Charged With A Misdemeanor In Colorado?
Misdemeanors are lesser crimes than felony crimes and carry somewhat lighter penalties. That said, a misdemeanor is still a crime. Misdemeanors can result in jail time and fines that can have a serious effect on your bank account, and you may be required to perform time-consuming community service, anger management or domestic violence classes, traffic school, or psychotherapy—at your own expense. Many first-time offenders wonder, “Will I go to jail?” or “Can I avoid jail time?” While you’re not looking at years in prison, a misdemeanor conviction can seriously disrupt your life and leave you with a lasting criminal record. Background checks and employment screening will reveal this conviction, potentially affecting professional licenses, insurance rates, and even student financial aid. Hiring an effective misdemeanor attorney near you can help you fight these charges, negotiate plea agreements, and potentially reduce charges to lesser offenses or secure case dismissal.
If you’re facing misdemeanor charges, you may be tempted to forego hiring a skilled misdemeanor lawyer, but this is not in your best interest. Do I need a lawyer? What are my options? You may lose your job. You will have to explain your criminal record every time you apply for a job, a lease, or a mortgage. Your reputation will be permanently stained. Immigration consequences, gun rights, and voting rights may also be at risk. For most people, that risk is not one they want to take. Having an experienced and effective criminal defense attorney on your side who can challenge evidence, represent clients in court, and guide clients through the court process may be the best decision you’ll ever make.
Misdemeanors are classified according to their seriousness, with misdemeanor Class 3 being the least serious and misdemeanor Class 1 being the most serious. Drug crime misdemeanors (DM) are a separate class of misdemeanor crimes with their own consequences. Understanding what happens next in the court process—from booking and arraignment to potential trial or plea bargain—is critical for anyone facing charges.
What Crimes Are Charged As Misdemeanors?
These are some examples of common misdemeanor crimes that are often charged in Colorado, ranging from minor non-violent offenses to more serious violent charges:
- Obstructing a Peace Officer
- Computer Crime
- Forgery
- Disorderly Conduct
- Criminal Mischief (less than $100)
- Criminal Mischief ($100 or more, less than $500) (also known as vandalism)
- False Imprisonment
- Criminal Tampering
- Harassment
- Menacing (aka Battery Crime)
- Perjury
- Resisting Arrest
- Stalking
- Theft (including petty theft and shoplifting)
- Child Abuse
- Trespass
- Domestic Violence
- Third Degree Assault (simple assault)
- Careless Driving Resulting in Death
- Careless Driving Resulting in Injury
- Possession of small amounts of certain drugs
- Prostitution
- Lewdness
- DUI and traffic violations
- Public intoxication
What is a Misdemeanor Penalty in Colorado?
In Colorado, a misdemeanor is a crime that carries a misdemeanor penalty, which is punishable by a term in a county or local jail of fewer than 18 months—no prison time. Fines may also be levied, along with court costs and potential restitution to victims.
- A Class 1 misdemeanor, is the most serious type of misdemeanor in Colorado, and is punishable by 6 to 18 months in jail (maximum sentence), a fine of $500 to $5,000, or both. Probation, alternative sentencing through diversion programs, or suspended sentences may be available depending on the circumstances.
- A Class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado penalty may carry a sentence of 3 to 12 months in jail, a fine of $250 to $1,000, or both. Judges may impose mandatory or minimum sentencing in certain cases.
- A Class 3 misdemeanor is the least serious and is punishable by no more than 6 months in jail, a fine of $50 to $750, or both. For many first-time offenders, deferred sentencing or community corrections programs may help avoid jail time entirely.
After sentencing, defendants may be eligible for record sealing or expungement, which can help mitigate the long-term impact of a conviction. An aggressive and skilled defense lawyer can negotiate for these outcomes and fight for the best outcome in your case.
Why Hire a Qualified, Dedicated Misdemeanor Attorney?
If you’re facing misdemeanor criminal charges in Colorado, you likely have a lot to lose. How much does it cost to hire an attorney? Many qualified attorneys offer affordable payment plans, flat fee arrangements, and confidential case evaluations. This is a time when you will benefit from hiring a top criminal defense lawyer with a stellar reputation in the Colorado Springs area. Steven Rodemer has years of experience defending against all kinds of criminal accusations and is ready to help protect your rights. As a licensed and trusted attorney dedicated to criminal defense, he provides personalized service with responsive communication and is available 24/7 for urgent matters. A former prosecutor, he now focuses on criminal defense in the Colorado Springs area and has earned the respect of judges, other lawyers, and former clients. From the prosecutor perspective and judge perspective, his proven trial experience and successful track record in securing charge reduction and plea negotiations make him a compassionate yet aggressive advocate. He has earned the highest possible independent rating from AVVO—10 (superb) and is considered a rising star in the legal community because of his impressive track record in assisting his clients.
Whether you’re dealing with a first offense or have prior convictions, whether you need immediate court representation or are exploring what happens next in your case, a dedicated attorney can protect your constitutional rights and contest the charges against you. If you or a member of your family is facing misdemeanor or felony charges in or near Colorado Springs, call the Rodemer | Kane for quality legal representation you can count on. The initial consultation is free, with same-day appointments, evening hours, and weekend availability for in-person meetings or virtual consultations.