In Colorado, jail sentences are controlled by a series of Colorado Sentencing Guidelines. The statute creates a presumptive sentencing range for felonies, depending on their seriousness. Different felonies are identified by six levels of seriousness (called offense levels). The most serious is Class One. Class Six is the least serious.
The law also considers other factors when determining whether a presumptive range applies in your case. These include when the felony was committed, as well as other factors listed by statute. Crimes are also listed as either "normal" or "extraordinary risk" crimes, and extraordinary risk crimes have enhanced sentences. Violent crimes also require mandatory jail time under the law.
The court may also consider your criminal record, attitude, impact on the victim, behavior while on bond, family history, remorse and any number of other factors when considering your sentence.
On conviction of a felony under the Colorado Sentencing Guidelines, the court has the following alternatives in imposing sentence:
- Imprisonment, including a mandatory period of parole
- The Youth Offender System
- Fines
- Probation, including intensive supervision, confinement in the county jail, home detention and restitution
- Community corrections
- Suspended sentences
Defending People Facing Sentences in Colorado
I am criminal defense attorney David Lindsey. At my Denver, Colorado, law firm, I fight hard for my clients — keeping them out of Colorado jails. This takes extensive work, and I often partner with highly regarded private investigators, and legal and financial professionals to create a strong defense.
I use over 20 years of experience to fight hard for you. I handle some of the most serious state and federal criminal defense cases that are possible to face. My clients have been accused of crimes, including drug crimes, fraud, computer crimes, sex crimes and violent crimes. Some even face the death penalty.
Contact a Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love faces serious charges, contact me for help at 303-732-5125 or toll free at 888-329-4238. Consultations are free and confidential, and I encourage you to call as soon as possible. Calls are generally forwarded to my cell phone so that people who need me can talk to a lawyer right away. Messages left will be returned as soon as possible, including evening and weekends, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
