Denver Colorado Criminal Sentencing - Questions and Answers

Colorado Criminal Sentencing Basics

What are the Common Components of Sentencing in Colorado Courts?

Colorado courts consider punitive sanctions, rehabilitation, and restitution in their sentencing decisions. Punitive sanctions involve punishment and possible jail / prison time, and community service. Rehabilitation involves orders of the court to effect change in a criminal defendant. Commonly, our lawyers see orders for drug or alcohol treatment, mental health counseling, and probation supervision. The idea is to fix whatever problems contributed to the crime occurring, so that it is less likely the defendant will reoffend. Finally, restitution involves making the victim whole. This generally involves orders that the defendant pay money for whatever they took or damaged, and that they pay for any counseling of the victim.

What are the Differences Between Colorado Felony and Misdemeanor Sentencing?

The biggest difference in Denver County, Arapahoe County and other Colorado counties, between felony sentencing and misdemeanor sentencing, is the possibility of prison sentence in felonies. Prison is run by the Colorado Department of Corrections. Prison Sentences can be as long as the lifetime of the defendant, while misdemeanor jail sentences for any one crime generally do not exceed two years.

How Do Domestic Violence Charges Affect Sentencing Options for the Court?

Domestic violence is a label which attaches to ANY felony or misdemeanor offense. It generally involves a crime against someone the defendant has previously been with in an intimate relationship. Colorado domestic violence laws require a thirty-six week series of standardized classes. Also, domestic violence will affect a person's right to possess a firearm ever again, even after the case is closed.

How Do Theft Charges Affect Sentencing Options for the Court?

Theft charges routinely involve monetary restitution and a repayment schedule. Also, it is common and relatively easy for a victim to obtain a civil judgment for the restitution ordered by the court. This means that the victim of the crime can independently collect the restitution through property seizures, liens, bank garnishments and wage garnishments. In the event a defendant fails to make restitution, the Probation Department will file a motion to revoke the defendant's probation, and seek a jail sentence.

How Do Sex Offences Affect Sentencing Options for the Court?

Colorado sex offences in Arapahoe County, Douglas County, and other Colorado counties are treated with the greatest of care. This type of offense causes judges, district attorneys, and probation officers great concern for their careers. Public safety is also an important factor, because the future behavior of sex offenders is difficult to predict. Therefore, a standardized treatment program through the Sex Offender Management Board is required in all sex cases. These protocols are strict, overly harsh, and unyielding to concerns for family ties and parenting responsibilities. In most instances, defendants convicted of the mildest crimes involving sex will not be allowed to have contact with any children, even their own. Finally, lifetime imprisonment, or Indeterminate Sentencing, is authorized for sex offenses. It is essential that you involve an experienced criminal defense attorney / lawyer from our office if you are charged with a sex offence.

How Can You Be Protected from Colorado's Harsh Sentencing Structure?

If you, a loved one, or someone you know has been contacted by the police or is involved in a Colorado criminal case, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call our office immediately, at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.

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Sexual Assault and Rape charges related to divorce. Acquittal from jury trial. Weld County, Greeley, Colorado.

Sexual Assault on a Child, Possession of Child Pornography. Acquittal from jury trial. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado.

Arson of Nursing Home. Dismissed by Court on Defendant's Motion to Dismiss. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado.

Felony Drug Distribution. Acquittal from jury trial. Boulder County, Boulder, Colorado.

Rape and Sexual Assault charges involving divorce and child custody. Acquittal from jury trial. Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado.

Burglary and Felony Theft. Dismissed by District Attorney. Arapahoe County, Englewood, Colorado.

Theft of Drugs by Nurse. Dismissed by District Attorney. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado.

Sexual Assault on a Child, Position of Trust. Acquittal from Jury Trial. Adams County, Brighton, Colorado.

Domestic Violence. Dismissed by District Attorney. Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado.

Violation of Restraining Order. Dismissed by District Attorney. Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado

Rape and Sexual Assault on a Child by Position of Trust. Dismissed by District Attorney during trial. Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado.

Animal Cruelty. Acquittal from jury trial. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado.

Domestic Violence, Elderly. Dismissed by District Attorney. Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado.

Felony Interference with Public Transportation (train system). Deferred Judgment & Dismissed. Douglas County, Castle Rock, Colorado.

Sexual Assault on a Child. Acquittal from jury trial. Grand County, Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado.

Homicide (Murder), Deadly Weapon. Dismissed by District Attorney. Denver County, Denver, Colorado.

Commercial DUI. Dismissed at DMV. Deferred judgment and sentence at trial court. Larimer County, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Felony Marijuana Possession (large quantity). Deferred judgment and sentence. Denver County, Denver, Colorado.

4th Degree Arson. Dismissed by District Attorney. Weld County, Greeley, Colorado.

Felony Drug Possession. Dismissed at Motions Hearing by suppression of evidence. Denver County, Denver, Colorado.

Felony Assault on Police Officer. Acquittal from jury trial. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado.

Deregistration of Juvenile Sex Offender. Arapahoe County, Aurora, Colorado.

Felony Violation of Bail Bond Conditions. Dismissed by District Attorney. Broomfield County, Broomfield, Colorado.

Sexual Assault on a Child (3 alleged victims). Acquittal from jury trial. Adams County, Northglenn, Colorado.

Child Abuse. Deferred judgment and sentence. Jefferson County, Golden, Colorado.

DUI - Department of Motor Vehicles. Dismissed following hearing. Jefferson County, Lakewood, Colorado.

Child Abuse. Acquittal from jury trial. Adams County, Thornton, Colorado.