jail and/or $5,000 in fines. Misdemeanor probation is a sentencing option in all misdemeanor cases. As well, certain misdemeanors involve moral turpitude and are deportable offenses.
In addition to the regular Class 1 misdemeanors, there are also Extraordinary Risk Class 1 misdemeanors which carry with them an increase in the maximum jail sentence of 6 months. Examples of Extraordinary Risk Class 1 misdemeanors include: failure to register as a sex offender, sexual assault, and 3rd-degree assault.
In the case of 3rd-degree assault, if the crime is committed against a peace officer performing their duties. If convicted of 3rd-degree assault, you can be charged with 2 to 4 years in jail and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000.
If you have been charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Class 2 Misdemeanors:
Class 2 misdemeanors are the second most serious type of regular misdemeanor you can be charged with in Colorado.
Examples of Class 2 misdemeanors are: attempt to commit a Class 1 misdemeanor, keeping a place of prostitution, 2nd-degree arson if valued at less than $1,000, and criminal invasion of privacy.
The penalties for Class 2 misdemeanors are a minimum of 3 months in jail and/or $250 in fines to a maximum of 12 months in jail and/or $1,000 in fines. Misdemeanor probation is a sentencing option in all misdemeanor cases. As well, certain misdemeanors involve moral turpitude and are deportable offenses.
If you have been charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Class 3 Misdemeanors:
Class 3 misdemeanors are the third most serious type of regular misdemeanor you can be charged with in Colorado.
Examples of Class 3 misdemeanors are: hazing, prostitution, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession or use of a driver’s license, and 4th-degree arson.
The penalties for Class 3 misdemeanors are a minimum of $50 in fines to a maximum of 6 months in jail and/or $750 in fines. Misdemeanor probation is a sentencing option in all misdemeanor cases. As well, certain misdemeanors involve moral turpitude and are deportable offenses.
In a case where someone is charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor for reckless endangerment and the victim is a mental health professional employed at the Colorado Dept. of Health Services, sentencing ranges are 6 to 12 months in jail and/or $50 to $750 in fines.
If you have been charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Drug Misdemeanors:
Second is drug misdemeanors which are broken down into Drug Misdemeanor 1 (DM1) and Drug Misdemeanor 2 (DM2). Drug misdemeanors are punished less harshly than regular misdemeanors in the same classes but are still very serious offenses.
Drug Misdemeanor 1:
DM1 is the most serious level of drug misdemeanor in Colorado.
Examples of DM1 are: possession of 6 to 12 oz. of marijuana or more than 3 oz. of marijuana concentrate, attempt to commit a Class IV Drug Felony, and unlawful possession of schedule III, IV, or V drugs.
The penalties for DM1 are a minimum of 6 months in jail and/or $500 in fines to a maximum of 18 months in jail and/or $5,000 in fines. Drug misdemeanors, if convicted, are subject to a drug surcharge of $1,000 or less.
If you have been charged with Drug Misdemeanor 1, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Drug Misdemeanor 2:
DM2 is the second most serious level of drug misdemeanor in Colorado.
Examples of DM2 are: attempting to commit DM1 or DM2, abuse of toxic vapors, or possession of 2 to 6 oz. of marijuana.
The penalties for DM2 are a minimum of $50 in fines to a maximum of 12 months in jail and/or $750 in fines. Drug misdemeanors, if convicted, are subject to a drug surcharge of $1,000 or less.
If you have been charged with Drug Misdemeanor 2, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Traffic Misdemeanors:
The final major category of misdemeanors is traffic misdemeanors.
Class1 Traffic Misdemeanors:
Class 1 traffic misdemeanors are the most serious level of traffic misdemeanor in Colorado.
Examples of Class 1 traffic misdemeanors are: engaging in speed contests, reckless driving, driving 25MPH over the speed limit in construction, maintenance, or repair zones, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance or failing present insurance when asked by a peace officer.
The penalties for Class 1 traffic misdemeanors are a minimum of 10 days in jail and/or $300 in fines to a maximum of 12 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
If you have been charged with a Class 1 traffic misdemeanor, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Class 2 Traffic Misdemeanors:
Class 2 traffic misdemeanors are the second most serious level of traffic misdemeanor in Colorado.
Examples of Class 2 traffic misdemeanors are: driving without a valid driver’s license, driving at 25MPH over the speed limit in areas other than construction, maintenance, or repair zones, failing to give up your license after conviction of driving under restraint, and failing or refusing to comply with a peace officer who is controlling or regulating traffic.
The penalties for Class 2 traffic misdemeanors are a minimum of 10 days in jail and/or $150 in fines to a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $300 fine.
If you have been charged with a Class 2 traffic misdemeanor, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Any misdemeanor charges are serious and you should not wait to get help. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Colorado, it is important for you to have a relentless criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights. If you need a relentless criminal defense attorney, call Krizman Law today at 303.529.2677.
Mr. Krizman is a criminal defense attorney in Denver, Colorado. He specializes in providing relentless defense for domestic violence, DUI, and drug crimes. He is a former public defender who has also worked for a district attorney and is licensed in the State of Colorado, and the United States Federal Court, District of Colorado. Mr. Krizman is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, and Arapahoe County Bar Association. A Colorado native, he has a law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa. Contact him today at 720.819.7317.