Colorado criminal charge
Felonies classified in Colorado
Felonies classified is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401.
How is felonies classified classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 felony | Class 1 Felony | A person convicted of a class 1 felony is punished by life imprisonment in the department of corrections, unless a death penalty verdict is returned for offenses charged prior to July 1, 2020. | 18-1.3-401(4)(a)(I) |
| Class 6 felony | Class 6 Felony | A person convicted of a class 6 felony is punished by a definite sentence within the presumptive range set forth in subsection (1)(a). | 18-1.3-401(1)(b)(I) |
Common questions about felonies classified in Colorado
Is felonies classified a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: felonies classified ranges from a Class 6 Felony to a Class 1 Felony in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401.
Class 1 felony: Class 1 Felony (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401(4)(a)(I)) · Class 6 felony: Class 6 Felony (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401(1)(b)(I))
Which Colorado statute covers felonies classified?
Felonies classified is governed by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 (Felonies classified - presumptive penalties).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.