Experienced Denver Criminal Defense Attorney

There is no such thing as a one size fits all in the criminal justice system. If you face criminal charges in Aurora, Colorado, you must contact a criminal defense attorney.

A criminal defense attorney will tailor a case to the facts and goals of each defendant. The prosecutor's evidence, police's probable cause, and defendant's rights being violated are all factual questions for trial. It takes a skilled criminal attorney to explain and apply the law to the specific facts of your case.

Choose a Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer from the Lawrence Law Firm

Our team of criminal defense attorneys has helped thousands of people in Denver and the surrounding areas with their criminal charges. At Lawrence Law, we offer a large variety of legal services, including:

•      DUI Defense

•      Domestic violence

•      Sex crimes

•      Drug offenses

•      Criminal mischief and theft of property crimes

•      Forgery and identity theft

•      Child Abuse Defense

•      Vehicular Assault   

We prepare each Denver Criminal Defense case as if it is going to trial. However, we are also diligent to find the best way to proceed. A misdemeanor case can still result in serious consequences.

Misdemeanor Offenses in Colorado

Colorado has divided misdemeanor into three levels that referred to as classes. A class one misdemeanor is the most serious, and a third degree is the least serious. To find out how serious a misdemeanor is, you need to check the law that you are accused of breaking. The penalties for each are as follows:

Class 1 Misdemeanor

The most serious type of misdemeanor in Colorado. A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by six to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to a $1,000.

Class 2 Misdemeanor

The lowest type of misdemeanor in Colorado is second degree misdemeanor. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries a possible jail term of up to 6 months. A Court can also fine a defendant up to $750.

Probation

In addition to jail and fines, a court can also place a defendant on probation. Probation is supervision, that can include conditions the Court believes is appropriate.

A common condition of probation is drug testing. Crimes involving domestic violence have different possible condition.

Felony Offenses in Colorado

Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses in the State of Colorado. The procedures used for a felony charge are vastly different than those of a misdemeanor. In some cases, department of corrections time is mandatory.

No matter the charges, it's crucial to seek advice from a Denver or Aurora Criminal Defense lawyer when facing a felony. The penalties for felonies are as follows:

Class 1 Felony

The most serious crime. An example of a class 1 felony is murder in the first degree. If someone is convicted of a class one felony, they can get life in prison with parole or the death penalty.

Class 2 Felony

A Class 2 Felony is punishable by eight to twenty-four years in prison. If it is classified as a crime of violence, the mandatory range is 16-48 years. A fine of $5,000 to $100,000 could also be imposed.

Class 3 Felony

A class 3 Felony can result in a state prison sentence of four to 12 years and a fine of $3,000 to $750,000. If it is a crime of violence, the mandatory range is 10-16 years.

Class 4 Felony

A Class 4 Felony can result in a state prison sentence of two to six years’ imprisonment and a fine of $2,000 to $500,000. If it is a crime of violence, the mandatory range is 2 to 8 years.

Class 5 Felony

A Class 5 Felony can result in a prison sentence of one to three years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000. If it is a crime of violence, the mandatory range is 30 months to 8 years.

Class 6 Felony

A Class 6 Felony can result in a prison sentence of one year to 18 months in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000. If it is a crime of violence, the mandatory range is 18 months to four years.

Each prison sentence above comes with a mandatory parole period. The length of the parole period depends on the felony criminal conviction. Information concerning the parole period can be found at C.R.S. 18-13-401.

In addition to those charges, a Court can sentence defendants to probation or county jail time. The Court's sentencing options depend on the charges' seriousness, criminal history, available mitigation, and other factors. It is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney to understand the best way to proceed with your case.

To further complicate the matter, cities have their own municipal codes. These codes also create criminal violations. These types of offenses are called municipal ordinance violations and are discussed more in depth under the municipal ordinance violation defense practice area.