Colorado Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Being charged with a misdemeanor in Colorado can have serious consequences, even though these offenses are considered less severe than felonies. At Right Law Group, our experienced misdemeanor defense attorneys in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch are here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. 

Whether you’re facing charges related to assault, DUI, domestic violence, or theft, we will provide you with a strong defense to minimize the impact of these charges on your life.

What Is a Misdemeanor in Colorado?

In Colorado, misdemeanors are generally classified as crimes that are punishable by jail time of less than one year, fines, or both. 

While misdemeanors carry less severe penalties than felonies, they can still result in a permanent criminal record, jail time, and other long-term consequences. That’s why it’s critical to work with a skilled criminal misdemeanor lawyer who can provide the best defense possible.

Common misdemeanor charges in Colorado include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI): These charges can lead to jail time, license suspension, and significant fines.
• Third-Degree Assault: This involves causing bodily injury to another person and is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
• Theft: Theft of property valued under $2,000 is typically charged as a misdemeanor.
• Domestic Violence: Certain instances of domestic violence can be charged as misdemeanors, especially when physical harm is minor or absent.
• Violation of a Protective Order: Violating a restraining order, which is common in domestic violence cases, is a serious misdemeanor offense.
• Unlawful Sexual Contact: This involves unwanted sexual contact and can lead to severe legal and social consequences.
• Eluding a Police Officer: Fleeing or attempting to evade law enforcement is often charged as a misdemeanor, especially if no injuries are involved.
• Reckless Endangerment: This charge applies when someone acts in a way that puts another person at risk of serious bodily injury.
• Hit and Run: Leaving the scene of an accident without providing information or aid is a misdemeanor when no serious injuries occur.
• Harassment: Includes behaviors such as threats, intimidation, or repeated communication intended to alarm or annoy someone.
• Tampering: Interfering with someone else’s property or services can lead to misdemeanor charges.
• Child Abuse: Acts of neglect or endangerment that do not result in serious injury are often charged as misdemeanors.
• Menacing: Threatening someone with imminent harm can lead to a menacing charge.
• False Imprisonment: Unlawfully restricting someone’s movement without their consent is a serious misdemeanor offense.

Facing any of these charges requires the guidance of a knowledgeable misdemeanor attorney who can craft a strong defense to help you avoid the harshest penalties.

Misdemeanor Classifications and Penalties in Colorado

Misdemeanors in Colorado are divided into three classes, with Class 1 misdemeanors being the most serious and Class 3 misdemeanors being the least severe. Each class has its own set of penalties:

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: This is the most serious level and can include up to 18 months in jail and fines ranging from $500 to $5,000. Crimes like third-degree assault, harassment, and theft of property valued between $750 and $2,000 are often classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: Penalties include up to 120 days in jail and fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. Crimes in this category may include reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and eluding a police officer.
• Class 3 Misdemeanor: The least severe misdemeanor, penalties include up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500. Examples of Class 3 misdemeanors include minor offenses such as public intoxication or disorderly conduct.

Working with an experienced lawyer for misdemeanor charges, can help ensure that these penalties are minimized, and that you receive the best possible defense.