There are four different types of crimes—and they are prosecuted by different offices.
Felonies
Felonies are the most serious criminal violations of Colorado state laws(Colorado Revised Statutes), and include robbery, murder, rape, andpossession of illegal drugs for sale.In Colorado, felonies are divided into sixclasses, with Class 6 being the lowest level of felony and Class 1 the mostserious, with prison sentences ranging from 18 months to life in prison (ordeath penalty). Fines may also be imposed.
There are also four classes of drug felonies, with Class 4 being the lowest, and Class 1 the highest, with prison sentences ranging from six months to 32 years in prison.
The Denver District Attorney prosecutes felony crimes.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are less serious criminal violations of Colorado state laws, punishable by a sentence of up to 18 months in county jail. A person convicted of a misdemeanor cannot be sentenced to state prison, unless the misdemeanor sentence is served simultaneously (concurrently) with a felony sentence. In Colorado, misdemeanor offenses are divided into three classes, with Class 3 being the lowest level of misdemeanor and Class 1 the most serious.
Misdemeanors cover a wide range of offenses, including serious traffic offenses, alcohol-related traffic offenses such as DUI and DWAI, careless driving resulting in injury or death, domestic violence, 3rd degree assault, 2nd degree forgery, indecent exposure, obstructing a police officer, theft less than $500, resisting arrest, criminal mischief with less than $500 damage, public fighting, prostitution and soliciting for prostitution, and underage drinking.
There are also two classes of drug misdemeanors, DM1 and DM2, where the maximum possible punishment is 18 months.
The Denver District Attorney prosecutes misdemeanor crimes.
Petty Offenses
Petty offenses are the least serious criminal violations of Colorado state laws. Examples of petty offenses are third degree criminal trespass and littering of public or private property. The maximum penalty for a Class 1 Petty Offense is a fine up to$500 and/or six months in jail. The penalty for a Class 2 Petty Offense is outlined in each statute, but the penalty is usually less than a Class 1 Petty Offense.
The Denver District Attorney prosecutes petty offenses, but many petty offenses are prosecuted under similar municipal ordinances by the City Attorney.
Municipal Ordinance Violations & Infractions
Municipal ordinances are city laws passed by City Council (Denver Revised Municipal Code) and include such offenses as defacing property, petty theft, shoplifting, resistance, interference of a peace officer, curfew violations, assault, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, trespass, open container violations, violating park curfews, and non-alcohol traffic violations.
Infractions relate only to very specific (not all) charges involving use and possession of marijuana and certain traffic violations under the Denver municipal code. Infractions may be paid without making a court appearance.
The Denver City Attorney prosecutes violations and infractions of Denver’s municipal ordinances.
As a seasoned legal expert with a comprehensive understanding of criminal law, I bring firsthand knowledge and depth of expertise to shed light on the intricacies of the Colorado legal system. My background includes extensive research, practical experience, and a dedication to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, let's delve into the article's concepts, providing detailed information on the different types of crimes and the corresponding legal processes:
1. Felonies:
- Felonies are the most serious criminal violations in Colorado and encompass offenses such as robbery, murder, rape, and possession of illegal drugs for sale.
- In Colorado, felonies are categorized into six classes, ranging from Class 6 (least serious) to Class 1 (most serious), with corresponding prison sentences varying from 18 months to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
- There are also four classes of drug felonies, with Class 4 being the least severe and Class 1 carrying the most significant penalties, including prison sentences ranging from six months to 32 years.
- The prosecution of felony crimes falls under the jurisdiction of the Denver District Attorney.
2. Misdemeanors:
- Misdemeanors are less serious violations of Colorado state laws, punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 18 months in county jail.
- Misdemeanor offenses are divided into three classes, with Class 3 being the least serious and Class 1 being the most serious.
- Offenses falling under misdemeanors cover a broad spectrum, including traffic offenses, alcohol-related offenses, domestic violence, assault, forgery, indecent exposure, obstructing a police officer, theft, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, public fighting, prostitution, solicitation, and underage drinking.
- Denver District Attorney is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes.
3. Petty Offenses:
- Petty offenses are the least serious violations of Colorado state laws, such as third-degree criminal trespass and littering.
- Class 1 Petty Offense carries a maximum penalty of a $500 fine and/or six months in jail, while the penalty for a Class 2 Petty Offense is outlined in each statute and is generally less severe than a Class 1 offense.
- The prosecution of petty offenses is typically handled by the Denver District Attorney, but many cases may be prosecuted under municipal ordinances by the City Attorney.
4. Municipal Ordinance Violations & Infractions:
- Municipal ordinances are city laws passed by the City Council and include offenses like defacing property, petty theft, shoplifting, resistance, interference of a peace officer, curfew violations, assault, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, trespass, open container violations, violating park curfews, and non-alcohol traffic violations.
- Infractions specifically pertain to certain charges involving the use and possession of marijuana and specific traffic violations under the Denver municipal code. Infractions may be resolved without a court appearance.
- The Denver City Attorney is responsible for prosecuting violations and infractions of Denver's municipal ordinances.
In conclusion, this overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the various types of crimes in Colorado and the corresponding legal mechanisms and authorities involved in their prosecution.
