Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience
Colorado Felony Defense Attorney
Aggressive Representation for Serious Cases
Protecting Your Future Against Felony Charges
Facing a felony charge in Colorado is one of the most serious legal challenges a person can endure. Felony convictions can lead to years in prison, massive fines, loss of civil rights, and lifelong consequences for employment, housing, and reputation.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we understand what is at stake when you are accused of a felony. We provide aggressive and strategic defense for clients charged with felonies in Aurora, Arapahoe County, Denver, and throughout Colorado.
What Is a Felony in Colorado?
Under Colorado law, a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Unlike misdemeanors, which are handled at the county level, felonies are prosecuted in district courts and carry far harsher penalties.
Felonies are divided into six classes, with Class 1 being the most severe. In addition, certain offenses are designated as “extraordinary risk” crimes, which carry enhanced penalties.
Colorado Felony Classifications and Penalties
Class 1 Felony
Examples: First-degree murder, treason.
Penalty: Life in prison without parole or death penalty (for crimes committed before 2020).
Non-negotiable: No probation, no parole.
Class 2 Felony
Examples: Second-degree murder, major drug trafficking, kidnapping.
Penalty: 8–24 years in prison, up to $1,000,000 fine.
Class 3 Felony
Examples: First-degree assault, burglary, sexual assault.
Penalty: 4–12 years in prison, up to $750,000 fine.
Class 4 Felony
Examples: Manslaughter, identity theft, aggravated motor vehicle theft.
Penalty: 2–6 years in prison, up to $500,000 fine.
Class 5 Felony
Examples: Menacing with a deadly weapon, forgery, certain theft crimes.
Penalty: 1–3 years in prison, up to $100,000 fine.
Class 6 Felony
Examples: Criminal impersonation, failure to register as a sex offender, some drug offenses.
Penalty: 1–1.5 years in prison, up to $100,000 fine.
Extraordinary Risk Felonies (e.g., aggravated robbery, stalking, child abuse) add additional years to sentencing ranges
Request a Free Consultation
Speak directly with a Colorado felony defense attorney about your case. We’ll review your situation, answer your legal questions, and explain your options — all at no cost and with no obligation.
Common Felony Charges in Colorado
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we defend clients against a wide range of felony accusations, including:
Violent Crimes: Murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping.
Drug Crimes: Distribution, manufacturing, trafficking controlled substances.
Sex Crimes: Sexual assault, child exploitation, internet luring.
Property Crimes: Burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, criminal mischief.
White Collar Crimes: Fraud, forgery, embezzlement, identity theft.
Weapons Charges: Possession of prohibited weapons, use of a firearm in a felony.
Domestic Violence Felonies: Strangulation, aggravated assault, repeated offenses.
Each type of charge requires a unique defense strategy and detailed investigation.
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction
The penalties do not end with prison or fines. A felony conviction can affect every part of your life, including:
Loss of Civil Rights: Felony convictions often mean losing the right to vote, serve on a jury, or own firearms.
Employment: Many employers refuse to hire applicants with felony records.
Housing: Landlords may deny rental applications.
Professional Licensing: Teachers, nurses, lawyers, and other professionals may face license suspension or revocation.
Immigration Consequences: Non-citizens may face deportation.
Because of these long-lasting effects, fighting a felony charge is about protecting your future, not just avoiding prison.
The Felony Court Process in Colorado
1. Arrest and Advisement
After an arrest, you are booked and scheduled for an advisement hearing, where charges are read and bail may be set.
2. Preliminary Hearing
In most felony cases, you are entitled to a preliminary hearing. The prosecutor must show enough evidence to proceed. A skilled defense attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the case early.
3. Arraignment and Pretrial Proceedings
You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or request discovery.
4. Trial
If the case goes to trial, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense lawyer can challenge witnesses, present evidence, and raise constitutional defenses.
5. Sentencing
If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence within statutory ranges, but a defense attorney can argue for alternatives to prison such as probation, treatment, or community corrections.
Defense Strategies Against Felony Charges
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we take an aggressive and personalized approach to defense. Strategies may include:
Challenging Probable Cause – Was the arrest or search legal?
Suppressing Evidence – Was evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights?
Attacking Witness Credibility – Do witnesses have motives to lie or unreliable testimony?
Scientific/Forensic Challenges – Were DNA, drug, or ballistic tests properly conducted?
Negotiating Reductions – Sometimes charges can be reduced to misdemeanors or alternative sentencing.
Presenting Affirmative Defenses – Such as self-defense, mistaken identity, or lack of intent.
Every case is different, and our goal is to weaken the state’s evidence and build the strongest defense possible.
Alternatives to Prison in Felony Cases
Not every felony conviction results in prison time. Depending on the offense, background, and circumstances, alternatives may include:
Probation with strict conditions.
Community Corrections (residential programs instead of prison).
Drug Treatment Court for substance-related offenses.
Diversion Programs for first-time or lower-level felonies.
We fight for sentencing alternatives whenever possible to protect our clients from the harshest consequences.
Why Hire The Lawrence Law Firm for Felony Defense?
A felony charge is life-changing. You cannot risk handling it alone or with inexperienced representation. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we provide:
Decades of combined experience in criminal defense across Colorado courts.
Aggressive trial advocacy and skilled negotiation with prosecutors.
Personalized defense strategies tailored to your case.
Direct attorney access so you always know where your case stands.
Our mission is to fight tirelessly for your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Take Immediate Action – Your Future Is on the Line
If you are facing felony charges in Aurora, Denver, Arapahoe County, Adams County, or the surrounding areas, act now. The earlier you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of reducing or defeating the charges.
Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and begin building your defense.
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Areas of Practice
Service Areas
- Denver County
- Arapahoe County
- Adams County
- Douglas County
- Jefferson County
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Contact Information
Address
2821 S. Parker Rd. Suite 865 Aurora, CO 80014
Contact
lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 am - 6 pm Weekends and Afterhours By Appointment