Classes of Felony Crimes In Colorado

CLASS 1

Class 1 felonies are the highest level of felony in Colorado, punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.) First-degree murder and First Degree Kidnapping are examples of a class 1 felonies.

CLASS 2

In Colorado, class 2 felonies are punishable by 8 to 24 years in prison and a fine of $5,000 to $1,000,000. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.) Attempted 1st Degree Murder and 2nd Degree Murder are examples of class 2 felonies.

CLASS 3

A conviction for a class 3 felony in Colorado can range in a prison sentence of 4 to 12 years and a fine of $3,000 to $750,000. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.) For example, 1st Degree Assault is a class 3 felony.

CLASS 4

Class 4 felony crimes are punishable by a range of 2 to 6 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $2,000 to $500,000. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.) 2nd Degree Assault is an example of a class 4 felony in Colorado.

CLASS 5

Colorado law punishes class 5 felonies with a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000 for a class 5 felony conviction. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.) Felony Menacing is a class 5 felony.

CLASS 6

Class 6 felonies are the least serious felonies in Colorado, punishable by 1 year to 18 months in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $100,000. (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1.3-401.) False Information to a Pawn Broker is an example of a class 6 felony.

Increased Penalties For Felony Crimes Of Violence (COV)

In Colorado Springs pursuant to C.R.S. 18-1.3-406, certain crimes are considered “per se crimes of violence”, these include:

• Used, or possessed and threatened the use of, a deadly weapon; or
• Caused serious bodily injury or death to any other person except another participant
• Any crime against an at-risk adult or at-risk juvenile;
• Murder;
• First or second-degree assault;
• Kidnapping;
• Certain sexual offenses;
• Aggravated robbery;
• First-degree arson;
• First-degree burglary;
• Criminal extortion;

When a crime is designated as a “crime of violence,” the presumptive sentencing range listed above is increased. The sentencing range increased to a minimum of the mid-point of the presumptive range, up to two times the maximum of the presumptive range. It’s important to remember that the presumptive sentencing range for a specific offense, may be different than what’s listed above. For instance, second-degree assault is a class four felony in Colorado. While normally, the presumptive sentencing for a class four felony is 2-4 years in prison. However, because second-degree assault is a crime of violence, that means it falls into an “enhanced crimes” range of sentencing here in Colorado, and the sentencing range is 5 years up to a maximum of 16 years, assuming that the violent crimes enhancement is given because of the use of a deadly weapon.

Contact A Colorado Springs Felony Defense Attorney Near You