An Overview of Felony Crimes
Felonies are serious offenses that include such acts as burglary, robbery, rape, kidnapping, manslaughter and murder and are usually characterized as those offenses for which prison time is possible. Colorado law specifies six classes or degrees of felonies, with lower numbers signifying the most severe crimes. For instance, first-degree murder is a class one or first-degree felony. When you’ve been charged with a felony offense, knowing what to expect and what legal rights you have can be crucial. For expert advice, you need a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
In Colorado, the Denver defense lawyers at Ellmann & Ellmann understand how to help those accused of committing felonies. Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of criminal defense and we understand what a confusing and upsetting time you’re facing. That’s why we’re committed to being accessible when you need us, day or night. It’s also why we promise you personalized attention and a free consultation to explore your options.
Felonies Committed in Colorado
In a year’s time, about three out of every 100,000 adults in Colorado will be arrested for homicide. More than 10 out of every 100,000 are arrested for rape. Nearly 20 will be arrested for robbery, and about 117 of every 100,000 adults in the state will be arrested for aggravated assault. These figures provided by the U.S. Department of Justice represent the consequences of only a handful of possible felonies that are committed in Colorado each year.
Colorado Felony statutes specify minimum and maximum sentences for Colorado felony convictions. Those range from life in prison to the death penalty for Class 1 felonies. In contrast, Class 6 felonies carry a minimum sentence of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine, and a maximum of 18 months’ imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. It is easy to see that conviction of a felony in Colorado can be a life-changing, even a life-ending, event. The choice of an attorney who can provide you with aggressive and informed defense literally can have a drastic impact on the outcome of your case.
What happens when you’ve been charged with a felony?
First, you must make a court appearance, at which time a judge will formally communicate the charges against you, explain your rights, order another court date and, perhaps, set an amount for your bond. Class 3, 2 and 1 felonies proceed to a preliminary hearing where evidence against you is presented. If the judge determines that probable cause exists, you’ll be arraigned. At this stage, you’ll enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, you retain your right to request a trial by jury. As your case moves ahead, pretrial hearings may be held to address specific issues, including the possibility of entering a negotiated plea agreement. Depending on the outcome of your case, and trial if necessary, you may return to court for sentencing. At all those stages, it is vital that you have a skilled Denver criminal defense attorney at your side to present arguments in your behalf.
The Colorado Felony criminal defense lawyers at Ellmann & Ellmann will aggressively defend your rights at every stage of the felony process. We are experienced in handling a full range of felony charges, and we are prepared to take rapid and decisive action based on the unique circumstances you face. When you need proven legal know-how on your side, contact Ellmann & Ellmann online or call (303) 814-2600.
Serious Crime in Colorado
Crimes in the state are tracked by national, state, and local agencies. These figures for violent and property crimes (felonies) during the most recent year available represent a compilation of data from all reporting agencies.
Violent Crimes 17,129
- Murder/manslaughter 156
- Rape 2,094
- Robbery 3,369
- Aggravated assault 11,510
Property Crimes 141,107
- Burglary 28,222
- Larceny/theft 99,468
- Vehicle theft 13,417
Source: U. S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics