📚 Colorado Criminal Penalties & Court Procedures

Not every criminal case leads to the same courtroom or the same potential punishment.

Colorado divides criminal charges into felonies, misdemeanors, petty offenses, and municipal violations — each carrying different rules, procedures, and Colorado criminal penalties that determine how serious a case really is.

Understanding where your case fits on that spectrum can make a major difference in how you prepare your defense, what outcomes are possible, and what is truly at stake.

Felonies

Felonies are Colorado’s most serious offenses. They may involve state prison sentences, mandatory parole, and lifelong record consequences that can affect employment, housing, and firearm rights.

Knowing the felony class and sentencing range is critical in understanding potential Colorado criminal penalties and plea-bargain options.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor convictions can still mean county jail, probation, and a criminal record visible to employers and background-check companies.

Colorado divides misdemeanors into several classes, each with distinct maximum jail terms and fines.

These lower-level offenses still carry Colorado misdemeanor penalties that can impact employment, professional licenses, and immigration status.

Petty Offenses & Municipal Violations

These may sound minor, but they often result in DMV points, fines, and public-record entries that insurance companies and employers can access.

Even a single conviction can have ripple effects beyond the courtroom — especially if multiple offenses accumulate over time.

Jury Trial Rights in Colorado

Whether a case is handled in county, municipal, or district court, defendants often have the right to a jury trial — though procedures and eligibility vary by charge level.

Knowing when and how to assert that right can shape your defense strategy and influence plea negotiations.

How a Defense Lawyer Can Help

At the Law Office of Monte J. Robbins, Esq., I work to prevent convictions whenever possible — and when they can’t be avoided, I fight to minimize Colorado criminal penalties, protect driver’s licenses, and position clients for record sealing or post-conviction relief.

This guide is designed to help you understand what happens at every level of the Colorado criminal process:

• Felony Penalties & Classes in Colorado
• Misdemeanor Penalties & Classes in Colorado
• Petty Offenses in Colorado
• Municipal Court Offenses in Colorado
• Your Right to a Jury Trial in Criminal Cases

Understanding Colorado criminal penalties and court procedures is the first step in defending your rights — and making informed choices about your case.

📚 Related Reading

If you’re dealing with a conviction or sentence and want to explore next steps, visit:

⚖️ [Record Seal, Post-Conviction & Warrants Defense in Colorado] — covering record sealing, probation relief, and post-conviction options.