Misdemeanor Crimes in Colorado
In Colorado, a misdemeanor is a crime punishable by:
- Misdemeanor probation,
- Up to 18 months in jail, and/or
- A fine of up to $5,000
Categories of Misdemeanors in Colorado
- Class 1 Misdemeanors (most serious)
- Class 2 Misdemeanors
- Class 3 Misdemeanors (less serious)
For each misdemeanor classification, there is a “presumptive” sentencing range. This is the range that applies if there are no aggravating factors and a defendant is sentenced to jail and/or a fine. Certain misdemeanors that present an extraordinary risk of harm to society may be punished by up to 6 months more in jail than the presumptive range.
What are extraordinary risk misdemeanors?
Colorado law specifies certain circumstances in which the presumptive range of punishment for a misdemeanor can be increased (or, more rarely, decreased). If you are convicted of a misdemeanor that is a Colorado extraordinary risk crime, the minimum sentence for your offense will remain the same, but the maximum possible sentence will increase by up to six months.
Extraordinary risk misdemeanors include:
- Assault in the third degree,
- Sexual assault,
- Unlawful sexual contact,
- Child abuse,
- Second and subsequent violations of a protection order,
- Misdemeanor failure to register as a sex offender, and
- Misdemeanor invasion of privacy for sexual gratification
