Felony Charges

Common Felony Charges

When you are accused with a crime, the charges will be categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies are more serious crimes that carry harsher sentences that typically include incarceration and/or probation, fines, and impacts on your rights. Felony crimes include arson, rape, and murder, among others. Felony criminal cases are tried in District Court and incarceration sentences are served in a state prison rather than city jail. Aggravated misdemeanors may be upgraded to felony charges as well. Common felony charges in Colorado Springs include:

Class 3 felony - third most serious felonies, further subdivided into Class 3 felony and Class 3 extraordinary risk felony. Extraordinary risk felonies are those that present a high probability of endangerment to society. Class 3 felonies include:

Attempt to commit a Class 2 felony
Conspiracy to commit a Class 2 felony
Vehicular homicide
Human trafficking

Class 3 extraordinary risk felonies include:

Aggravated robbery
Second-degree murder (if, in the “heat of passion”)
First-degree assault
Enticement of a child
Unlawful termination of pregnancy (if the mother survives)

Class 4 felony - fourth most serious felonies, further subdivided into Class 4 felony and Class 4 extraordinary risk felony. Class 4 felonies include:

Attempt to commit a Class 3 felony
Conspiracy to commit a Class 3 felony
Manslaughter (unintentional homicide)
Vehicular homicide
Violating a custody order or parental responsibility

Class 4 extraordinary risk felonies include:

Criminal extortion
Second-degree kidnapping
Second-degree assault
Enticement of a child (if the child is unharmed)

Class 5 felony - second least serious felonies, further subdivided into Class 5 felony and Class 5 extraordinary risk felony. Class 5 felonies include many Colorado crimes including (but, not limited to):

Solicitation
Vehicular assault
Violation of a custody order
Failure to pay child/spousal support
Criminal trespass
Cruelty to animals
And, much more. See the complete list of Colorado Class 5 felonies here.

Class 5 extraordinary risk felonies include:

First-degree assault (if committed in the heat of passion)
Internet luring of a child
Stalking
Child abuse
Attempt to escape

Felony Category	Presumptive Sentencing	Presumptive Fines
Class 1	Life imprisonment or death penalty (Colorado does not offer death penalty for people convicted after July 1, 2020.)	None
Class 2	8-24 Years	$500-$1,000,000
Class 3 Extraordinary Risk	4-16 Years	$3,000-$750,000
Class 3	4-12 Years	$3,000-$750.000
Class 4 Extraordinary Risk	2-8 Years	$2,000-$500,000
Class 4	2-6 Years	$2,000-$500,000
Class 5 Extraordinary Risk	1-4 Years	$1,000-$100,000
Class 5	1-3 Years	$1,000-$100,000
Class 6 Extraordinary	1-2 Years	$1,000-$100,000
Class 6	1 Year-18 Months	$100,000-$100,000
Unclassified	As set forth in statute	As set forth in statute

Colorado treats drug-related felonies differently than other felony offenses, and they are subject to different presumptive sentencing than non-drug related felonies. Drug felonies are classified as level 1 through 4, whereas level 1 is the most serious and level 4 is the least serious. Drug felonies vary by the substance, what the presumed intent was for said substance, and who the substance was intended for. For instance, cultivation of more than six marijuana plants is a level 4 drug felony in Colorado, as is dispensing less than an ounce of marijuana to a minor.

Drug felonies may carry mandatory prison time versus probation, and may be escalated if the charges are aggravated. Habitual offenders may face a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Extraordinary Risk Crimes

Under Colorado law, an extraordinary risk crime is one that presents a substantial risk of harm or impairment to the health and safety of society. If convicted of an extraordinary risk offense, the defendant will face harsher sentencing, including longer prison sentence, more expensive fines, and longer parole/probation than other crimes with the same felony Class. Felony extraordinary risk crimes include:

Child abuse
Robbery
Violent crimes
Stalking
Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification
Human trafficking for involuntary servitude
Human trafficking for sexual servitude
Second-degree assault
Sale or distribution of materials to manufacture controlled substances
Unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, sale, or possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell, distribute, manufacture, or dispense

Violent Felonies

Colorado law also recognizes violent crimes as posing significant risk to the health and safety of the public and therefore carries mandatory prison sentences. Many other felonies have the potential for alternative sentencing that includes deferred prosecution, deferred sentencing, probation, and community corrections. Violent crimes, however, require prison terms be served at a minimum of the midpoint of the presumptive range for such offense, to a maximum of twice the ordinary maximum for offenses of that felony Class. Violent crimes under Colorado law include:

Murder
First- or second-degree assault
Any crime against an at-risk adult or juvenile
Kidnapping
Forcible sex crimes including rape, sexual assault, and sexual contact
Sex crimes in which threat, intimidation, or force was used or the victim suffered a bodily injury
Aggravated robbery
First-degree arson
First-degree burglary
Escape from incarceration
Criminal extortion
First- or second-degree unlawful termination of pregnancy

Choose the Colorado Springs Legal Team With Experience

The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Murphy and Price in Colorado Springs have more than 25 years of experience representing clients facing felony charges. From military service members to immigrants, Colorado tourists, and local residents of Colorado Springs and Avon, we are committed to aggressively defending our clients. To discover effective legal counsel you can count on, connect with the team at the Law Offices of Murphy & Price today!

