Felony charges are more serious offenses than misdemeanors. A conviction of a felony can result in imprisonment in a Colorado state prison, potentially for years. It can also result in the loss of important rights and a serious criminal history that follows you.
If you are facing felony charges in Colorado, The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC can help. Loveland criminal defense lawyer Sean P. Harrell has over 10 years of experience representing clients facing felony charges in Loveland and throughout Northern Colorado. Call today for a confidential consultation to find out how we can help.
Categories of Crimes in Loveland, Colorado
Colorado generally classifies crimes into one of the following categories:
- Petty offenses – Minor infractions, punishable by up to ten days in jail and a fine of up to $300; stealing items valued at less than $300 is considered this type of offense
- Misdemeanors – Less serious than felonies, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000; possession of less than four grams of a narcotic is considered a misdemeanor in Colorado
- Felonies – The most serious level of offense in Colorado, punishable by incarceration up to life and a fine up to $1 million; sexual assault is a felony offense in Colorado
What Are Felonies in Loveland, Colorado?
Felonies are the more serious criminal offenses in Colorado. As such, they carry harsher punishments. Colorado classifies felonies in class 1 to class 6 with the lower number representing a more serious offense.
Potential Penalties
The potential penalties for a felony charge depend on its classification and the circumstances surrounding the crime. The base penalties for most Colorado felonies include:
| Class of Felony | Presumptive Prison Range with Mandatory Parole |
|---|---|
| Class 6 | 1 – 1.5 years, plus 1 year parole |
| Class 5 | 1 – 3 years, plus 2 years parole |
| Class 4 | 2 – 6 years, plus 3 years parole |
| Class 3 | 4 – 12 years, plus 3 years parole |
| Class 2 | 8-24 years, plus 5 years parole for crime of violence or 3 years parole for non-COV |
| Class 1 | Life without parole |
These are only the base penalties. Crimes of extraordinary risk or involving domestic violence carry enhanced penalties. Additionally, if a crime is considered a crime of violence, the defendant faces mandatory prison time and a harsher penalty than someone convicted of a crime in the same class that is not considered a crime of violence.
In addition to the penalties above, defendants may face other consequences, including:
- Requirements to pay court costs, probation fees, victim restitution fees, or treatment costs
- Possible removal if an immigrant
- Loss of civil rights, like the right to vote, run for public office, and the right to possess a firearm
- Termination of parental rights and registration as a sex offender if convicted of certain sex crimes
- Being subject to additional orders and restrictions from orders of protection
- Damage to their professional and personal reputation
- Loss of driving privileges for certain offenses
- Loss of or suspension of professional license
Additionally, people convicted of a felony will have a criminal record that makes it difficult for them to pursue an education, secure housing, or find employment. Many felony records cannot be sealed.
How a Loveland Felony Charges Lawyer Can Help
If you are facing felony charges, your first call should be to an experienced Loveland felony charges attorney. Attorney Sean P. Harrell can help you with your case by:
- Explaining your legal rights
- Preventing you from incriminating yourself
- Drafting and filing legal motions to address testimonial issues or to suppress evidence
- Conducting an independent investigation into the incident
- Making legal motions to have charges dismissed or evidence suppressed
- Negotiating a favorable plea bargain for your case
- Representing you at trial
Call us today at (970) 791-2006 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.