How Felony Charges May Affect Your Life

The penalties for felonies do not stop at prison time, parole, and hefty fines. If you become a convicted felon, the restrictions follow you for the rest of your life. For instance, convicted felons:

May not purchase, own, or possess a firearm or weapon.
Cannot apply for licensure as a peace officer or educator.
May not hold an office of honor or trust.
Cannot practice as an attorney.
Will not qualify for SNAP federal assistance*
Register on the state public sex offender registry (for sexually-based convictions).
May not be able to obtain government loans or grants.

Being a registered sex offender is public knowledge and may negatively impact your employment or rental abilitiy. When you apply for most jobs, you will be asked about your criminal history and may be subject to a background check. While many companies will make decisions based on the individual and the crime committed, many employers do not employ felons.

How A Felony Conviction Affects Your Military Career

Beyond facing state and federal charges for a felony crime, you will undoubtedly find yourself facing court-martial as well. Depending on the charges you are facing and the outcome of the case, you may face negative consequences on your career before, during, and long after the trial that include (but are not limited to):

Bar from reenlistment
Removal/ bar from promotion
Reduction in rank
Corrective/Additional training
Suspension of favorable actions
Separation (“Other than Honorable”or Dishonorable)
Article 15
Court-Martial
Void of retirement, disability, and other benefits
Incarceration in military prison

While the military will provide you with a JAG lawyer to manage your case, it is your right (and our recommendation) that you seek experienced legal counsel to aggressively defend you. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price, we have decades worth of experience defending military service members and their families. Connect with our military lawyers today.

Q: What's The Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor? ▼

A: A misdemeanor is a crime that is generally considered less serious than a felony, but is still a criminal behavior. Both felonies and misdemeanors are crimes, however, the sentencing for a misdemeanor is generally limited to less than a year. Most people serving time for a misdemeanor are held in county jails, while those serving time for a felony are held in state or federal prisons.

Q: I've Been Accused of a Felony in Colorado. What Should I Do?▼

A: Immediately seek the help of a Colorado felony defense lawyer to begin building your case right away. The sooner an experienced defense attorney is on your case, the more time you and your attorney have to address any constitutional rights violations and build an aggressive defense that will promote the best possible outcome.

Q: Can I Join The Military With A Felony? ▼

A: It depends. Felonies, including aggravated assault, rape, DUI convictions, drug distribution, and arson, are all examples of the types of felonies that make it impossible for you to join the military. Others may be subject to waivers and you’ll need to supply documentation of the court process. The best thing to do is contact a local recruiter.

Q: What Is The Statute of Limitations For Felony Charges in Colorado? ▼

A: For most Colorado felonies, the statute of limitations is three years from the date the crime is committed to begin criminal prosecution. Felonies including murder, kidnapping, treason, and sex offenses against children, have no statutes of limitations and the state can begin criminal prosecution at any time.

"“Warren Price is truly an expert in his practice"

"I was facing some serious charges which could have had a devastating impact on my family and me for the rest of our lives. Due to the severity of the matter, I knew that I needed an expert attorney to protect my rights and get me through this nightmare. I had talked to several lawyers before contacting Warren. Many of them thought that my case was going to be very difficult and were charging too much. Some were not very confident in the outcome. Mr. Price, on the other hand, was honest and supportive throughout the whole process. He also was very fair and helpful with his financial costs. Warren got all my charges dismissed. The nightmare is finally over, and I can live my life again in peace. He is indeed an expert and caring attorney.”

- R.A.

Name*
First Last
Phone*
Email*
New Client
How can we help you today?*
CAPTCHA
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Drug Felony Category	Presumptive Sentence	Presumptive Fines
Level 1 drug felony	8-32 Years	$5,000-$1,000,000
Level 2 drug felony	4-8 Years	$3,000 – $750,000
Class 3 drug felony	2-4 Years	$2,000 – $500,000
Class 3	4-12 Years	$3,000 – $750,000
Level 4 drug felony	6 Months-1 Year	$1,000 – $100,000

Common Felony Charges

Felony Charges

Extraordinary Risk Crimes

Violent Felonies

Choose the Colorado Springs Legal Team With Experience

DUI/DWAI

Assault

Drug Charges

Gun Charges

Sex Crimes

How Felony Charges May Affect Your Life

How A Felony Conviction Affects Your Military Career

Q: What's The Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor? ▼

Q: I've Been Accused of a Felony in Colorado. What Should I Do?▼

Q: Can I Join The Military With A Felony? ▼

Q: What Is The Statute of Limitations For Felony Charges in Colorado? ▼

"“Warren Price is truly an expert in his practice"

Contact Us Today

Recent Posts

Colorado Open Carry Laws Basics

Understanding Reasonable Suspicion and Probable Cause

Theft of Government Property